In the 80's, when everyone else was listening to heavy metal, Michael wore out his brother's James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Dan Fogelberg records. He wrote his first song, "See," in 1999 while on deployment with the U.S. Marine Corps. On his second deployment in 2001, he took a four-track recorder with him and began to record many of the songs he performs today. Although Operation Iraqi Freedom temporarily interrupted his creative flow, he took a guitar with him back to Iraq in 2004 and managed to write more. When he returned from this second tour in Iraq to his home in San Diego, Calif., he took the stage for the first time at an open mic night at Milano's in La Jolla, Calif. Despite stage fright, onlookers encouraged him to continue arguing nothing should rattle him after facing the uncertainties of war. Since then, he caught the performance bug and has played out five to seven nights a week. In April 2006, he moved to the East Coast. He started playing anywhere he could find a microphone -- open mic nights, showcases and even street performing in Old Town Alexandria, doing 110 shows in 2006. In 2007, he played over 160 shows including festivals, charities and opening for national touring acts. He is the founder of "The D.C. Acoustic Underground," a network of up-and-coming musicians. His first record, "What Dreams May Come" will be released in early 2008 and he continues to write and perform and record. He appreciates you listening and wishes you and yours the very best.