A local of Fall River, Massachusetts and now residing in neighbouring Somerset, Michael has been playing solo sets and supporting others with a varied showcase of his own work for over 20 years. However, in the past 5 years, Michael has devoted more time to his music...the results of which are collected in his debut release, "Whispers in the Wind ".
Michael will tell you he has lived several lives this time around....mill worker, fisherman, laborer and carpentar...however he has always come back to his first love which is music.....
Michael is married with 4 daughters ( who inspired the poignant lullaby on the album ), all of whom play music.
In January 1998, Michael began to make Tuesday night treks to Cambridge, MA to perform at Club Passim's open mics. Later that year, he was offered an opening gig for Bill Staines, and so started the idea of creating a recording.
He is a familiar figure on the Massachusetts folk scene, playing his own original blend of folk and bluegrass and showcasing his songwriting talents.
Michael's Awards
WINNER: 2006 Wildflower Folk Festival Songwriter's Contest;
(www.magmusic.com)
WINNER: 2005 So. Florida Folk Festival Songwriter's Contest;
(www.southfloridafolkfest.com)
WINNER: 2004 Founders Title Folk & Bluegrass Festival Songwriter's Contest;
(www.foundersfestival.org)
WINNER: 2004 Boston Folk Festival Songwriter's Contest
(www.bostonfolkfestival.com )
2004 Kerrville Folk Festival New Song Contest; Finalist
(www.kerrville-music.com)
2004 Woody Guthrie Songwriter's Contest; 2nd Place Winner
(www.woodyguthrie.com)
2004 Chris Austin Songwriter's Contest @ Merlefest; 2nd Place Winner
(www.merlefest.org)
2003 USA Songwriter's Contest; Folk Category Finalist
(www.songwriting.net)
2003 Southwestern Regional Folk Alliance Conference; Emerging Artist Showcase
(www.swfolk.org)
2003 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference; Formal Showcase
www.nefolk.org
2003 FalconRidge Folk Festival; Emerging Artist Showcase
www.falconridgefolk.com
2003 Winterfolk II Festival; Emerging Artist Showcase
www.winterfolk.com
I have three CD's out, Whispers in the Wind, Romancing the Moon and 2009 release Mill Town Boy. If you are interested in purchasing either of these CD's they are both $15 each and you can contact CHIQUITA7733@AOL.COM.
Michael, Thank you so much for coming to The Stagecoach last night, and for stepping in and Featuring. Your set was fabulous! I was honored to have you there. Gayle
From heaven above arrives a fascination, It..s a personal, glory innovation To be honest, thankfull and true - Holy night, I trust in you, cause you give freedom to everyone, You spend much love and also fun. I treasure Christmas through the years, It..s a magic time, which disappears. But it comes back again and again, I..m indeed a Christmas - fan.
I wish you and your family a merry christmas Love & Peace
Hi Michael, Happy Birthday (a little late!) Sorry we missed the birthday show but we'll definitely catch you at The Whaling City Showcase. Well our cd is fanally done. Hope you can make it to our release. See you soon, Tesseract
Hey there Michael, We're looking forward to having you at the Whaling Country Showcase in NB on November 7th. Its going to be a great night of music. Any of your friends and fans in the New Bedford area can get tickets now at Gallery X or Calico in downtown NB. Talk to you soon, WCS.
Thanks for the add, Michael, and for joining our festival again this year ... and for your help in spreading the word about the Taunton River Folk Festival www. tauntonfest. org) and keeping live music alive!
thanks for all the kind words michael you're a true inspiration. i'll be satisfied if my music touches people in half the way your music does. you're one amazing earthling
