By Alexandra Thomas
Michael Lee
The Bedford native and contestant on Season 15 of "The Voice" describes his brand of music as a "retro-Texas rhythm and blues with a helping of rock 'n' roll."
The journey of Fort Worth bluesman Michael Lee began at an early age. At age 4, he decided playing music was what he wanted to do in life. At age 12, he picked up a guitar. At age 16, he earned 50 bucks from his first gig in Deep Ellum. Those were stepping stones toward the artist's burgeoning career.
At age 31, Lee's using his music to help out four kids.
He with the folks at Heroes for Hope are putting on a concert Sunday night at Shipping and Receiving Bar. "The Power of 4 — An Evening with Michael Lee" aims to raise money for four children: Gabe, Treagin, Abigail, and Rylee. The children are undergoing multiple hospitalizations and procedures for various forms of cancer.
Lee, who released his self-titled debut June 28, draws inspiration from the likes of Freddie King and Delbert McClinton but mixes in his own stylings. The Bedford native and contestant on Season 15 of "The Voice" describes his brand of music as a "retro-Texas rhythm and blues with a helping of rock 'n' roll."
"The impact I aim to make is simply bring people joy with my music," Lee says, "whether it is in person for a few hours or my song on their radio. I want people to use my music as an escape from the pressures of everyday life."
The musician got word of the children from members of the gym he and his wife attend. "Every little child has a dream, whether it's to be a firefighter, policeman, teacher, veterinarian, or president of the United States. Mine was to become a guitar slinger and blues singer," Lee says. "If I can use my craft to help these children and their families in any way, I'm happy to volunteer."
Alisa Grady, Heroes for Hope director, always looks for new ways to help families in the midst of such obstacles. Lee, she says, has been a welcomed addition to that mission.
"He's just been going above and beyond, saying 'I'll help with whatever you need me too.'" Grady says. "He's very supportive of what we're doing."
Attend the concert from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Shipping and Receiving Bar, 201 S. Calhoun St. An array of food will be offered from JR's-BBQ-N-More, The Healthy Hippie Vegan Cafe, and Crown Catering. A cash bar, live/silent auctions, a 50/50 raffle, and more add to the entertainment. With doors opening at 4 p.m. and band One Headlight performing '90s classics at 4:30 p.m., a brief introduction of the HERO kids will proceed Lee's performance.
You can purchase tickets in advance for $20, or $25 at the door. The Heroes for Hope Facebook page has further info.
