Mike Haverkamp is a versatile folk musician who plays banjo, guitar, autoharp, dulcimer, banjo-uke, mandolin, button accordion, and harmonica. Mike has performed as a solo act, a member of the Iowa Sesqui-centennial Touring Arts Team, and as part of the old-timey band, Acoustic Mayhem. He is currently a school staff developer and technology trainer, having spent 13 years previously as an elementary classroom and gifted and talented program teacher.

Mike first got interested in playing banjo after hearing long time friend, and current Acoustic Mayhem partner, Mike Kanellis, play in 1979. Mike started performing with guitar virtuoso Bill Cagley in 1983. They played at local Iowa City venues and schools until Cagley moved to the Twin Cities. In 1985 Haverkamp received an Iowa Arts Council Folk Arts Apprentice Grant to study advanced clawhammer banjo styles with Dave Marsh. Since 1991 he has conducted school residencies through the Iowa Arts Council. Mike was the founder, and has been chief jokester for Acoustic Mayhem since 1992. In 1998 Mike was invited to become a member of the newly re-formed Missouri Arts Council Artist Roster.

Students at Mike's residencies get hands on experience with unusual instruments and learn how "American" music results from the contributions of many peoples. They sing folk and traditional songs that have historical significance and are just plain fun. Core group options include writing songs, learning a simple melody on the autoharp, or building one string instruments from recycled parts. Residencies can be easily tailored to the interests of the sponsoring organizations.

Mike Haverkamp performing, and leading a banjo workshop at the 2002 Iowa Friends of Old Time Music Fiddler's Picnic

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