AMERICANA MUSIC SERIES HOST TAKES THE STAGE SATURDAY >>>

Great songwriters are storytellers. Through song they voice their ideas, their characters, their feelings and their thoughts. Songwriters have a need to not only explore these universalities of the human experience, but serve them up in an out-loud voice in front of strangers.

Some things, quite simply, are better said through song.

Michael ONeill has mastered the ability to weave a tale into a comprehensive tune, evoking deep conviction and stunningly tender compassion.

He's been at it for some time, too. ONeill spent more than 20 years as a touring rock and blues troubadour, including stints with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Weir and Steve Crooper. Today, he prefers to tell stories with a country fiddle and steel guitar.

This past year ONeill has expanded his voice into radio and concert promotions. He hosts the area's only Americana, roots, alt-country radio show, "Who's Bad Now Radio," Tuesday at 7 p.m. on KGHP-FM. And he brings stories to the stage with his Americana Music Series, Saturday nights at Morso Wine Bar in Gig Harbor. Kevin Montgomery, Steve Poltz, Vicci Martinez, Tommy Tutone, Peter Case, Grant Peeples and Robbie Walden have all performed before the wine-swilling crowd.

Saturday, the music series celebrates its first anniversary. ONeill will take the performance reins on this one. The Weekly Volcano tossed a few questions at ONeill before the party.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: Congratulations, Michael. Where are you taking Saturday night's performance?

MICHAEL ONEILL: Thanks. I will be doing songs from all six of my recordings - songs and guitars - from Dream On, From the Beginning, Who's Bad Now and the others.

VOLCANO: The promotional materials state you'll be bring in special guests for the show.

ONEILL: Yup. I have confirmations from Jon Parry Fiddle, Orville Johnson, Gary Ballard and my old pal Tommy (Tutone) Heath. I am looking forward to a wonderful crowd of friends and family to gather Saturday night and lift up songs and glasses then bring on the new season.

VOLCANO: So the Americana Music Series lives on. Who's performing this coming year?

ONEILL: Hell yes. The rest of the year will feature Colin Gilmore - son of Jimmie Dale Gilmore - Oct. 6, Take Three Girls Oct. 22, Elizabeth Cook and Tim Carrol Nov. 19 and Ted Wulfers Dec. 10.

Michael ONeill and friends

The Americiana Music Series
Saturday, Sept. 10, 8 p.m., $25
Morso Wine Bar, 9014 Peacock Hill Ave., Gig Harbor
253.530.3463