Michael George Gonzalez

Michael was born in the Finger Lakes region of central New York state. This region has a rich history and diverse cultural influences as evident in Michael's heritage. His father is Puerto Rican and is mother is Ukranian. This diversity combined with beautiful nature the region offered early inspiration for his imagination and creativity.

From an early age Michael was active in the arts; playing trumpet in band, singing in choir, and performing musical theater.

After high school Gonzalez moved to Tennessee. He spent his nights at open mics and bars rubbing elbows with talented songwriters. This experience refined his songwriting and guitar skills while instilling a work ethic he carries today.

In the late 90s Michael moved to Seattle where he enrolled at North Seattle Community College. He studied classical composition with Dr. Carol Sams and jazz performance under virtuoso trumpeter and leader of the Harry James Orchestra Fred Radke.

At NSCC Gonzalez was a trumpeter in jazz orchestra, leader of jazz combo, tenor in the choir, and music director for a Stage One theater production. He was awarded the Bill Muncie Music Scholar Award three times. In addition he helped organize and performed at the International Human Rights Conference presented by Washington Center at Evergreen.

By 2003 Michael performed regularly on the west coast. He continued his education at the Pacific NW Film Score Institute studying with two-time Emmy winning composer, Hummie Mann, and private jazz composition studies with legendary bassist Chuck Israels.

In 2006 Michael returned to upstate New York to care for his Mother through illness. This brought him full circle combining his travel experience and education with his family roots. This catharsis sparked his creative focus. He spent 3 years writing, arranging and performing almost exclusively as a solo artist. The culmination was the release of his album New Shade in June 2009.

In the summer of 2010 Michael returned to the Pacific NW to live, perform, compose, and teach. He currently resides in Washington state and performs regularly throughout the region. Recently his band was featured at the 2010 Taste of Fairhaven Festival. He performed as a solo artist at the 2010 Summer Meltdown Festival.

In his free time he mentors musicians in private lessons. Michael also enjoys spending time in nature and vegan cooking.