Hi! My name is Mike. I love being able to host couchsurfers and believe that the relationship between a couchsurfer and host is built on trust and transparency. That being said, a few things first...

(1) If you do not have any references- or if your profile offers me very little insight into who you are and/or why you are travelling- I cannot host you. Think about it from my perspective: I'm opening up my home to a stranger. I will need more from you than a generic message and one blurry profile photo. Who are you? What makes you tick? Why are you reaching out to me specifically? Tell me more.

(2) Last-minute couchsurfing requests (a day or two prior) do not work for me as I keep a busy schedule.

(3) If your mobile device(s) require WiFi, please know that I do NOT have the Internet or WiFi at my apartment. However, there is a public library and a laundromat that offer free WiFi within a few blocks from my apartment.

(4) My apartment is next to a nightclub that is only open on Friday and Saturday nights. So my place might not be the best on those evenings if you are a light sleeper. The only thing I can offer here is a fan to help drown out some of the noise coming through the wall and window.

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Some words that best describe me: minimalist, creative, musician, dive bar dancer, optimist.

Since graduating with Sociology and Communications degrees many years back, I traveled down a fairly comfortable path of stability in a few different non-profit jobs. There were moments when I thought about pursuing certain music-related goals, but I never took those risks and entertained those dreams. In late 2012, I left my day job and sustained myself for an entire year as a touring musician. That year gave me more perspective on life than I could have ever imagined.

Currently back in a non-profit job to support myself, I am genuinely happy. Outside of work and travel, I write/perform music, cook a lot, spend phone-free time with friends, and create (draw/collage).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have always enjoyed connecting with people. Also, I enjoy opening up my home to individuals who couldn't otherwise afford to visit Chicago.

Interests

Biking, traveling, reading, playing music, cooking, gardening, purging possessions, live music, community involvement, dancing.

• performing arts
• dancing
• cooking
• running
• gardening
• reading
• traveling
• music
• live music
• guitar
• drums
• cycling
• communications
• sociology
• last minute travel

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC

The National, LCD Soundsystem, Daft Punk, Arcade Fire, Robyn, Spoon, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Sufjan Stevens, The Beatles, Elliott Smith, Wilco (YHF!), The Beach Boys, Gillian Welch, Hot Chip, The Strokes, Beastie Boys, Damien Jurado, Tammy Wynette, Nada Surf, Radiohead, The Kinks, early 80's Michael Jackson, The Velvet Underground

ART

Rodin, Andrew Wyeth, Matisse, Rembrandt, Gerhard Richter, Calder, Aero Saarinen, Mies van der Rohe

BOOKS

Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle, The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains by Nicholas Carr, The Red Pony and East of Eden by John Steinbeck

MOVIES

Bottle Rocket, Don't Look Back, Waiting for Guffman, The Darjeeling Limited, Lost in Translation, The Wedding Singer, Eagle vs. Shark, an array of social/cultural documentaries

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In November 2000, I saw Elliott Smith perform at The Vic in Chicago, Illinois.

In October 2001, I traveled to Greece and spent one morning exploring the Parthenon while the sun rose. It was a beautiful, memorable morning.

In January 2008, I performed my original music at my favorite live music venue of all time, Schubas Tavern in Chicago, Illinois.

In April 2013, I spent a full month touring and playing my original music from Indiana to Los Angeles to Portland and back to Chicago. Saw more of the country I ever had before!

Teach, Learn, Share

Basic instruction relating to guitar, drums/percussion, biking, health/wellness, cooking, ‘arting.’

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Greece, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, United States

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