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  • Mike Z with his electric guitar alongside a painted brick wall Black-and-white photograph of Mike Z playing guitar at a live show Mike Z with an acoustic guitar before a vivid red and black graffiti mural, wide view Mike Z singing and playing acoustic guitar during a live performance Mike Z seated on outdoor stairs, playing an acoustic guitar

    Mike Z

    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

    Past shows & appearances ↓

    Regular Open Mics

    Sunday Spirit Open Mic at the Rivoli event poster Black Pony Cafe Open Mic event poster

    Electronic Press Kit (epk)

    Artist & Press

    Artist Profile

    Artist
    Mike Z
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario
    Genre
    Indie / Alternative / Singer-songwriter
    Sound
    Acoustic Post-Wave
    Live format
    Solo acoustic
    Bookings
    Original music / Acoustic covers
    Mike Z with acoustic guitar against a pastel mural, photographed by Jennifer Cottreau

    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.

    Download photo package

    Music & Performances

    Original songwriting and distinctive acoustic interpretations, heard live and in the studio.

    Featured listening

    Original Music

    Live acoustic performances

    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.

    Characters:
    One-Line Bio For listings and short introductions

    One-Line Bio

    Mike Z is a Toronto-based indie/alternative singer-songwriter blending ’80s new wave, ’90s alternative, and introspective songwriting into what he calls Acoustic Post-Wave.

    Characters:
    Detailed Bio Extended background and performance history

    Detailed Bio

    Mike Zimmermann (Mike Z) is a Toronto-based indie/alternative singer-songwriter whose music draws on ’80s new wave, ’90s alternative rock, and introspective, atmospheric songwriting. His solo acoustic performances bring those influences together in a sound he calls Acoustic Post-Wave.

    A founding member of an alternative rock band during the grunge era, Mike returned to writing and performing after a hiatus. His earlier performance history includes Toronto venues such as the Rivoli, Horseshoe Tavern, Opera House, El Mocambo, and Lee’s Palace. Today he performs regularly in Toronto and beyond, both as a solo artist and as an open mic host who helps connect local musicians.

    Mike’s original songs explore reflection, affection, and rue: roads not taken, moments missed, and the connections that linger. On stage, he also reimagines new wave, indie, and alternative favourites through intimate acoustic arrangements. His performances range from original songwriter sets to extended acoustic cover sets for bars, breweries, markets, and community events.

    Characters:

    Booking Information

    30–40 minute sets

    Original music

    Solo acoustic songwriter sets for listening rooms, showcases, and festival stages.

    2–3 hour sets

    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.

    Contact Information

    Email:

    Social Media: instagram.com/firesideghosts

    Website: firesideghosts.com

    Performance History

    Show past shows & appearances
    April 23 T.O. Lounge
    Feature Act
    8pm 1384 Queen St W
    Roncesvalles, Toronto
    May 4 Common Good Brewery
    Live Music
    2-5pm 475 Ellesmere Rd
    Scarborough
    May 12 Black Pony Cafe
    Open Mic host
    8-10pm
    7pm signup
    1481 Gerrard Street East
    Little India/Leslieville, Toronto
    May 20 Supermarket
    Kensington Unplugged Writers' Round
    10pm 268 Augusta Ave
    Kensington, Toronto
    May 22 The Greenwood Cafe
    Live in Leslieville: Stories & Songs

