Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Mike was one of seven children. Early on we knew Mike was gifted as he was a voracious reader with a fabulous curiosity. After graduating from Kenmore West Senior High at the very top of his class, Mike enrolled at SUNY Binghamton, where his love of music would flourish as a DJ, and later the Manager of the college radio station WHRW.

Mike had a spirit, enthusiasm, and outsized generosity - ready to share anything that he loved with others. Mike had many guises - artist, musicologist, collector, filmmaker, paralegal, proofreader, rollerblader, Coney Island swimmer, surfer, vegan cook, and inventor. An avid concert goer, nothing excited Mike more than the prospect of an upcoming show or seeing an African band on a hot afternoon at Union Pool. His enthusiasm—or more correctly, zeal—was amazing. He always seemed to know performers, promoters, and venue operators. If he didn't, he would seek them out after the show and sometimes give them one of his creations - like a silk-screened tote bag or button. He was a fan and unafraid to show it.

The many things he loved, he loved a lot.