Member Profile

Born in California (Nov. 1964) and raised in Arizona, Mike began his musical journey as a banjo and guitar player. Throughout his high school years, Mike honed his abilities playing bluegrass and country music in and around the Phoenix area as well as competing in contests throughout the Southwest. Having won and placed in many regional and national competitions, pursuing a career in music became his passion. Upon graduation from high school in 1982 his next endeavor was to attend college in Levelland, Texas at South Plains College where the college provided a unique curriculum in Country and Bluegrass Music. This led to the formation of Weary Hearts, a bluegrass band formed with Ron Block (Alison Krauss), Eric Uglum and the late Butch Baldassari (Nashville Mandolin Ensemble). Through the years and miles the band became regionally popular and new guitarist Chris Jones (Sirius/XM DJ) inspired a move to Nashville. Mike and the band landed in Nashville in the Fall of 1989. With the departure of Ron Block, Mike again concentrated on the banjo and guitar as his primary instruments. As Weary Hearts began to fade, a new opportunity arose and Mike returned to the bass to work with The Del McCoury Band. With Del, Mike began a 13 year association with what was to become the most awarded band at the International Bluegrass Music Assoc. Awards. Racking up an unprecedented 9 Entertainer of the Year awards, 5 Bass Player of the Year awards as well as various Album, Instrumental and Song of the Year awards. While with Del McCoury, the band recorded the seminal album 'The Mountain' with Steve Earle, taking their brand of Bluegrass to a whole new audience. Del and the band were granted membership to the Grand Ole Opry as well a Grammy award for the album 'The Company We Keep' for Best Bluegrass Album of 2005.
On the side, Mike performed weekly every Tuesday night at the Station Inn with the Sidemen. A conglomeration of some of Nashville's best working Bluegrass musicians. The stint lasted 16 years and became a Nashville tradition on Tuesday nights.
Since 2005, Mike has been developing his work as a session musician and producer as well as a go to bass player for many artists. Recent years have seen Mike touring and performing with the likes of Vince Gill, Peter Rowan & Tony Rice Quartet, Tim O'Brien, Shawn Camp, Dale Ann Bradley, Chris Scruggs, John Oates, David Peterson & 1946 and country artist Ashley Monroe. 2009 saw the formation of Nashville super group '18 South'. A band made up of music veterans, the band covers a full gamut of musical styles built around the songs and singing of guitarist Jon Randall Stewart, Jessi Alexander and pianist Jimmy Wallace and the instrumental prowess of guitarist Guthrie Trapp and drummer Larry Atamanuik. This year Mike will be touring with Warner Brothers artist, Ashley Monroe fronting the concerts for Hunter Hayes' headlining tour throughout the Southeast and Midwest.
A long time resident of East Nashville, Mike can often be found playing the local clubs with his talented friends and neighbors.