Michael was born in Chicago, Illinois (1968), raised in Portland, Oregon, and lives in Venice Beach, California.  He graduated from Portland State University, where he studied Music and Psychology.  He currently works at several regional theaters and churches, performs with The Robert Carpenter Trio and accompanies at Beverly Hills, Pacific Palasades, Venice and Santa Monica High Schools. In the past, Michael has collaborated in music theater with The Old Globe, Do Jump!, Portland Center Stage, The Geffen Playhouse, DOMA Theater Company, Triangle, Twelve Oaks, Lakewood Center for the Performing Arts, Broadway Rose, Sylvia’s Dinner Theater and Portland Reparatory.  In addition he has backed and recorded with various musical artists like Dixon, The Wayward Trio, Ashleigh Flynn, Janiva Magness, Brandi Carlisle, Duffy Bishop, Lloyd Jones, Scott Fisher, The Renegade Saints, Jim Crabbe, Ponticello, Big Jay McNeely, Earl King, Dave Fleshner, The Native Suns, and Pond.