Behind the Balladeer

Before picking up a guitar, Andrew Summers first found his footing in music through piano and trumpet (thanks Mom and Dad). Raised in Wrightstown, Wisconsin, he grew up immersed in melody and rhythm — but everything changed at the age of 10 when he discovered his dad’s copy of AC/DC’s “Back in Black” album buried in a closet. The electric power that came out of Andrew’s boombox led to a long road of musical discovery: bands who didn’t just create an innovative sound in the studio, but also brought it to the stage. KISS, Def Leppard, and Motley Crue paved the way for heavier bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Gojira. What began as childhood curiosity turned into a lifelong passion for not just creation but also for performance.

As a solo acoustic artist, Andrew blends heartfelt originals with unexpected covers, offering performances that feel both intimate and dynamic. His songs explore the full range of human experience: love and loss, growth and frustration, and the strange, humorous moments that make life unforgettable — like the legendary tale of the Blatz-drinking Shih Tzu (…or cattle dog?…retriever…?).

In addition to his solo work, Andrew is also a founding member of the original rock band TUK, where he continues to harvest heavier sounds and high-energy performances. Whether playing stripped-down acoustic sets or full-band rock shows, his goal is the same: to tell stories that connect.

With years of live experience under his belt, Andrew has developed a strong sense of adaptability on stage. No two nights are the same — and that’s exactly how he likes it. His performances are less about perfection and more about honesty, energy, good Irish whisky, and meeting the moment head-on.

Whether you’re here for the songs, the stories, or a few well-placed “Hell yeah, brother”s — welcome to the show.