    Tickets on sale now!
    7pm 1374 Queen St E
    Leslieville, Toronto
    May 26 Black Pony Cafe
    Open Mic host
    8-10pm
    7pm signup
    1481 Gerrard Street East
    Little India/Leslieville, Toronto
    June 5 Fox & Fiddle
    Feature Act: Daisy Wine w/ MZ
    7pm 535 Danforth
    Toronto
    June 9 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 3 The Greenwood Cafe
    Mike Quinsey & Daisy Wine w/ Mike Z
    🎟️ Tickets on sale now!
    7pm 1374 Queen St E
    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
    August 4 Black Pony Cafe
    Open Mic host (Every two weeks)
    Free/PWYC
    8-10pm
    7pm signup
    1481 Gerrard Street East
    Little India/Leslieville, Toronto
    August 6 Duke's Refresher Riverside
    Paper Triangle ▲ Live music
    7-9pm 709 Queen Street East
    Riverside, Toronto
    August 18 Black Pony Cafe
    Open Mic host (Every two weeks)
    Free/PWYC
    8-10pm
    7pm signup
    1481 Gerrard Street East
    Little India/Leslieville, Toronto
    August 19 Supermarket
    Kensington Unplugged Writers' Round
    7pm 268 Augusta Ave
    Kensington, Toronto
    August 21 Slowhand Pizza
    The Patio Sessions — Live Music!
    Free/PWYC
    6-8pm 99 Pape Ave
    Leslieville
    August 28 The Greenwood Cafe
    A night of music
    Stephen Merchant • Carly T • Mike Z
    Free/PWYC
    7pm 1374 Queen St E
    Leslieville, Toronto
    August 29 The Greenwood Cafe
    Open Mic host at the Greenwood Cafe
    Free/PWYC
    7pm 1374 Queen St E
    Leslieville, Toronto
    September 13 Evergreen Brick Works
    Music at the Farmers Market
    Free/PWYC
    10am-2pm 550 Bayview Ave
    Toronto
    September 25 The Greenwood Cafe
    Daisy Wine w/ Mike Z
    🎟️ PWYC
    7pm 1374 Queen St E
    Leslieville, Toronto
    September 27 Brunswick Bierworks
    Paper Triangle ▲ Live music
    3-6pm 25 Curity Ave
    East York, Toronto
    October 3 Great Lakes Brewery
    Live music, great beer from GLB!
    5-8pm 30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd
    Toronto
    October 11 Evergreen Brick Works
    Music at the Farmers Market
    Free/PWYC
    10am-2pm 550 Bayview Ave
    Toronto
    October 24 The Greenwood Cafe
    Open Mic host at the Greenwood Cafe
    Free/PWYC
    7pm 1374 Queen St E
    Leslieville, Toronto
    October 26 Evergreen Brick Works
    Live Music at the Ontario Vintage Market & Ontario Artisan Market
    Free/PWYC
    10:30am-2:30pm 550 Bayview Ave
    Toronto
    October 27 Black Pony Cafe
    Open Mic host (Every two weeks)
    Free/PWYC
    8-10pm
    7pm signup
    1481 Gerrard Street East
    Little India/Leslieville, Toronto
    November 10 Black Pony Cafe
    Open Mic host (Every two weeks)
    Free/PWYC
    8-10pm
    7pm signup
    1481 Gerrard Street East
    Little India/Leslieville, Toronto
    November 18 Supermarket
    Kensington Unplugged Writers' Round
    7pm-8pm 268 Augusta Ave
    Kensington, Toronto
    November 20 The Greenwood Cafe

    with Braedon Quarles and Camaro Moon
    🎟️ Tickets on sale now!
    6pm 1374 Queen St E
    Leslieville, Toronto
    November 24 Black Pony Cafe
    Open Mic host (Every two weeks)
    Free/PWYC
    8-10pm
    7pm signup
    1481 Gerrard Street East
    Little India/Leslieville, Toronto
    November 26 The Dive Shop
    Celebrate the 90s
    with Rich Freed & Adam Gets Loud
    🎟️ Tickets on sale now!
    Doors: 6:30pm
    Music: 7-10pm
    1036 Gerrard Street East
    Riverside, Toronto
    November 28 Great Lakes Brewery
    Live music, great beer from GLB!
    Music: 5-8pm 30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd
    Toronto
    December 8 Black Pony Cafe
    Open Mic host (Every two weeks)
    Free/PWYC
    8-10pm
    7pm signup
    1481 Gerrard Street East
    Little India/Leslieville, Toronto
    December 13 Private Event
    Evening Private Event
    Toronto
    December 21 Evergreen Brick Works
    Music at the Brick Works
    Free/PWYC
    3:30pm-4:30pm 550 Bayview Ave
    Toronto
    December 22 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 19 🚫 CANCELLED 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 13 Black Swan Tavern

    Live Music Showcase

    East End Excellence!

    Free/PWYC
    2-6pm
    154 Danforth Ave
    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
    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 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