Meet Michael Creamer

Q: Creamer, you’re a member of the team behind Earfull, which was honored at the recent Mosesian Center for the Arts benefit. I have to admit, despite living here for 7 years, I’d never heard of the Earfull Series. What is it? 

Great question! Earfull is a long running music and literary event that combines authors and musicians into a 2 hour show, held in an intimate space. The writers are usually promoting a new release or trying out new material from a forthcoming coming book. We try to include someone nationally known and someone local. The musicians come from all genres …. You might hear a singer songwriter, a klezmer band, a punk rocker, a harpist. Somehow it comes together in unpredictable ways. Oh, and because socializing between acts is a must do, we always host them at venues with food and drink. The heart of Earfull is community and camaraderie, in the moment, across the artists and the audience. 

Q: What were some of the early challenges? How did Earfull grow over time?

I think our earliest challenge is still the same challenge we have today, which is educating people as to what Earfull is all about, and then getting them to attend one event. It’s unique, and it's hard to describe what makes it so special. People really need to experience it for themselves. 

Q. I imagine Covid shut you down … have you restarted? And if so – where can we see it?

We created the Earfull Series back in the early 2000s, so we’ve actually started it back up twice!  Once was in 2016, when we restarted it at the MCA’s Black Box Theater and Branch Line. Then of course, after Covid. We’ll be hosting Earfull every Tuesday in June on the patio at Branch Line. Come see a show! 

Note from Nicole: to whet your appetites, the June 4 line up is writers Andres Dubus III and Claire Messud, and the rock band Bird Streets. You can find the rest of the lineup for June here. The shows start at 7 and doors open at 6.

Q. How has being a part of it affected you personally? And what is your specific role on the team?

When it started back in the early 2000s, I owned the bar where we hosted Earfull. I booked the music, along with Mike Denneen, another founder.  In 2016, when we re-introduced Earfull, I did all of the music.  And in this 3rd reincarnation, I’m doing the music with Jon Lupfer and Jen Trynin. I have always loved being involved. I’ve made many close friends through Earfull.

Q. Can you share a little about yourself with us?

I’m the venue manager and talent buyer for the venue The Red Room at Cafe 939, which is a student-run venue at Berklee College of Music that hosts a diverse range of music. I also manage a few artists:  Letters to Cleo and Superdrag – both American alternative rock bands – and Kim Taylor, a singer songwriter. So music is a huge part of my life.

Q. What are your favorite places to eat in Watertown?

My favorite places to hang are Tresca’s Eating Place for breakfast, Sofra for lunch, and either Branch Line or Greg’s for dinner.