Photo: Curtis Jermany

After several years as a producer and touring and session musician, East Bay native Mike Blankenship is releasing his debut album, Living for the Future October 13 on iTunes and Bandcamp. Blankenship, who currently mans the keyboards with Michael Franti and Spearhead, has recorded the album over the past 4 years, partially in his home studio, but also on the road while touring with many of the featured artists, which range from Sheila E. and Kev Choice to a host of musicians who are ridiculously talented even if you may not recognize their names.

Blankenship’s album displays his expertise in R&B, jazz, and hip-hop that give a nod to the past while being far from beholden to it, while the guest musicians all excel. He’s shared a pair of tracks from the album before its official release – “Long Way From Here” featuring Sangin’ Sara and “Black Music” featuring Kev Choice and D Sharp. OMF Presents will host a listening party for Living for the Future at 25th Street Studio in Oakland this Sunday October 11, that will feature a live performances from Blankenship and few of his featured artists. The event is free with an RSVP at the link below, while Living for the Future can be preordered via iTunes or Bandcamp..

Mike Blankenship, Kev Choice, Locksmith, Sangin Sara, D Sharp
25th Street Studio
October 11, 2015
6pm, FREE (with Facebook RSVP)