Description
Presented By: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Location: Washington Center Black Box Theater
Michael was born in New York City in 1960, but grew up in the San Francisco Bay area. His musical career began as therapy, when at the age of 15 he took up strumming the guitar to strengthen his wrist after a skateboard accident. Following his graduation from Berkeley High School when he was 15½, he moved to Seattle. In 1982 he graduated from Seattle’s prestigious Cornish College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Composition and Performance.
On stage, Michael has shared performed with, recorded with or shared billings with piano giant Herbie Hancock, classic Jazz saxophonist Eddie “Clean Head” Vinson, B3 master Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ronnie Cuber, Gil Scott Heron, Keiko Matsui, Nancy Wilson, Les McCann, Najee, Tommy Davidson, Dr. Cornel West, the legendary Ray Charles, Afro-pop star King Sunny Ade, Grammy award-winning vocalist Diane Schuur, R&B greats Gladys Knight and the Pips and Atlantic Starr, contemporary Jazz artists Ronny Jordan, Tom Grant, David Benoit, sax great Ernie Watts, the Yellowjackets, and the duo of Tuck & Patti. “It’s hard to categorize my music, although it usually ends up in the Jazz record bins,” says Michael. “If I had to put a label on it, I would call it contemporary instrumental music. It’s a sound rooted in the Jazz tradition that keeps pace stylistically with Pop, R&B, and Blues; with Blues being at the core of my inspiration.”
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The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, located in Olympia, Washington, stands as a beacon of cultural and artistic expression in the Pacific Northwest. This premier venue, nestled in the heart of the state's capital, is dedicated to bringing a rich variety of performances to the community, ranging from music and dance to theater and comedy. With its commitment to accessibility, education, and community engagement, the Washington Center has become a pivotal space for artists and audiences alike to explore and celebrate the arts. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including a beautifully appointed main stage, intimate black box theater, and versatile meeting spaces, make it an ideal setting for both local and touring productions. The Center not only entertains but also educates, offering numerous outreach programs that enrich the cultural landscape of Olympia and beyond.
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