Indie / Alternative / Singer-songwriter
Acoustic Post-WaveTorontoSolo acoustic
Upcoming Shows & Events
| October 14-18, 2026 | 2026 Folk Canada Conference | (industry event) | Sheraton Hamilton Hotel Hamilton, Ontario |
| October 18, 2026 | "Sunday Spirit" Open Mic Open Mic (Every Sunday) Hosted by Mike Z and Stephen Lamb |
7-10pm 6:30pm signup Free/PWYC |
The Rivoli, 334 Queen Street West Queen West, Toronto |
| October 26, 2026 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic (Every two weeks) Hosted by Mike Z |
8-10pm 7pm signup Free/PWYC |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| October 30, 2026 | Creative Mornings — Toronto Seminar and Networking Event Morning Showcase |
8am-8:30am | Location TBC Toronto |
Electronic Press Kit (epk)
Artist & Press
Artist Profile
Press Media
High-resolution promotional photos, approved firesideghosts logos and the Mike Z wordmark for artist listings, press coverage and event promotion.
Photo + logo package · ZIP download · approx. 25 MB
Photography by Jennifer Cottreau. Usage guidelines included.
Music & Performances
Original songwriting and distinctive acoustic interpretations, heard live and in the studio.
Original Music
Live acoustic performances
- What I Need Kensington Unplugged at Supermarket
- What I Need Live at the Greenwood Cafe
- Stay Here Another Day Acoustic performance
Studio recordings
Cover Performances
“You can't get cheesier than that!”
“Sunglasses At Night”“You make John Prine sound like Slowdive”
“Sam Stone”Biography
Copy-ready descriptions for listings, presenters and press.
Short Bio
Mike Z is a Toronto-based indie/alternative singer-songwriter whose solo acoustic performances blend ’80s new wave, ’90s alternative, and an introspective, atmospheric sensibility.
He calls it Acoustic Post-Wave.
An experienced performer and open mic host with deep Toronto roots, Mike shares original songs exploring roads not taken, moments missed, and the connections that linger, alongside distinctive acoustic takes on familiar songs.
Booking Information
Original music
Solo acoustic songwriter sets for listening rooms, showcases, and festival stages.
Acoustic covers
Distinctive indie, alternative, new wave, and familiar favourites for bars, breweries, markets, patios, and community events.
Selected Cover Artists
The Cure New Order David Bowie Pixies Green Day Metric Blue Rodeo Chappell Roan Bruce Springsteen
A snapshot of the repertoire, rather than a fixed setlist.
Technical / gear information
I am completely self-sufficient (instruments, mics, stands, PA for medium and small venues) and have a compact off-grid setup that can run on batteries for at least 5 hours if needed.
Performance History
Show past shows & appearances
| May 26 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| June 21 | The Olde Stone Cottage Pub Beer Fest Live Music! Free/PWYC |
3-6pm | 3750 Kingston Road Scarborough |
| June 23 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| July 7 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| July 21 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| January 5 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| January 25 | Black Swan Tavern 🚫 POSTPONED due to weather 🚫 Barlopalooza 14 The Movers, Shakers, and Troublemakers who bring live music alive Free/PWYC |
2-6pm |
154 Danforth Ave Toronto |
| January 31 | The Feathers Pub Feature Act With Carly Thorne Free/PWYC |
8:30pm-10pm |
962 Kingston Rd A Toronto |
| February 2 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| February 3 | Supermarket Kensington Unplugged Writers' Round |
7pm-8pm | 268 Augusta Ave Kensington, Toronto |
| February 16 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| March 2 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| March 6 | Great Lakes Brewery Live music, great beer from GLB! |
Music: 5-8pm | 30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd Toronto |
| March 16 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| March 28 | The Greenwood Cafe Beatles Mania! Celebrating the Fab Four with a little help from my friends! 😉 Free/PWYC |
5pm to 10:30pm I'm on shortly after 7pm |
1374 Queen St E Leslieville, Toronto |
| March 30 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| March 31 | Supermarket Kensington Unplugged Writers' Round |
8pm-9pm | 268 Augusta Ave Kensington, Toronto |
| April 26 | Black Swan Tavern Barlopalooza 14 The Movers, Shakers, and Troublemakers who bring live music alive Free/PWYC |
2pm-6pm |
154 Danforth Ave Toronto |
