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Michael
"Mickey Swingerhead" Andrew
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"Michael
is one of the great singers of all time"
Merv Griffin as quoted on "CNN's Larry
King Live"
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Singer, Band Leader,
Songwriter,
Producer, Actor and Vocal Coach
Originally
From: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Birthday:
September 3rd
Nicknames:
"M.A." "Mech", "Mickey", "Mick",
"Jack", "Mr. Grinch"
Instruments:
Vocal Pipes, Bongos, Theramin, Clarinet, Sax, Piano, Accordion,
Concertina, Marraccas, fingers for snapping on 2 and 4, state-of-the-art
MAC gear and recording equipment.
Personal Motto:
Stay Strong, Centered, Focused and Healthy
CLICK
HERE TO SEND M.A. AN EMAIL
Michael
Andrew has always loved sophisticated swing music. His favorite performers
were Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Mel Torme, and the popular
song stylists from generations before his time. When he was a boy
tagging along with his folks to hear great music he was already tapping
his foot on 'two and four' like he was part of the band. He grew up
with a family and a circle of friends who are talented musicians,
singers and inspirations. Michael often performed his own 'shows'
playing ticket taker, usher, announcer and the performer. At age 9,
Andrew really became hooked to the swing feel when hearing Les
Brown Band in the club scene of 'The Nutty Professor' (w/
Jerry Lewis) performing the song "Leapfrog". He was
lip synching to tunes from The Four Freshman and Five Trumpets
- he didn't know why, but he just loved that music.
As a teen, Andrew was still listening and learning the great hit
songs of the 30's, 40's and 50's off of player pianos he rebuilt for
extra money. He also studied the nostalgic movies and musicals. At
Menomonee Falls North High School, Andrew was named "Best Actor".
He spent quality time learning about music, composing, arranging,
band leading and modern recording techniques from his one of his most
important mentors, Milwaukee's late, great band leader, Dave Kennedy.
Kennedy taught Michael not only how to play to the dance floor, but
to those who were not dancing - a key element to Andrew's career success.
Andrew attended The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire soaking
in business and advertising skills so he knew how to promote himself
s a character actor. After being invited to a 'theatre picnic' and
mingling with people who liked to do the same things as him, he eventually
became a theatre major. In addition to his Buddy Love-type
lounge singer character - he landed numerous lead roles in university
and summer theatre productions. In his sophomore year, he created
"The Michael Andrew Trio" to perform his favorites
jazz standards of the 1920s, 30's and 40's. His senior year took him
on a six-month study program in Scotland. Here he learned (aside from
his studies) just how important the great American songbook is to
everyone. Andrew graduated from in 1987 with a major in theatre and
a minor in promotions (theatrical graphic design), Bachelor of Arts
degree. (Andrew was honored with the annual "Outstanding
Alumni Award" from UWEC in 1999).
 Michael
developed a successful Sinatra-influenced singing act for Carnival
Cruise Lines and became one of their top world class fly-in entertainers.
His unique character acting/metamorphosis is spellbinding. "I'd play
a nerd who ran around the ship wearing glasses with tape on them who
had no idea he was a nerd. Them I'd go through this comedy routine
with slapstick and the world's worst ventriloquist act and, finally,
imitations. The first two were horrible, then I'd go into my Sinatra
character and it would blow everybody away. It became Carnival's number
one acts and they flew me all over the world." He also performed around
the world on Holland America, Crown, Crystal Cruise Lines and American
Hawaii also entertaining on their prestigious inaugural cruises.
In 1990
and on land again, he formed "The Michael Andrew Orchestras"
with the goal of providing timeless music in the style of the big
bands of the 40's and in the tradition of popular singers like Tony
Bennett and Frank Sinatra. Andrew chose Orlando, Florida
to based his business because of the wide range of entertainment opportunities.
At Universal Studios, he worked on character acting, portraying
Stan Laurel, replicating his every mannerism. His band was
gaining popularity by performing dynamic music for sophisticated occasions'
- the orchestras played in some of the most exclusive venues in America.
He then became the headliner at Merv Griffin's Resorts International
Casino Hotel (Atlantic City) in "Mr. G's Lounge" - where
agents were watching and listening...
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Then, in 1992, eight
months later, the agent for the world famous Rainbow
Room (photos)
in New York City called to invite Michael to an audition to become
their headlining singer and band leader 65-stories high above Manhattan.
He quickly flew to New York from the Grand Cayman Islands, where he
was performing aboard a ship. He was hired for a 10-day tryout
which led to a six-month contract and it was extended
four times for a total of 25 months inside The Rockefeller Center
until June 1995.
