THE BAND

Locally Baked:

 Profiles

Mike Toll: Drums, Vocals 

Mike grew up in a musical family having formed his first basement band at age 11. In his later teen years, he formed a club band with his brother, touring hotel lounges from the east coast to the midwest during the disco era.

Having always had an interest in woodworking, he later got involved in designing & building unique one of a kind furniture pieces. Mike’s work garnered positive attention and was soon featured in several local publications from the late 80’s through the early 90s.  

He was drawn back, however, to his love for music with “Two of the greatest friends & musicians” he’s had the pleasure of knowing. Together, they have formed, Locally Baked. Their recipe for success: simple. “Real Music for Real People!”

Dr. Steve Portman: Guitar, Lap Steel, Mandolin, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals

A lifelong musician with roots on the road, Steve, began his career touring professionally across the country, living the rhythm of the stage night after night. The late, great journalist, Peter Brown, wrote: "Ace guitarist and pedal steel player, Steve Portman, is a phenomenal technician who puts plenty of feeling into his playing and without a doubt is the spark that drives the bands he inhabits." 

After years on the move, he traded tour buses for textbooks, where he dedicated himself to education — first as an award-winning elementary school teacher, then as a public school administrator. For decades, he helped shape young minds while quietly keeping his own musical flame alive.

When the world slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, retirement opened the door to reconnection — with friends, with creativity, and with the joy of making music just for the love of it. What started as casual jam sessions slowly rose, bubbled, and fermented into something richer: Locally Baked — a band rooted in original music, deep friendship, and decades of lived experience.

Now back behind the mic, Steve brings a lifetime of stories, skill, and soul to the stage — a recipe proving that great music, like delicious bread, benefits from the right ingredients.

(P.S. I'm a total gear nerd, so, at our next show, come say hi and let's talk shop!!)