The Open Mic Project: Michael Machicek

Michael Machicek at Bill's Records, 2002.

Born in Gonzales, Texas in 1955, Michael Machicek (also known as “Mister Natural,” “Hippie Michael,” “Mother Nature's Son,” and “Barefoot Michael”) is a self-described rebellious agitator who prides himself on his involvement with the Dallas Peace Center and on his commitment to a world free of strife, greed, and prejudice. He has participated in various anti-war rallies and protests, including demonstrations in Dallas, Crawford, and Austin. Michael cites Mark Twain and Edgar Allen Poe as his early influences, and his own book of poetry, It's the Journey... Not the Destination, was self-published in 2003. In addition to his peace work, Michael made regular appearances at several former open mic venues, including the Insomnia Coffee Bar, The Velvet Hookah (where he had a featured reading), the Cosmic Café, the Balcony Club, Bill's Records, the Lakewood Poetry Salon, and the monthly Mad Swirl open mic hosted by Johnny Olson.

“Will work for peace.”

Intro/Always the Iconoclast Intro/Always the Iconoclast	Anthems for Our New Universe Anthems for Our New Universe	Beyond Infinity Beyond Infinity
The Credo The Credo	A Hidden Destiny A Hidden Destiny	Jesus, Judas an' the Apple Tree Jesus, Judas an' the Apple Tree
Life on the Sun Life on the Sun	New World Anthem New World Anthem	Phenomenology Phenomenology
Voyage of a Damned Soul Voyage of a Damned Soul