From Australia to Chicago: Michael Charles’ 40-Year Journey Through the Blues

Watch this inspiring episode of Along the Rock as host Kierstyn Long sits down with internationally acclaimed Australian blues guitarist Michael Charles.

Michael shares the incredible story of how a single invitation to perform at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago changed the course of his life, launching a decades-long career across the United States and Canada. From playing alongside blues legends to touring small-town America, Michael reflects on the experiences that have shaped both his music and his outlook on life.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

Michael's journey from Australia to Chicago
His unforgettable first performance with Buddy Guy
Why he loves performing in small communities like Sterling, Illinois
The inspiration he received from his father
Advice for aspiring musicians and anyone pursuing their dreams
His 2026 Where to Next Tour

If you're a fan of blues music, inspiring life stories, or great conversations with talented artists, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

🎸 Michael Charles performs at Johnny's in Sterling, Illinois, on August 29.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

00:00 – Introduction

00:40 – From Australia to Chicago

01:17 – Playing With Buddy Guy

02:02 – Meeting Blues Legends

02:29 – Why He Came Back to America

03:35 – A Career Highlight

04:28 – The Night He Met Buddy Guy

05:40 – A Dream Come True

06:34 – The “Where to Next?” 2026 Tour

07:54 – Taking Chances & Trusting Your Instincts

09:00 – Why He Loves Playing Small Towns

10:37 – The Magic of Intimate Venues

11:31 – Picking Up the Guitar at Age 5

12:30 – Music as a Lifelong Passion

13:53 – The Father Who Inspired His Music

15:01 – “Never Do Anything You Don’t Want to Do”

15:40 – Advice for Aspiring Musicians

16:45 – No Regrets After a Lifetime of Music

16:56 – Michael Charles at Johnny’s in Sterling

17:15 – Closing

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress

https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress

https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/

https://rumble.com/radarfreepress

https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress

https://x.com/radarfreepress

https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/

https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress

#MichaelCharles #BluesMusic #ChicagoBlues #AustralianBlues #BuddyGuy #BluesGuitar #BluesMusician #LiveMusic #SterlingIllinois #SaukValley #Johnnys #MusicianLife #AspiringMusicians #FollowYourPassion #Blues #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #TheRadarOnline

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(505)

Hops on the Rock: 100+ Craft Beers, Local Brewers & Fall Fun in Sterling! 🍻

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Janna Groharing, executive director of Sterling Main Street, to talk about the annual Hops on the Rock craft beer festival.The even...

5 Loka 19min

The Power of Volunteering: How Giving Back Can Pay Dividends

☕ Cash and Coffee: The Value of Volunteerism and Giving BackOn this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman step outside the usual financial conversation to talk about someth...

5 Loka 6min

Woodlawn Arts Academy: Creative Classes, STEM Activities & Kids Night Out

🎨 Woodlawn Arts Academy has something for everyone!On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Becky Rich and Sydney Segretto from Woodlawn Arts Academy to explore a variety ...

1 Loka 16min

Sterling Schools Implements Illinois' Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Ban Early

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Dr. Tad Everett, Superintendent of Sterling Public Schools, to discuss Illinois’ new bell-to-bell cellphone law and why Sterling Pu...

1 Loka 22min

Discover Dixon's October Events: Scarecrow Festival, Chili Cook-Off & Trick-or-Treating

🍂 Fall is in full swing in Dixon, and Discover Dixon has a packed October planned!On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long talks with Jennifer Lang and Lucas Pauley from Discover Dixon a...

30 Syys 14min

Dixon Rotary Club Hosts World's Largest Polio Walk

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Mary Oros and Tim Kunkel from the Dixon Rotary Club to talk about the upcoming World’s Largest Polio Walk and the local effort taking pla...

29 Syys 10min

AI in the Classroom: Balancing Innovation, Student Learning & Responsible Technology Use

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Ben Sondgeroth, lead regional edtech coordinator for the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, for a conversation about one of th...

29 Syys 37min

Junior Achievement: Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs, Leaders & Community Builders

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Lysa Hegland from Junior Achievement of the Heartland to explore how the organization is helping students prepare for life beyond t...

28 Syys 17min