On his latest record, "Heroes of History," Mike Stout explores personal themes about honor and commitment. He chronicles the lives of people who have shown tremendous courage in the face of their enemies and have made a difference. "Heroes" is a turning point in the Mike Stout catalog because these songs not only reflect the people who inspire him but also because these songs reflect his heart and what he stands for. For 5 decades, Mike has been fighting the good fight and we need his voice now more than ever.

Born in the Appalachian tobacco fields of a Kentucky holler, Mike Stout developed his voice as a politically-conscious singer/songwriter and community leader. Over a thirty-five year period, Stout has lead crusades against local and global economic injustice rallying people with his music and organizing them to take action. Mike Stout began his musical career in New York City in 1968 playing his protest songs at Cafe Wha, the Bitter End, and the Gaslight. In 1977 he came to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and made his living as a steelworker at the infamous Homestead Works. Upon joining the union, Mike quickly rose to become its head grievance man and he fought for the rights of thousands Homestead steelworkers. Using his guitar, voice, music, and rhythmic verses he rallied his co-workers at union meetings. Together they challenged the corporate attorneys and won more than $10 million in lost wages, severance pay, pensions, unemployment benefits and trade adjustment settlements for about 3,000 displaced workers.

With his band, The Human Union, Mike returned to his protest singing youth to empower his fellow workers and to give a voice to their plight and suffering. Mike began to record for the first time the songs that were starting to emerge from his fight.

With the devastating closings of dozens of Western Pennsylvanian mills in the 1980's, Mike led the way in seeking aid for the thousands of displaced and disenfranchised steelworker families. His group's activist protests against home foreclosures and the investments of Western Pennsylvania financial institutions and corporations in foreign manufacturing plants were controversial and resulted in arrests. But these acts drew international attention to the plight the steelworkers and led to the granting of community and government aid. With thousands of families losing unemployment benefits and facing foreclosure, Mike organized a benefit rock concert that drew the attention of CBS, NBC, the AP, UPI and the international press. With the funds raised by the concert several community food banks were established and they laid the foundation for the formation of the Great Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Mike also led the formation of other organizations that help the poor and now serves on the boards of Just Harvest, and the Steel Valley Authority.

Since that time, Mike has recorded nine CDs in the last 10 years and has performed across the United States and Europe. In 2002, Mike traveled to the coal and steel regions of Poland and Germany to meet with union activists and he performed at several large music festivals. He carried his guitar and his anti-globalization message to Silesia and the Ruhr where workers are also feeling the effects of global restructuring. Thousands in Eastern Europe who believe in his message have purchased his CDs. He performs frequently at labor conventions, rallies, and picket lines. Mike returned to Germany in June 2003 and 2004 to perform at the Whitson Youth Festival. Mike's working class-consciousness has broadened to concerns for global spirituality and compassion.

Mike Stout draws on his solid history of successful activism to call us to action. He has been called "the World's Grievance Man". He continues to tour and pour his energies into some of the most dynamic and spirited concerts fans are likely to experience. No matter where he plays his guitar, Mike Stout sings from the heart and delivers the powerful, truthful messages we all need to hear. show less

"Since their early days as young, wide-eyed college rockers, the Kalob Griffin Band has always striven to create spirited, old-fashioned, and honest music. Riding on the strength of singer/guitarist Griffin's powerful voice and lyrics as a songwriter, the gents combine dynamic instrumentation, timeless harmonies, and an infectious thump -and- stomp rhythm, ultimately piecing together an eclectic and original brand of Americana rock n' roll.

Kalob Griffin, Rob Dwyer (guitar/mandolin/banjo), and Eric Lawry (drums) all met while studying at Penn State University in State College, PA, in 2009. After two years and various personnel changes, the band solidified its lineup in early 2011 by adding John Hildenbrand (keyboard) and Nick Salcido (upright and electric bass). Along the way, the band has played over 100 shows, including three major festival appearances and two national tours backing emerging singer/songwriter Bobby Long (ATO Records). After their tenure with Long, the group relocated to Philadelphia, PA, and has received much brotherly, and sisterly, love from their dedicated Pennsylvania following.

The band is currently rocking rooms along the East Coast, and bringing its genuine sound and to Milkboy Studios in Ardmore, PA, where they're recording a full-length follow up to their debut six track EP, which was released in Spring, 2010."
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