Steve Poltz sits on a black leather lounge. He is wearing a hat and holding an acoustic guitar.

STEVE POLTZ (USA)

Steve Poltz was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) but has lived most of his life in Southern California and those geographic poles are quite likely responsible for his unhinged genius. He is a dual citizen – Canada/USA – but has often said that, “should a hostage situation arise, I become conveniently Canadian.” 

 

Over the course of his life, he’s met Elvis Presley (who hugged his sister for far too long), trick or treated at Liberace’s house (each finger had a diamond ring), was Bob Hope’s favourite altar boy (according to him), bravely travelled the world busking before he knew how to do it, and can count some of the world’s coolest people as fans. 

 

As good as his albums are, Steve Poltz positively owns a crowd when he’s on stage. His shows are the stuff of legend. He can take an unsuspecting audience from laughter to tears and back again in the space of a single song. He is a master of improvisational songwriting and works without a set list to be free to react instantly to the mood of a room.