WQEW, New York's nostalgic radio station
ran a weekly series of live broadcasts starring "Michael Andrew
and the Rainbow Room Orchestra". MA has these historic broadcasts
cataloged in his library archives now. Also
in '92, he recorded and released his first album/CD called "Overnight
Success" which featured American classics as well as
his original clever compositions. Michael was the featured headliner
with the Florida Symphony Orchestra - this wet his appetite
to do more symphony work combining genres.
Download and play a vintage
promo video clip of Michael.
Summer of
'96 audiences and critics raved about his "hi-fi, sci-fi"
musical comedy,"Mickey
Swingerhead & The Earthgirls",  which
he produced in Orlando, Florida. Andrew meshed his love for acting
and singing with his passion for retro-modo-exotica music from the
50's (Esquivel, Martin Denny, Arthur Lyman and Les Baxter)
with a dash of B-movie kitsch. Andrew wrote this show on his laptop
while performing around the world. In this show, set in outerspace,
Andrew plays two characters: "Mickey Swingerhead"-
a rebel who strives to keep the prohibited swing music alive in the
suppressed futuristic society, and "Cosmo Kelp"-
a quirky techno-nerd, destined to save 'outlawed' swing from the dreaded
Jazz Police. This show is being re-staged for theatre and television
production in 2003, so stay tuned and visit the link above. The show
is a bit of a parallel to Andrew's goals; keeping the great swing
music of yesteryear alive.
Also in '96, Michael released
his semi-autobiographical album/CD, appropriately entitled, "I
Guess I'm a Little Out of Date", the title track
being his signature song. It's a great collection of classic swingin'
standards such as "We've Got A World That Swings",
"Nancy, With the Smilin' Face", and "The
Jet Set" plus six great retro-polished tunes of his own.
We do have limited copies available again of this fabulous recording
and you can order this CD here.
 1997
had Michael showcasing his bands, "The Michael Andrew Retro-Swing
Band" and the larger "The Michael Andrew Orchestra'
at over 300 special appearances a year around the country at Fortune
500 corporate shows, society events, music festivals, colleges and nightclubs...
his original songs on all radio formats... Playing every available night
in Orlando at Walt Disney World's step-back-in-time Coney Island-style
ballroom, Atlantic Dance Hall at The Boardwalk Resort - attracting
Orlando's underground scenesters, exhibition dancers with the hippest
seniors and international tourists. There was 2 floors of dancing all
night long to classics, TV theme songs and the popular Swingerhead hits.
Allthewhile - America lindyhopped along with The Gap TV commercial which
brought back Louis Prima's "Jump, Jive an' Wail" for its khaki
pants validating swing is 'the thing'. Once again, Andrew was ahead
of the Pack.
In light of 1998's pop-culture's
rising interest towards the 'cocktail culture' and trendy 'lounge lifestyle',
Michael's various musical projects and the people around him, inspired
him to create his dynamic band, Swingerhead.
To fulfill this vision he enlisted some of the most talented musicians
in the country. The band toured the nation and quickly became a favorite
at all the venues they played. Their debut CD of more Andrew-original
songs called "She Could Be
A Spy" became a favorite on all radio formats, sales
charts, home hi-fis and in magazine reviews, including Rolling
Stone. This album
was awarded "CD of The Year" by The
1998 Orlando Music Awards. And Swingerhead was also awarded
the OMA " Lounge / Swing Band of the Year". The CD
ranges from romantic ballads, Esquivel-style lounge to hi-NRG
swing feels. Swingerhead was named "Best Unsigned Local Band"
by The Orlando Weekly readers. Andrew wanted to capture a crossover
audience and formed an alliance with a local rock and roll club owner
of Jani Lane's Sunset Strip. After successful one-offs with a
swing night - it became thee Central Florida hot spot. The venue was
completely remodeled and renamed to fit the new audience. Even though
they had an extensive touring schedule, Swingerhead was crowned the
house band at "Rat Pack's On The Avenue". This swanky,
retro nightclub in downtown Orlando, Florida rebuilt and redesigned
just for them. This club was voted "Best New Hot Spot in Orlando"
crediting Andrew for his performance and promotion of this venue. Nightclub
and Bar Magazine featured the club as a cover story. Their run lasted
from October '97 through May '99 in-between touring. A new "Rat
Pack Reunion USO" night is currently in full swing Monday nights
at Universal Orlando's CityJazz nightclub drawing hundreds of fans.
Swingerhead has accumulated thousands of fans along the way their impressive
coast to coast tours (view Career Highlights)
making them one of the most entertaining bands in the land performing
today. Andrew is also known for launching some of the most successful
nightclub residencies in the country.
 Also
way back in 1998, Merv
Griffin (photos), came back into the picture. Among his
entertainment holdings, he is the owner of the Beverly Hilton Hotel
(Beverly Hills, California). He decided to launch something new- and
something old: the Coconut Club,
an updated version of the classic Cocoanut Grove, the glamorous
nightclub that used to draw in the stars at the Ambassador Hotel.
