BIOGRAPHY

Mike Williams on Sax is an Inspirational Saxophonist, with influences of Smooth Jazz, R&B, Pop, Oldies, Funk, Fusion, Indie Rock, and Gospel. Mike is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, but has called North-West Ohio; particularly Greater Toledo, home for the past 11 years. He loves cross generational music; and the blending of various musical genres and styles. Mike enjoys challenging the musical rules, boundaries, and traditional music theory; in his original music, arrangements, and compositions. With 20 years of experience in live entertainment and performance; Mike has acquired knowledge in a wide variety of different types of stages and performance spaces. Each stage, genre, and style has given him a new appreciation for music and the culture that is attached to each.

Mike’s musical career began a little differently, then most people would have imagined. His grandmother recommended that he start classical piano lessons; in efforts of stimulating his young brain. Shortly after, at the tender age of 9, he began his classical piano journey. Just after he began piano lessons, his school music teacher, Mrs. Rodriguez, contacted his parents; informing them that she would endorse him to audition for the world renown Cincinnati Boychoir. After a successful audition; Mike was the newest member to the choir, and was to begin as a full-time member at the start of the fall school year. In the Fall semester of his 5th grade academic year; students were to choose a band instrument for music class. Mike wanted to be a drummer like his older brother and father; but stood no chance as each percussion slot was filled instantly by the raising of student's hands. Mike remembered seeing an older cousin playing the saxophone, so he decided he would “settled for the sax”.

Mike majored in Business Management and minored in Musical Recording Technology, from Bowling Green State University; graduating in 2013. Just before starting his senior year, in 2012, he began playing as a Church Musician for Family Baptist Church; where he still continues to serve. Upon graduation, Mike began he career in Corporate America and remained for 4.5 years; until the gravitational pull of music steered him towards a career as a full-time musician. In 2015 he began playing with Zack Fletcher & Kevin Jorrey, which would later be molded into the band Moths in the Attic. The band was considered Indie Rock, Alternative Rock, and Soft Rock; and really forced Mike to learn how to compliment lead vocalists. This style of music was unlike anything he had ever played before; but it really was one of the greatest things that could have ever happened for him; as it helped increase his diverse musical palate.

As Mike continued to explore new avenues as a full-time musician; this also allowed him the opportunity to find his own original sound and voice. Mike began to find himself servicing many unique venues and spaces; as demand continued to increase all throughout Northern Ohio. He also has become known for providing a Soulful Rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner", which he has performed at various sporting events for High School, College, Minor League and Major League games. In addition to a whole host of private events and restaurant events; Mike can also be seen playing or sitting in with various groups and singers in NW Ohio. Mike has shared stages and recording sessions with, Folk Artist Dan Bern, Award Winning Blues Singer, Johnny Rawls, and Award Winning Jazz Singer, Ramona Collins. Mike has also opened up for several National Touring Acts with various groups including: Patti LaBelle, Gwen Stefani, Drake, Peter Collins, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Tyler Childers, The Vindys, OWEL, Ashland, and Helmet.