Jacob Michael Schmidt, a former Lutsen resident, now living in Boston, spends most of his time on the road with his band Gentlemen Hall. Last week he was in Cleveland and was heading to Philadelphia. Schmidt and Gentlemen Hall will spend New Year’s Eve performing at The Roxy in Los Angeles, and they will then take off on a West Coast tour. Schmidt said sometimes traveling is tough, but for the most part he enjoys it. A highlight of last year’s tour was a stop to perform the national anthem at a New England Patriots game.
Jacob Schmidt, AKA Jacob Michael or Cobi Mike, of the award-winning Boston-based Gentlemen Hall, is returning to perform in Cook County. It’s not a surprise that the talented musician is coming back to the North Shore—Schmidt is coming home for the holidays. He’s just making it a busman’s holiday.
The News-Herald caught up with Schmidt on the road once again. Schmidt, who attended Cook County schools, lives in Boston but spends most of his time touring with Gentlemen Hall. On this day he was in Cleveland, preparing to play and then heading to Philadelphia the next day. After the New Year— which Schmidt and Gentlemen Hall will spend performing at The Roxy in Los Angeles—the band will be off on a West Coast tour, starting at Lake Tahoe.
The News-Herald asked if he is making a living with his music and Schmidt said yes, he is working as a full-time musician. “It has its ups and downs,” said Schmidt. “You may have a week where things are tough, but other moments make it so worth it all.”
Asked about a touring highlight, he said he recently had the honor of singing, accompanied by the GH flutist Seth Hachen, the national anthem at a Patriots game. His band was hired to play a set outside the gate and then the duo performed the Star Spangled Banner in front of the packed stadium. “It was pretty emotional,” said Schmidt.
Although he enjoys touring, Schmidt said he was looking forward to getting back to Cook County to play at the GunFlint Tavern, which is the first place he ever played.
Unlike last December when Schmidt performed with Gentlemen Hall at Papa Charlie’s in Lutsen, he will be solo at the Tavern. “It will just be me and my acoustic guitar,” said Schmidt. “I want to share some of my new original music, along with some covers.”
Gentlemen Hall fans won’t be disappointed though; Schmidt promises he will throw in some of the GH tunes that are appropriate for an acoustic setting.
And, Vintage Mink fans won’t be disappointed either. Jacob Schmidt is reuniting with his former band mate—and brother, Josh Schmidt— to perform at Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountain on December 22.
To check out some of Gentlemen Hall’s latest music, visit soundcloud.com/gentlemenhall. You can also follow Jacob Michael on facebook.com/gentlemenhall.
Jacob Michael Schmidt
GunFlint Tavern
Friday, Dec. 21
9:00 p.m.
Jacob and Josh Schmidt
Papa Charlie’s
Saturday, Dec. 22
Après Ski 3:15 · 5:45 p.m.
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