The Mike Kelly Trio has established itself as one of the pre-eminent jazz groups in and around Atlanta. Downbeat magazine hailed Kelly’s performance at the 2002 Atlanta Jazz Festival as “wonderfully conceived, fruitful improvisations.” Since its inception in 1997, they have regularly performed countless engagements for private, corporate and public events. The group has successfully delighted and entertained audiences at some of the area's finest venues, including: The Arts Council of Gainesville's Evenings of Intimate Jazz Series, Roswell Concerts on the Square, High Museum, Fernbank Museum, Fox Theater, Jazz Association of Macon Spivey Hall and Churchill Grounds. "Kelly's guitar has a beautiful, round sound. His highly articulate (bop) improvisations ... are first rate." J. Rozzi -Creative Loafing (Atlanta)