What can you do with a cowboy boot, a hand saw, some metal pipes and string? A whole lot says Mike Silverman, performing as That 1 Guy on Thursday at Beatnik Studios. Don't miss your chance to see this one man band and his invention, The Magic Pipe.

Silverman, who grew up in the Bay Area, was introduced to music by his father's vintage stand-up bass. He says he remembers banging on it until he could reproduce sounds he liked. The instrument and being "in the right place at the right time" to his present career.

That 1 Guy has performed internationally and has large fan bases in places such as Europe and Australia, as well as the United States. He plays annually at the Woodford Folk Festival in Australia. Silverman says its among his favorite events and one at which about 15,000 listen to him play.

His one-man act started as a bet with a Bay Area club owner when Silverman was in college. Silverman performed 400-plus shows in one year with five bands. The bet was that if Silverman did the show alone he could keep the $50 that the band normally split. Silverman almost called the bet off the night before the show and described his time on stage as "one of the most awkward, terrible experiences ever."

By the end of the show, however, everything had changed. As the audience applauded, Silverman's uncomfortable experience was transformed into "one of the most rewarding nights of my life."

"People produce the best stuff when their back's against the wall," Silverman says, adding that he enjoys "never really knowing exactly what you're doing."

His method seems to work. Silverman has won awards at the Edinburgh Music Festival, toured with Buckethead of Guns N' Roses and produced several hit albums.

The Magic Pipe, That 1 Guy's stage centerpiece and Silverman's invention, is a one-of-a-kind instrument consisting of metal piping, two strings, 13 trigger sensors and other electronically connected pieces. He uses this instrument, to produce orchestral, full-bodied songs accompanied by lyrics.

That 1 Guy's new album, "That 1 Guy and the Magic Pipe Packs a Wallop!" which became available Wednesday.

For ticket sales and additional information,contact Beatnik Studios at 916-443-5808 or online at www.beatnik-studios.com.

For additional information, album purchases and tour schedule for That 1 Guy, visit www.thatoneguy.com.