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

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(500)

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 Sep 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 Sep 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 Sep 17min

What Should You Do With Extra Money? Cash Envelope Budgeting Explained

What should you do when your budget actually leaves you with money left over?On this episode of Cash and Coffee, Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman continue the conversation about cash-envelope budgeting...

28 Sep 7min

Lumberjacks, Skillet Throwing & Fall Fun! Selmi’s Family Farm Has It All

Get ready for a day of lumberjacks, fall fun, and family activities at Selmi’s Greenhouse and Family Farm!On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr talks with Melinda Jones from Rock Falls ...

24 Sep 10min

Sauk Valley Friends of NRA Banquet: Supporting Local Youth Shooting Sports

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is joined by Dale Hayen and Anna Garcia from Sauk Valley Friends of NRA to talk about the organization’s 32nd annual banquet and how the event sup...

24 Sep 14min

One Decision Changed His Life: Turning a Devastating Crash Into a Mission to Save Lives

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Nick and Brennen Neblung from Bobby’s Crash Foundation to share the story behind the foundation and the life-changing crash that in...

23 Sep 39min

Step Into the Old English Fair! Inside Stronghold’s Castle, Camp & Renaissance Festival

Step into a world of castles, costumes, Renaissance-inspired entertainment, and family fun on this episode of Along the Rock!Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Dr. Danny Pierce, executive director of S...

23 Sep 12min