Lisa Marie Johnston & Mike Hellman and the Banned Books

Lisa Marie Johnston & Mike Hellman and the Banned Books

Lisa Marie Johnston is a soulful singer-songwriter whose music resonates with raw emotion and heartfelt storytelling. Born and raised in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Lisa's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by the rich tapestry of sounds that surrounded her. Drawing from influences ranging from blues and folk to rock and Americana, she has crafted a distinctive sound that captivates audiences around the world.With a voice that effortlessly traverses highs and lows, Lisa's music reflects her own experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Her lyrics, imbued with honesty and vulnerability, invite listeners on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.Throughout her career, Lisa Marie Johnston has released several albums and EPs, each showcasing her evolution as an artist and storyteller. From intimate acoustic ballads to foot-stomping anthems, her music defies genre boundaries, blending elements of tradition with a contemporary sensibility.

Mike Hellman is a country and americana troubadour with a bent for the unconventional. Slinging songs with substance, conviction and grit, he’s on a mission to tell his truth and he insists on being heard. While firmly rooted in the rich country and blues traditions of his home state of Texas, he refuses to pander to cliché and his sound is anything but predictable. His lively performances swing from ballad to barn burner to outright rock ‘n’ roll, and his rich baritone conjures earnestness and humor while dealing head-on with all aspects of the human condition (and with a not-so-subtle nod to the downtrodden). An “outlaw” for outlaws, Mike's music transcends the often narrow boundaries set by the mainstream country music establishment.No stranger to the stage, Mike has performed at large venues, honky-tonks and intimate listening rooms across the US, building a dedicated following along the way. He has turned heads at Americanafest and has shared the stage with prominent americana artists such as Jason Eady, Gabe Lee, Melody Walker, and countless others. His 2024 full length release "Trials and Triumphs" has enjoyed enthusiastic reception and features a who’s who of talent: guitarist James Deprato (Chuck Prophet), pedal steel player Ian Taylor Sutton (Vincent Neil Emerson), multi-instrumentalist Chuck Bradley (Hellbound Glory) and mastering by Michael Rosen (Santana, Green Day, etc). Mike is touring widely to support the release, and plans are underway for a sophomore album in early 2026. to construction worker by day and troubadour by night, Mike somehow still makes time for his many other passions including the outdoors, heavy metal and union organizing. He splits his time between Houston, TX and Santa Cruz, CA.