Michael’s music history dates back to his childhood, when he traveled the world in a military family. Though the arrangements have shifted with the seasons of life, playing music has been the steadfast constant in his story.

Guitarist / Singer-Songwriter

Though Michael jokes he’s a drummer who learned to play three chords on the guitar, C, F, and G, guitar has been a fixture throughout his life. He’s become known for his signature Spanish guitar, now signed by many of the musicians he’s shared his journey with throughout the years. In recent years, Michael has spent more time playing guitar and song-writing with a heavy focus on original music.

ORIGINAL Releases

2001 / “Contemplations”

2004 & 2006 / “Mr. Mac Says” children’s CD & DVD

MUSIC VIDEOS

2015 / “Pack My Bags” on The Uncharted Zone

2018 / “She’s Got the House” on The Uncharted Zone

These music videos were created as collaborations with Phil Thomas Katt (PTK) of The Uncharted Zone. The original songs from Michael’s “Contemplations,” album were written and played by Michael, and re-recorded by PTK for these videos.

NEW ALBUM / “SWAMP MIX”

In May of 2019, Michael independently released ‘Swamp Mix,’ a collection of rhythms and grooves drawn out of life on the Gulf Coast. The album is a heartfelt collection of songs that Michael has written over the course of his lifetime.

Early Influences / Drumming

It all started when…

Michael’s first introduction to music occurred when he was in elementary school, living overseas. Here, he saw hand drums played vibrantly in the streets. This planted a seed that sprouted during his middle school years in Fort Walton Beach, Florida when Michael first picked up drumming. After saving enough money washing cars and mowing lawns to buy a Sears snare drum and cymbal, Michael began playing music with his guitar-playing friends, the Metcalf twins. The Undecided Band was born playing school and squadron parties. Though Michael’s move to Louisiana for high school separated the bunch, they later reformed and recorded the song “Hold You Closer” in Robin Hood Studios in Tyler Texas. The track climbed to #19 on the local charts.

After high school, Michael returned to Florida and attended Okaloosa-Walton Junior College. While playing drums in the Jazz Band, he met like-minded music majors who formed the Classique Roc. They toured the Southeast playing the college circuit. Michael also played with trumpet player Tony Barbarisi a retired Air Force musician who taught him how to play standard tunes. Michael originally set out to be a music major, but since he was not classically trained, he shifted his focus to education. After graduating from the University of West Florida, Michael toured the country and Canada with Michelle West and The Sunrise Band. The Sunrise Band performed floor shows such as the Donnie K 50’s and 60’s Top Ten Count Down, backed Mayf Nutter, traveled with the Hypnotist Jack Berry, jammed with Foghat and opened New Years Eve 1974 for Chubby Checker.

In 1976 Michael came back to Pensacola, Florida to play at Liollio’s Steak House where he performed dinner music, standard tunes and floor shows with Red Lane behind Wally the Cat Man Mercer, Jules Savoy and he also performed with Al Martin. In 1980, Michael began his 35 year teaching career teaching elementary physical education. In 1981, he was called to join the Main Street Band. For the next 29 years Michael sang and played drums in the Main Street Band performing for Krewe Balls, Weddings, Running Events and Beach Concerts, including Blue Angel Air Shows.

Recent History

Michael has played drums in various arrangements since. He’s also appeared in televised performances on PBS WSRE Studio Amped with Jeff Glickman & The Panhandle Allstars, as well as Melissa Joiner. He’s recently rejoined Al Martin for private events and outdoor concert series.