Michael Stever
After graduating from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Michael was hired as lead/solo trumpet for the “Mancini at the Movies” tour, featuring Monica Mancini. From there, he attended the University of Southern California under a full-tuition scholarship. At USC, he taught with Alan Pasqua, as well as teaching individual trumpet and composition lessons.
He has performed with Al Jarreau, Dave Brubeck, Ramsey Lewis, Steve Miller, Warren Hill, Ray Parker Jr., Bobby Caldwell, Gerald Albright, Boney James, Candy Dulfer, and Brian Culbertson, to name a few. He also placed 2nd in the 2005 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition. Michael has played on recordings by Steve Miller, Brian Culbertson, Eric Marienthal, and Eric Darius. Michael played trumpet and auxiliary keyboards on the 2006 “A Soulful Christmas” tour as well as the 2007 All-Star Smooth Jazz Cruise.
Michael has written for Ramsey Lewis, Steve Miller, Reneé Olstead, and Brian Culbertson. His album credits also include studio assistant for Brian Culbertson’s “A Soulful Christmas” and music preparation for Ray Charles’ “Ray Sings, Basie Swings.” Michael did music preparation and arranging for the 2006 & 2007 “A Soulful Christmas” tours.
Michael also enjoys watching “The Office” and Formula 1 racing.