Danny Michel
Danny Michel is one of Canada’s most respected and relentlessly curious singer-songwriters — a musical explorer whose work spans folk, rock, world music, and beyond. Whether he’s collaborating with Belizean musicians, recording with a symphony orchestra, or performing solo with just a guitar and a restless mind, Michel delivers songs that are heartfelt, thought-provoking, and deeply human.
Originally from Kitchener-Waterloo, Michel’s musical journey began in the heart of this community. He got his start in the local music scene, playing bars, basements, and backyard shows — learning early on that good songs and good stories transcend genres. That same sense of grounded creativity still defines his work today, even as his sound has taken him around the world.
His discography is as diverse as it is acclaimed. Albums like Fibsville, Feather, Fur & Fin, and Matadora showcased his ability to blend sharp lyrics with lush instrumentation and wry humour. His 2012 collaboration with The Garifuna Collective in Belize, Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me, earned a Polaris Music Prize long-list nomination and further cemented Michel as an artist willing to follow inspiration far beyond familiar borders.
Michel’s performances at Centre In The Square hold special significance. As a homegrown artist returning to one of the country’s premier theatres, his shows in Kitchener are more than just concerts — they’re homecomings. Whether performing solo, with his band, or backed by the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony in a stunning orchestral collaboration, Michel brings a sense of humility, humour, and gratitude to every performance.
For longtime fans and curious newcomers alike, a Danny Michel show at Centre In The Square feels personal. He doesn’t just perform; he connects — with stories, banter, and an undeniable love for the city that shaped him.
Beyond music, Michel is an environmental advocate and founder of the Ocean Academy Fund, which supports education in Belize. His life and career reflect a deep belief in community, creativity, and compassion — values that resonate strongly in Kitchener-Waterloo, where his musical spirit was first nurtured.
From late-night recording sessions in local studios to standing ovations in national concert halls, Danny Michel remains a proud ambassador of the KW music scene — a reminder that even when the road leads far from home, it’s the place you come from that gives your songs their soul.
