Mike Waters is a guitarist and singer from County Wexford, Ireland and has been performing in trios, duos and solo since 2012. Until 2014, Michael was part of the highly successful band, ‘Squawkabout’, playing over 250 shows during an artist residency in Galway, seven nationwide and international tours of Ireland, The Netherlands and Portugal.

Following his departure from the band, Mike began studying a BA Hons in Applied Music at Dundalk Institute of Technology becoming a member of Ceol Oirighialla, appearing as a featured soloist in eight choral concerts and in the orchestra for DkIT’s original production, ‘In Great Company’. Michael became a member of the DkIT Traditional Ensemble featuring on vocals, guitar, bass, banjo and mandolin with notable performances including ‘From Stoney Grey Soil’, featuring poetry and music from County Monaghan; ‘Cois Farraige’, a concert featuring the theme of the sea; and ‘Éirí Arís’, a celebration and commemoration of the rebellions of 1798 and 1916.

Following an appearance at a dignitary concert for the Seventh Earl of Rosse, his family and guests at Birr Castle, County Offaly, Mike featured as guitar and banjo soloist on the Traditional Ensemble’s seven-day tour of Scotland. Shows included the ISME Teacher’s Conference and Speyfest Festival at Fochabers, sharing the stage with Sharon Shannon. During his time at Dundalk, Mike has also worked as a session guitar and banjo player and playing live music venues such as The Spirit Store, Dundalk and festivals such as Vantastival, Drogheda.

Having received a first-class honours in his BA Hons in Applied Music with a specialism in traditional music and education, Mike was awarded a President’s Prize for ‘Contribution to the Life of the Institute’. This exceptional prize is presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional personal attitudes and participated in extra-curricular activities to improve the overall life of the institute.

Upon meeting Dublin-based singer Niamh Jackson in 2016, Mike set up his own band, ‘Strawberry Blonde’ playing shows around Ireland. Performing traditional Irish ballads and tunes as well as pop songs, the band appealed to listeners of all ages. Most notable shows include a headline slot in the 1916 Centenary Commemoration and Celebration in Colfer’s Bar and Club, Wexford on Easter Saturday, 2016, their appearance as a support act to the stomp-folk band ‘Suan’ in Portlaoise, two appearances at the Fleadh Cheoil (2018 and 2019), the end of year event at Maynooth University Student Union Bar and wedding events.

While ‘Strawberry Blonde’ disbanded in 2019 Mike continued to perform music solo winning the 67th annual Wexford Singing Pubs Competition representing The John Barry. Following artist residencies in Cavan and Meath in 2019 Mike moved to Orlando, FL at the turn of the year to perform a sixteen week residency at Raglan Road Irish Pub, Disney Springs.

After the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in 2020, Mike moved back home to Ireland to face a new challenge in the form of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Since the pandemic, Mike’s music career branched out into education. Two years teaching in the United Arab Emirates proved a new experience and added to Mike’s extensive musical career.

Upon his return home, Mike reformed ‘Strawberry Blonde’ with Niamh Jackson and is enjoying performing live music again around Ireland. Mike is always searching for the next chapter in his music career and is open to all opportunities!