About the artist:

A celebrated musician on the club, college and festival circuits of North America since 1975, Michael Jerling has been a Saratoga Springs resident for the last 25 years. Born and raised in Illinois, Jerling typically performs solo, but for a local gig will sometimes play with bassist Tony Markellis and pianist Teresina Huxtable.

Artists including The Lovin’ Spoonful, James Taylor, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell have influenced his acoustic folk music. Jerling has received comparisons to Lyle Lovett.

“Crooked Path,” Jerling’s first CD of new material in five years, was released earlier this month. His other albums include “Little Movies,” “My Evil Twin,” “New Suit of Clothes,” “In Another Life,” and “Early Jerling,” a compilation of the best cuts from two self-released LPs.

The singer/songwriter usually performs two 50 minute sets of original songs. His live shows are known to feature ample helpings of his sharp sense of humor, his smooth baritone voice and his skill on six and 12 string guitars, mandolin and harmonica.

Jerling has been playing guitar for 40 years. When he’s not writing, performing or recording his own music, he does some recording for other local artists.

Michael Jerling is playing at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs. Tickets for the CD release concert are $15.

To check out the artist, visit www.michaeljerling.com.

Quotable Quotes:

“I think I appreciate it more now,” Jerling said of playing music. “As you get older, you realize it’s not a given that people will be interested. If people enjoy what you’re doing don’t take it for granted; it’s a gift.”

—Mike Ryan