Michael is a product of the Northwest and proud of it. Born and raised in the country just outside the small town of Eagle Point, Oregon.Growing up in the country was a great experience for Michael. His Grandpa on one side of the family was an avid hunter and fisherman, so he was able to spend a great deal of time in the mountains. His Grandpa on the other side of the family was the Manager of two large cattle ranches, one in Oregon and the other in Northern California. “ I felt especially fortunate to get the best of both worlds as a kid, learning about the woods and getting to spend my summers being a cowboy. You can’t get any better than that!”His first introduction to the guitar was when his dad and a friend decided to buy a couple of guitars and learn how to play. “My dad’s friend had a son about my age, named Jack, and it wasn’t very long ‘til we were playin’ along.” We learned to play songs from Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins and Charlie Pride.Michael and Jack played their first concert at their grade school. They played for Michael’s 3rd grade class and then again for Jack’s 5th grade class guitars in tow and mom’s packin’ the amplifiers. “We even had matching clothes! We were a hit in the class room with a rousing rendition of Okie From Muskogee and Do What You Do Do Well. The girls loved it! We were hooked after that!”Over the years, Michael has been involved with a number of different bands. Playing for county fairs, barn dances, wedding receptions and the like, as well as opening for well known acts such as Dan Seals, Little Texas and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.Michael spent several months living in Nashville, hanging out with the local songwriting community and learning the craft of songwriting. “It was an awesome experience for me and I learned a lot, but my home is in the Northwest.”Shortly after returning from Nashville, Michael met up with Jason Johnston, a local singer/songwriter. “I just loved his style of songwriting and wanted to try writing with him.” It wasn‘t long before they were getting together on a regular basis. Jason and Michael have over one hundred songs to their credit and still enjoy writing together.Michael has recently returned from Nashville once again with his latest recordings. His CD is entitled, “There From Here” with many of the songs being co-written with partner, Johnston. “I am very proud of this CD and I am anxious to share it with everyone.”