"While I have played music in lots of bands--611, Professor Elixir's Southern Troubadours, Fatback Jubilee, Bluff City Backsliders, Damfools, Sultana, and more--I am writing to feature my poems," says Graber. "I have had readings at Otherlands and Burke's, have had a book published, edited a journal, and have many new works published or coming out.

His start in poetry though may not be the most...poetic but it's funny, "I got kicked out of a six grade class for making up a dirty limerick and knew I was onto something," he says.

Being an artist and performer is a truth telling process for Graber. "Since 9/11 I have only written ecstatic love poems, as the world needs this fierce, unfettered energy--and it needs it coming from Memphis." he says.

In the future Michael is included in international anthology coming out soon and more poems will be released on various web sites and journals.

His aspirations for his craft is love, friendships, simple things and of course, Memphis. "I am a product of this great city--it's integral in my being."

Michael Graber's Memphis Favs

Music Venue
Cove. Daily Planet.

Place to Eat
Pho Bin. Golden India.

Place to be Enlightened
wherever you are

Other Local Artists
a long, long list--from Chris McCoy to Alex Warble to Sid Selvidge

Other Places
The Park. The V and E Greenline.

Anything Else
Why sleep when you can awaken?