Michael John Ahern lives in many worlds. A natural historian, artist, inventor, producer, capitalist and animal lover crossing thresholds that inform his illumination of the human experience through narrative and instrumental song. Michael has touched the edge of space as a NASA Mission Specialist, cared for exotic species as a Keeper at Marine World Africa USA, empowered youth as an outdoor educator and public school teacher, and busked in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.  
  Born in the 50’s, raised in the 60’s and coming of age in the analog musical world of the 70’s near Palo Alto, California, Michael's songs tell stories, juxtapose ideas, challenge beliefs, vividly evoking reflection on how we live our lives and to expand the possibility what a song may be. 
  Meticulously recorded over two years in Sonoma and Nashville, Michael's release, Heart Shaped World, offers an ambitious, luxurious, inspiring and introspective statement that love is the answer. Ahern immersed himself in the studio, allowing the time and latitude to explore, experiment, take risks and perform the songs to a live audience, all leading to the final form and substance of the nine songs. 
  Heart Shaped World takes a bold step into the rarified Americana ether of jazz rock, showcasing Michael’s songwriting and musicianship alongside renowned guitarist Larry Carlton (Steely Dan, Crusaders, Fourplay), saxophonist Mark Douthit (Toto, Michael McDonald, Don Henley, Christopher Cross), Eamonn Flynn (Michael Franti, Elvin Bishop, Bernard Purdie, Los Lobos, Boz Skaggs), and Tom Miller (Greg Allman & Friends, Mickey Thomas's Starship), Heart Shaped World was mixed by Joel Jaffe who's resume includes Huey Lewis, Ringo Starr, and Santana.   
  Michael has been recognized for his original contributions in Americana, rock, jam band and adult contemporary music as when late Rolling Stone Editor Ben Fong-Torres described Michael as a "singing, picking, shredding embodiment of Americana music". Michael’s musical career spans 40 + years with career highlights including cast member in the stage production of Down From The Mountain, finalist in a Nashville Bluebird Café songwriter competition, music producer for the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre Dedication Ceremony in San Francisco, and opening for Toad The Wet Sprocket, Alan Holdsworth, Tab Benoit, Railroad Earth, String Cheese Incident, Charlie Daniels, Sara Evans, and Jefferson Starship.   
  In 2026 Michael released his 7th original Americana album. "Heart Shaped World" and founded the Barn Owls, an Americana all-star jam band. In 2024 Michael founded the Grateful Heart Project, a blend of philanthropic and commercial musical enterprise dedicated to inspiring a more loving and compassionate world through music and community service. Michael currently serves as the Director of Entertainment for Sonoma Botanical Garden, the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival. Michael is also the President of StompLight International, an innovative portable stage lighting system built for gigging musicians. StompLight.com Listen to Michael's BarnFly Podcast  LISTEN