Local Michael Reynolds, a pianist and vocalist, is performing in the Chilkat Center lobby Sunday, April 23 after a standout performance at the Northern Lights Showcase earlier this year.

“He was one of the stars of the show for sure. He attracted a lot of attention and a lot of positive comments so we’ve spoken with him about doing his own thing,” said Haines Arts Council president Tom Heywood. “It was very popular and highly acclaimed by all and we wanted to hear more.”

Reynolds, who grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been playing piano since he was four years old and was classically trained. At the age of eight, he joined a boys choir and eventually sang with the group at Carnegie Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

He said he plans on playing a collection of about 20 songs that each tell a small story that encompasses a broader whole. His musical style ranges from ragtime, country, blues, classical and a blending of it all, he said. He’ll perform instrumental songs and sing solo.

“They create one big picture. My wife actually helped me put them together,” Reynolds said. “It’s one big story. I’ve never gotten the opportunity to showcase like that.”

Reynolds also grew up on a family farm in Kentucky, and eventually farmed rabbits in Montana. He studied music and wildlife biology but didn’t finish his degree after divorcing his first wife. He started writing music shortly thereafter. Reynolds said he’s performed at open mics in Montana and Knoxville and once played with the drummer of the Gin Blossoms.

“I started writing music in 2014. I wrote one or two songs just trying to dink around, but never put piano and voice together until I got divorced and thought ‘Oh woe is me.’ The songs go from heartache, accomplishments, to true love. The last song on the set list is ‘I went to Haines.’”

Reynolds moved to Haines last June with his wife Tanya and two children. He and his wife both work at SEARHC and he is going back to school to study psychology and music therapy.

The performance starts at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $8.