Directors
Michael was born in Washington DC and raised in Upstate New York. His interest in music began fairly early for someone who
did not come from a musical family – in fact, he was encouraged to pursue a career in either Government, Law, or Medicine.
Deep down he felt that neither of these paths resonated with him and opted for a career in the arts instead.
As a child he began practicing the violin, which he initially enjoyed during the 3 years he played but later found himself losing interest in part due to the lack of dynamics of the instrument that would keep his young mind engaged. At age 7 he tagged along to one of his brother’s school parties where he saw a band perform and was mesmerized by the percussionist. This was the moment his fascination with the drums began.
Michael began his journey into drumming in a fairly unconventional way. His very first drum teacher happened to be a physicist and since his family could not afford to pay for lessons they would invite him over for dinner on lesson nights. During these dinners Michael was not only given drum lessons, but he was also taught the physics behind how drums work. Everything about the drums fascinated him.
In 1983, he won first prize at the Vienna International Music Festival for classical timpani. He studied with notable teachers including George Huttlin, Marshall Maley and Buddy Rich.
The bands that inspired him during his early years were Rush, Led Zeppelin, The Carpenters, Air Supply and the Buddy Rich Band. His preferred genre to listen and play ranges from ballads to jazz and classic rock
By the mid 1990s Holdt had emerged as an American drummer, and later as a band manager and consultant. By the late 1990s, he was working with many bands in genres including rock, funk, jazz and Latin. In 1983, he won first prize at the Vienna International Music Festival for classical timpani. He studied with notable teachers including George Huttlin, Marshall Maley and Buddy Rich.
These were formidable years in Michael’s drumming career. They involved a deep refinement process of the technique he had previously been taught, down to relearning how to hold the drumsticks. Another influential teacher was Louis Bellson, who not only had a magic touch when it came to the brushes and sticks but also instilled in Michael the importance of remaining centered in any situation with a focus on treating others with a genuine kindness.
In the past, Holdt has worked with major artists, including Prince, Carlos Santana, Buddy Rich, Louis Bellson, Sammy Davis Jr., Steve Marcus, Mel Torme, James Taylor, Jersey Boys, and Wynton Marsalis.
In 2002, Holdt wrote a Career Guidebook, a manual for artists that outlines the steps for starting and managing a band and finding work as a professional musician. The book provides advice based on Holdt’s years of experience as a performer, band manager, agent, consultant and business owner.
Michael finds himself grateful to the drums for opening his mind to the world of the arts, this serving as a vehicle of expression and creativity. When he is not drumming, Michael spends his time as an inventor, working to design better and more diverse drums and digital gear.
Michael J. Wyatt is an award-winning singer-songwriter and composer dedicated to his lifelong passion for music. As a former assistant director and master teacher at the "House of Voice," in Beverly Hills, California, he has mentored countless students, helping them achieve their vocal potential. With a rare five-octave range and a remarkable falsetto, Michael believes music is one of the purest forms of expression. His love for music began early, singing along with his favorite vocalists and joining school choirs. As a young adult, he worked as a DJ, gaining notice for his unique style, and later transitioned to radio as a popular on-air personality who has been followed for over 20 years. Michael has been a lead vocalist across various genres, performing at concert halls, stadiums, and mega-churches. He is creating high-energy power ballads with his band Steel Bleau as they prepare for an upcoming album. He also co-hosts "The Business of Music," a podcast where he shares insights to help aspiring artists. Committed to the limitless nature of creativity, Michael continues his pursuit of musical excellence. Michael’s experience as an educator and vocal coach enables him to provide valuable insights, knowledge, and skills to the foundation, creating programs that offer unique perspectives.
After 39 years as both a business owner and corporate executive in the ready-mixed concrete industry, Rich Gibson transitioned to the financial sector in 2007, bringing with him extensive knowledge of business and finance. As a comprehensive wealth manager, he is dedicated to helping clients reach their financial goals, prepare for retirement, and understand their full financial affairs. His investment options range from active money management with downside protection to alternative investments for high-net-worth individuals. Rich believes that in today’s rapidly changing economic environment, it is more important than ever to have a trustworthy advisor who considers the entirety of a client’s financial life. His independence allows him to focus solely on finding the best solutions for each client’s unique goals, and his fiduciary commitment ensures he always acts in their best interests with undivided loyalty and good faith.
Rich’s passion for financial education and helping others led him to join Global View Capital Advisors (GVCA) and Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments (PKS), where he offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions. Beyond his professional work, he is deeply engaged in the Long Beach community, serving as Vice President on the Long Beach Rotary Club board, a board member of the Rotary Charitable Foundation, and treasurer for the Disabled Resource Center Board. He has twice been President of the Long Beach Tippers networking club and served on its board for many years. His leadership, community involvement, and dedication to client success reflect his commitment to both professional excellence and making a meaningful impact.
Aaron Johnson is a federally licensed Enrolled Agent who has worked in the tax and accounting industry for over 20 years with a committed focus to providing the best service possible for clients while treating them as long-term partners rather than customers to extract profit from. He knows that absolute trust is the true foundation of a strong financial relationship and essential to long term success. His dedication to providing high quality at fair prices with respectful honesty has been rewarded with a loyal and satisfied client base who appreciates his ability to refine complexities into easily understood points most relevant to them. Aaron is in the business of helping people become more financially empowered to best focus on the rest of their lives.
Skye Avalon is a fundraiser, artist, and community activist dedicated to helping fellow musicians and artists succeed in their craft.