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Capitol piano man Mike Michelson

JEFFERSON CITY Mo — Upon entering Bones Restaurant and Lounge in Jefferson City, one may encounter pianist Mike Michelson on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday evening.

Michelson has spent the better part of 55 years mastering the piano. In Jefferson City, Michelson spent 18 years studying under Dr. Greene, who was a Juilliard-trained musician.

“I started when I was four years old taking lessons, I’ve always loved playing music so it just kind of came naturally” Michelson said.

Michelson is a Jefferson City native who decided to go to the University of Missouri to pursue a degree in music education, but chose not to finish two years in. “I decided halfway through I didn’t want to be a music teacher, I just like performing” Michelson said.

Employment as a piano player came with no delay for Michelson who gained a position at the Columbia Ramada Inn.

“I took a job back then playing at the Ramada Inn – it turned out to be a 39 year job” Michelson told The Missouri Times.DSC_5439-2-2

In his time off the clock Michelson would keep up appearances playing for those who would want to hear his music, including politicians.

“When I was young, my mom was involved in politics, so she always had me play at political functions.. I’ve played for every governor since Warren Hearnes at the mansion. Ive played for a lot of fundraisers and receptions”.

Michelson has taken his talents out of state on several occasions as well playing in Nashville, Tulsa, and Chicago. During his musical times of travel, Michelson met America’s Got Talent winner Neal Boyd and has played music with him on several occasions.

One night that does stand out to Michelson as a performer was at Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

“About two years ago, myself, Neal Boyd, Will West, and Dr. David Marty put on a benefit concert at Lincoln University, we split the money between the Samaritan Center and Lincoln university. We raised over 20,000 dollars – that was really great” Michelson said.

Other than professionally playing the piano, Michelson also has been a registered lobbyist for the last 14 years and currently represents GSK, Elks Lodges, Missouri Corrections Officers, and MoDOT employees.

“I play golf with a guy who was a lobbyist from Southwestern Bell named Bob Waldron, my mother had worked almost thirty years for Dick Webster and when he passed away she worked for Marvin Singleton. When she passed away, it wasn’t long after Southwestern Bell had a lot of phone issues. They were hiring a lot of people, so this guy from Southwestern Bell asked if I’d be interested” Michelson said.

At first Michelson was unsure about becoming a lobbyist, as it would cut into his golfing. “I was a little apprehensive at first because I played golf every day” Michelson said.

Michelson is grateful for his long music playing and lobbyist career and has seen how they can intersect.

“I’ve made a lot of great friendships through the year, I think music is a great way to meet people. We have a lot of people coming from the Capitol – it’s not always business people come here to get away” Michelson said.