This is a seated indoor show; seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, check out our FAQs!

A past nominee for BEST OF C-VILLE 2022 & 2024 in the “Music Artist” category, local singer-songwriter Michael Clem has managed to continue his life as a full-time musician for several decades. For 31 years, Clem had been playing bass, singing and writing songs for the national touring act he co-founded, Eddie from Ohio. Over that time, EFO has amassed a sizable grassroots following, released nine CDs (all independently) & collected numerous Washington Area Music Association Awards. Since 2008, with the band slowing down, Clem has relocated from Northern Virginia to Charlottesville where he’s established quite a foothold in its musical scene, with a variety of solo, duo, trio & ensemble configurations.

Ten years after Clem’s first solo album, 1st & 40 (2006), came the better-late-than-never sophomore release Fifty Clementines (2016). With thirteen previously unreleased songs, Clem brought in 30 friends from all over Virginia to contribute in the fine Charlottesville JLM Studios where he co-produced with James McLaughlin. During the pandemic shutdown, Clem teamed up with longtime musical friend Rusty Speidel to produce his 5-song EP, Rivannarama (2021). Reuniting with McLaughlin at his new Mountainside Studio, Clem released Circus Brawl (2024) on his brand new Mangelwurzel Records label. This nine song collection featured the talents of almost a dozen instrumental friends, spanning the Clem musical palette from bluegrass to roots rock.

Most recently, between February and October 2025, Clem went back to work with Speidel.  Meeting regularly on most Wednesday evenings where his Carriage Lane Studios proved to be the perfect locale to bring Clem’s dozen new originals to life, spanning the Americana landscape from singer-songwriter stylings to roots rock to a full-on Gospel romp.  The second release on Mangelwurzel, has brought in the incredible talents of some of the Commonwealth’s best, including Robin & Linda Williams, Adrian Duke, Paul Bell, Peter Wilson, Jen Tal & Laurie MacAllister.  Born in the 60’s, now entering his sixties, Clem wears his influences on his sleeve (John Prine & Chuck Berry) on the fittingly entitled 60¢ A Gallon (2026).

Clem has established a firm place in the local Charlottesville troubadour community for the past ten years, hosting the long-running Monday night Songwriter Night at The Local in Charlottesville. Clem is also currently a resident teacher for Songwriting at The Front Porch.

 
“A songwriter, a guitarist and observational comedian… Think Blink-182 with words by Todd Snider and you get an idea of what Clem does within the confines of folk-rock.”
–The Washington Post

“A multi-dimensional performer, Michael Clem’s songs touch universal human conditions that expose our doubts without ever being preachy. His dry and sly wit and clever arrangements soothe the soul but include a social commentary bite that encourages us not to take our lives too seriously.”

-Aer Stephen (“Folk & Beyond” 91.1 FM WTJU in Charlottesville, VA)

This is an indoor, seated show.  Doors open at 7 PM, and seats are first-come, first-served. Tickets are non-refundable.