MUSIC TESTIMONIALS
"It is Mike Skinner's lyrics that are most impressive; they tell the story of his life, pain, heartbreak, recovery, renewal. Add to that his voice and guitar and you have a talent ready to explode!"
  Gayle Bluebird
 

"Correction does much, but encouragement does more."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"You sounded awesome today. Made me tear up a bit though. You music is so true to life. Thanks for the hard work that you do, it's great."
April 4/18/04
 
"Buy this CD" (Train of Tears)
JAM Magazine
 
"Mr. Skinner uses his music on two levels: to entertain, and to speak out against the stigma of mental illness."
Karen Dandurant, Seacoast On-Line
 
"You made a important contribution....without you, this conference would not have been as successful as it was"
Kristen Price, Executive Director
NewHope Healing Institute
Indianapolis, Indiana
 
"Michael Skinner, a survivor musician, was a godsend"
Ellen K.
Healing & Arts Studio, Boston, MA
 
"Your music speaks to the heart of our experiences and gives inspriation for passing through stormy seas. Great music."
Bob 4/14/04
 
"You are a prolific writer"
Jacqui 3/03
 
"Your set was great"
Chuck (Rust Never Sleeps) 5/17/04
 
"Thank you so much for sharing your experience, your talent and your spirit with us. Your courage inspires and frees us all to embrace life and love as fully as possible"
Peace and Warmth, Lucia 5/10/04
 
"CD sounds great....well done" (On PIRATES)
Byron- Orford River Jam 6/8/04
 
"You have been chosen for a very special purpose, as you continue to touch my heart every time I listen to "Katrina". I wish you blessings and light"
Dotty Mae
 
"....your music is comforting to many of us."
Love and miss you, Ann 4/1/04
 
"We really enjoyed your performance today, Mike. Thanks so much for entertaining us."
Leni (Plus Company) 4/30/04
 
"Forgot to tell you how enjoyable your music was. Keep at it and good luck."
John, NH Writer/Author
 
"Your presence alone portrayed so much strength. Your music is powerful. I admire your strength to remain so open with yourself in your music. Your openness creates such a connection between you and your listeners. It's amazing."
Stephanie, Philadelphia, PA
 
ADVOCACY TESTIMONIALS
 
 
ASCAPLUS Award Recipient 2003-2004 and 2004-2005, 2007
 
May 2, 2004 R.E.A.C.H. has chosen Mike Skinner to be the recipient ot our 2004 MAKE A DIFFERENCE AWARD. This award is given annually to an individual who has worked hard to promote ending sexual violence. (R.E.A.C.H.- Rape Education and Crisis Hotline of Maine)
 
"Feel great knowing that there are so many great musicians out there that know the stigma is really bad". Peace to you,
Ellen
"It's wonderful having you on board! Your input and insight are invaluable; your feel for the work is natural."
Steve Bernstein, Director of Compassionate Connections
 
"I wanted to thank you for being one of my guests on HEALTH NEW HAMPSHIRE (television show). As expected, you did a great job and I hope we covered the important points. It was a pleasure to meet you and get to know you a bit."
Paul S. Boynton, VP, Easter Seals Society of NH
 
"You made New Hampshire a better place for people with mental illness"
Rick Sherman, President NAMI-NH
 
"Thank you for providing the entertainment portion of the 'RAINBOW OF HOPE' convention. You really lived up to the recommendations. We heard great comments from those participating"
Candy and Harold
 
"Thank you from all of us at VSA arts NH for supporting our work to promote the creative power in people with disabilities."
 
"Thank you for a very successful conference. Your hard work is appreciated."
Follow Your Dreams Conference, NH Division of Behavioral Health
 
".....Please save September 11-13 for coming to New York for our conference...you did an extraordinary job at the last one!"
Harvey Rosenthal, Director, NYAPRS, NY
 
 
Never Again Will I Feel Small
 
I always thought that is was me
Something wrong that l all could see
But now I know that I am good
Abuse is finally understood
 
I lived my life in fear and shame
Love was just a word....a name
I guess it changed when I saw me
And claimed the truth that set me free
 
It took me all my life to learn
To live each day and not to yearn
For something others couldn't give
It gave me strength so I could live
 
The pain and tears that scarred my soul
Were the very things that made me whole
The rage that simmered in my heart
Allowed me from my hate to part
 
The anger told me I could feel
So love, I couldn't let it steal
I learned that many others, too
Had also gone what I'd been through
 
Now they can't hurt me anymore
Since I walked out that hopeless door
I chose to risk to love and live
With all the compassion I could give
 
I still have pain and it's hard to trust
But love tells me that it's a must
Many people need my hand
Along with yours, to help them stand
 
I'll never ask again, why me?
God and people helped me see
There is a purpose to it all
And never again will I feel small
 
To Mike, from Nancy D.
September 22, 2002