(Merv used to sing at the original Cocoanut Grove with Freddie Martin's
orchestra, his big hit song was "I've Got a Loverly Bunch of
Coconuts!"). If you wanted to dance the night way to Big Band swing
and salsa, in an Old Hollywood room reminiscent of the 40's, this was
the place to be. The three-level club was set in the Grand Ballroom
of the Beverly Hilton and featured dining for 450 in a tropical setting
(with gold & silver palm trees and wild-eyed neon monkeys), plus swing
dancing on the dark blue, 900-foot dance floor. Naturally, Michael Andrew
and Swingerhead were frequent guests performers when they could be in
Los Angeles. On New Years Eve 1999,
Michael and Swingerhead rung in the New Year at The
Coconut Club. Shortly after that performance, Merv
- the legendary host, personally invited Michael to perform at The Coconut
Club on a steady basis. So, in January 2000, Michael put  together
his Los Angeles based 10-piece band now known as "The Coconut
Club Orchestra" (CCO). They performed every Saturday
night playing a mixture of swing and Latin flavored music. The contract
was extended over a dozen times leads to an 18-month run on the celebrity
filled dancefloor. Read more about
The Coconut Club and the stars they entertained. Occasionally Michael
and The CCO perform with Merv Griffin and his legendary celebrity
friends (including Jack
Jones, Carol Channing, Judy
Johnson Lindsay, Mort Lindsay-photo,
Norm Crosby, Michael Feinstein-photo,
Suzanne Somers-photos,
Trini Lopez-photos)
at private events and festivals. They are 'the band to the stars'
performing to a mixture of classic- an new-Hollywood crowds MA. The
CCO even performed at Suzanne
Somers birthday party at her home. Merv
Griffin said on national television (on CNN's "Larry King Live")
that "The Coconut Club Orchestra are fantastic... and so is Michael.
Michael is one of the great singers of all time."
 While
making capacity crowds buzz from Florida to New York to LA, Swingerhead
developed quite a solid reputation for themselves earning more 'open
door' invitations to return. Michael Andrew and the Swingerheads were
awarded Favorite Lounge/ Swing/ Rockabilly Band trophy for the
2nd year in a row by The 1999 Orlando
Music Awards resulting from public voting polls. In Fall 1999,
Michael produced a special holiday album "A
Swingerhead Christmas" which became a #1 seller
in Central Florida stores (and continues to do so now 3 years in a row).
To join his Swingerhead South Pole, he enlisted the guest talents of
vocal group, Toxic Audio, "Broccoli Rob" from Dem
Brooklyn Bums and even Eddie Nichols from Royal Crown
Revue to spice up the eggnog. Again combining classic songs with
some new Holiday songs penned by Andrew. The gang lends annual concert
performances on radio and television programs to spread their Holiday
cheer as well as in the finest nightclubs and with symphony orchestras..
The now-classic Swingerhead Christmas
CD is available here.
Maintaining a rigorous performance schedule of national corporate events,
charity gala and festivals. Hometown fans
back on the East Coast, handed Michael Andrew and Swingerhead the
Favorite Jazz/Swing/Lounge Band trophy -- for the 3rd year in a
row in The 2000 Orlando Music Awards.
2001 added
to Andrew's impressive acting resume' (along with some 'honorary Swingerheads')
with a cameo role on the big screen in MGM Pictures' major motion picture
release "Heartbreakers".
The romantic comedy, directed by David Mirkin, stars Sigourney
Weaver, Ray Liotta, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Gene Hackman, Anne Bancroft
and Jason Lee. Michael produced the music tracks for his scene
and is, fittingly, appearing as.... the high class wedding band leader.
It was a thrilling experience. He recorded Sinatra's"The Best
is Yet to Come" and "Fly Me to The Moon" in
the haunting Capitol Records'
Studios, Studio A (where Sinatra recorded the same great songs)
for the RCA Victor soundtrack album, produced by Music Supervisor,
Maureen Crowe. The soundtrack includes music my Sarah Vaughn,
Astrud Gilberto, Shawn Colvin, Becca, Alison Krauss,
Eman, Jonathan Debney and Danny Elfman. (Additional songs
were recorded at Capitol for Andrew's forthcoming albums) The soundtrack
and video and DVD releases are available worldwide. And the film is
being played on international flights on Delta, FinAir and China Air.
Read the 'Heartbreakers'
story, reviews, see photos and order your copies here.