| April 27 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| May 2 | Evergreen Brick Works Outdoor Music at the Farmers Market Free/PWYC |
10am-2pm | 550 Bayview Ave Toronto |
| May 11 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| May 23 | The Greenwood Cafe Noah Fine presents a tribute to Bob Dylan I'll be one of many special guests that evening! Free/PWYC |
7pm | 1374 Queen St E Leslieville, Toronto |
| May 25 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| June 8 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic host (Every two weeks) Free/PWYC |
8-10pm 7pm signup |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| June 12 | The Greenwood Cafe Open Mic Hosted by Mike Z |
7-10pm 6:30pm signup Free/PWYC |
1374 Queen St E Leslieville, Toronto |
| June 22 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic (Every two weeks) Hosted by Mike Z |
8-10pm 7pm signup Free/PWYC |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| June 25 | The Greenwood Cafe An Evening of Music Rueshi, Mike Z, Daisy Wine, & The Merchant Brothers |
Doors 7:30pm Music from 8pm Free/PWYC |
1374 Queen St E Leslieville, Toronto |
| July 6 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic (Every two weeks) Hosted by Mike Z |
8-10pm 7pm signup Free/PWYC |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| July 16 | Linsmore Tavern
DaisyPalooza! Free/PWYC |
7pm-Late |
1298 Danforth Ave Danforth/Greenwood Subway, Toronto |
| July 17 | T.O. Lounge Supporting Will Cork Free/PWYC |
8pm-Late |
1384 Queen St W Roncesvalles, Toronto |
| July 20 | CANCELLED DUE TO PRIVATE EVENT Open Mic (Every two weeks) Hosted by Mike Z |
8-10pm 7pm signup Free/PWYC |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| August 1 | T.O. Lounge Songwriter Showcase Free/PWYC |
Doors at 7:30, music 8 'til late |
1384 Queen St W Roncesvalles, Toronto |
| August 3 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic (Every two weeks) Hosted by Mike Z |
8-10pm 7pm signup Free/PWYC |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| August 15 | Evergreen Brick Works Outdoor Music at the Farmers Market Free/PWYC |
10am-2pm | 550 Bayview Ave Toronto |
| August 17 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic (Every two weeks) Hosted by Mike Z |
8-10pm 7pm signup Free/PWYC |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| August 23 | Puddicombe Farms Outdoor Acoustic Music |
11am-3pm | 1468 #8 Highway Winona, Hamilton |
| August 26 | The Garden Showcase with Mike Z with an Open Mic hosted by Darren Jonathan from Music City North Free/PWYC |
Doors: 6:30pm
Music: 7-10pm |
1173 Dundas Street East Toronto |
| August 29 | Langstaff Farmer's Market Outdoor Music at the Farmers Market Free/PWYC |
10am-2pm | 1300 Langstaff Road Vaughan |
| August 30 | Puddicombe Farms Outdoor Acoustic Music |
11am-3pm | 1468 #8 Highway Winona, Hamilton |
| August 31 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic (Every two weeks) Hosted by Mike Z |
8-10pm 7pm signup Free/PWYC |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| September 6 | Puddicombe Farms Outdoor Acoustic Music |
11am-3pm | 1468 #8 Highway Winona, Hamilton |
| September 14 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic (Every two weeks) Hosted by Mike Z |
8-10pm 7pm signup Free/PWYC |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| September 18 | T.O. Lounge A night of indie, Alternative, and Rock favourites. Solo performances by Rodolfo and Mike Z· Free/PWYC |
Doors: 7pm Music: 8pm to midnight |
1384 Queen St W Roncesvalles, Toronto |
| Sept 23 | The Garden Open Mic hosted by Darren Jonathan from Mike Z
Free/PWYC |
Online Signups Music: 7-10pm |
1173 Dundas Street East Toronto |
| September 28 | Black Pony Cafe Open Mic (Every two weeks) Hosted by Mike Z |
8-10pm 7pm signup Free/PWYC |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |
| September 30 | The Garden Celebrate the 90s Mike Z, Darren Jonathan, & Adam Gets Loud 🎟️ Tickets on sale NOW! |
Doors: 6:30pm
Music: 7-10pm |
1173 Dundas Street East Toronto |
| October 2, 2026 | The Silly Goose Live Acoustic Music |
4pm-7pm | 1703 Victoria Park Avenue Scarborough, Toronto |
| October 4, 2026 | Evergreen Brick Works Live Music at the Ontario Vintage Market & Ontario Artisan Market Free/PWYC |
10:30am-2:30pm | 550 Bayview Ave Toronto |
| October 12, 2026 | 🚫 CANCELLED for holiday • Black Pony Cafe Open Mic (Every two weeks) Hosted by Mike Z |
8-10pm 7pm signup Free/PWYC |
1481 Gerrard Street East Little India/Leslieville, Toronto |








