Michael was a member of the extremely popular Central Illinois group City Limits Band from 1988 through August 2007. The group toured over 6 states, performed in front of thousands of people, was an opening act for over 30 national country music artists, and had immense success. Preceding that, he worked out of Nashville from 1982-1988 professionally with several top name recording artists touring the country including Helen Cornelius and David Wills, was a member of the popular Midwest group “Goldust,” and was staff lead guitarist for the “Illinois Country Opry”, near the New Salem State Park in Petersburg, Ill, throughout the mid to late 1970s.
Michael's main instrument is Lead Guitar, but he also plays Pedal Steel Guitar and Fiddle, as well as Banjo, Harmonica, Mandolin, and just about anything with strings. He also sings lead and backup vocals. His arrangements of “Orange Blossom Special” and “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” are among his most requested songs.
A musician from a very early age, his mother is credited with his start, teaching him the first three chords he learned on guitar as well as how to 'pick out'. He enjoys many areas of music, but his roots are deep in country music. Michael has been involved with many recording projects locally and nationally throughout his career, both as musician and producer/arranger, and appeared in the late 70’s Warner Bros. movie “The Awakening Land” starring Hal Holbrooke, Elizabeth Montgomery, and Jane Seymour.