Also in 2001, Michael Andrew and Swingerhead were awarded yet another
spectacular glass sculpture trophy for "Favorite Jazz Band"
band for the 4th year in a row, by their fans, in The
2001 Orlando Music Awards.
2002 has kept M.A. a full fledged, frequent
flier (as seen in photo). The
'Singin' and Swingin with Michael Andrew'' symphonic pops concerts are
popping up all over the country. And he keeps
his bands performing across the country at high profile events, charity
galas to nationally televised sporting events with The
Orlando Magic (see photos
and download an exclusive MP3)
Michael
is thrilled to perform with symphony orchestras around the USA as the
headline vocalist. He has already performed with The Akron Symphony,
Florida Symphony, San Antonio
Symphony (review),
Tulsa Philharmonic, New Mexico Symphony, Houston
Symphony (release),
Jacksonville Symphony
(preview), Wichita
Symphony (review)
and The Long
Beach Symphony (review)
Orchestras. Most
of these entertaining concerts are teamed with national Principal Pops
Conductor, Michael Krajewski. Andrew
has also made a name for himself by partnering with his
hometown big-big-band, the acclaimed Orlando
Philharmonic Orchestra (review).
Together the y
have presented 3 productions, including a 'Swingin' Swingerhead Christmas'
pops concert. The 10-piece Swingerhead
musicians, local dancers and artists add to the SRO shows in an energy
filled Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. All these unique shows around
the country are receiving standing ovations for his singing and showmanship.
Andrew provides the arrangements
of orchestral tributes to some of his favorite singers and songwriters
(Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis, Jr.). Plus there are
clever orchestral scores of patriotic favorites and even his original
hit songs. Time Warner Cable of Orlando broadcasts televised highlights
these concerts every month. These broadcasts won the national Telly
Award for Outstanding Entertainment Program. Read
the story, see the statuette. By request,
Michael performed with The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra again in November
2002 in a special concert called "Home
for the Holidays".
 In
between this busy schedule, M.A. is a record producer, engineer and
even a vocal coach. Andrew
completed recording his self-produced, long-awaited, two followup albums.
In addition to building his own music library for film and television
scores and commercial use, he is also producing some demo albums for
talented artists in his state-of-the-art, self-built studios. MA also
produced some fantastic sessions with his Swingerhead Big Band
at the legendary Capitol Studios
in Hollywood (photos)- in the same Studio A where Sinatra recorded
- even on the same microphone - and with Sinatra's legendary guitarist,
Al Viola (photos),
who played on the same Gibson used in the original sessions. These incredible
CDs are now finally available.
"Destination Moon",
a kitschy, hi-fi-sci-fi tribute to the space-age-bachelor-pad-music
in that swingin' pop style of the 1950's and the second album is a fitting
homage "Michael Andrew
Pays Tribute to Frank Sinatra" Michael worked for over two
years to complete these recordings using some of his top U.S. musicians
and his custom studios to help keep The Great American Songbook alive.
Between
concerts in Spring of 2002, Andrew swung back to the theatre stage by
co-starring in the classic Irving Berlin-Moss Hart, music revue
show, "As Thousands Cheer". The show became one of
the most successful in Mad Cow Theatre's history - selling out
almost every performance. Here's a great
Theatre highlight and in-depth interview with M.A.. M.A.
made his London performance debut in the Summer of '02, at the legendary
jazz joint, The 100 Club
(photos), before his 3-week long European tour on Holland
America Cruise Lines. The summer had M.A. continuing his symphonic
pops concert series as featured vocalist, concerts with Swingerhead
and CD release parties and promotions. JazzIN Orlando has
nominated Mike "Vocalist of the Year" and his band,
"Show/Performer of the Year". Michael and his Swingerhead's
were nominated for the 6th year in a row as Favorite Jazz Band
in Orlando in The 2002 Orlando
Music Awards.  In
the Fall, Michael and Swingerhead (featuring original Swingerhead band
members) completed a month-long tour across southwest America in the
Community Concerts music series. The nationwide performance schedule
for the Spring 2003 MidWest tour is on
Gigs.
This Holiday season has M.A. performing weekly. He teamed up for his
second Holiday concert with The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
earning rave reviews.
New Years Eve 2002 will be swung in this year in Orlando. (see
previous New Years performance places) Michael Andrew and Swingerhead
will be a part of a landmark cultural arts event. They will be performing
at The Grande Masque Ball... combining efforts with The Orlando
Philharmonic Orchestra, The Orlando Opera and The Orlando Ballet
to present a fantastic celebration. Read
about this upcoming special event here.
2003 will see Michael Andrew
and his Swingerhead touring the USA in their second national tour for
the Community Concerts Association. The growing schedule is now
posted on the Gigs page of this site.
"Timeless
entertainment, that is what I want to help give the world. I want to
influence a new benchmark for a higher standard"
Read client quotes and humorous celebrity testimonials by clicking
here.
You can also see a recap of some performance highlights through the
years here.
Visit
Michael's 'agent-friendly site' for more promo photos and info at
www.MichaelAndrew.com
You'll never know what's going to happen next for Mickey
Swingerhead... just remember....
...the
best is yet to come
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