Michael Palmer 3rd Gear Headlining Friday Night

Anyone who was reading the sidebar may have seen our joke that Elvis was coming on Friday, but instead we have local hero Michael Palmer.

I first heard of Michael Palmer while he was organizing a benefit concert in his area. (Found: The Journal ) It isn’t every day that a guy from West Virginia assembles a group of bikers who come in support of raising money to end child abuse. That’s what Michael does, the impossible.

Michael Palmer gives cutting edge high energy performances. He spends most his life giving back for the gift he has, often playing many charity or benefit concerts each year. He’s well traveled, he’s sang on the Grand Old Opry stage, cut numerous demos in Nashville, had auditions on the Voice and America’s Got Talent, and opened for Todd Allen Herendeen.

He’s not yet thirty, but he’s been singing since five and bought his first guitar at age fifteen. He’s a military veteran! He promotes Freedom Water, of which a portion of every bottles helps our Active duty soldiers, veterans, their families and their children!

When I asked why he’s chosen family time over fame, he said, “Growing up poor in rural Winchester, Virginia I remember the days we didn’t have food, the thing that kept me going was music. I taught myself how to play Hawaii Five-0 by the Ventures and the rest was history. If God has given you a gift you use it, and that’s what I do. Even when I didn’t have a job, I entertained people with my music. Today, I live each day giving back when I can.”

I chose Michael to headline our Hogging Up BBQ Festival. I’m glad I did.He’s passionate about lots of things in life, his music and helping others is at the top of his list. Michael lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia with lovely wife and three children.