Mike

Mike Sumen

I can't remember a time without music. We had a piano in our house and I was banging out rough songs before I could walk. My first instrument to be trained on was actually an accordion. Later, I started playing guitar and bass as I was inspired by different songs and wanted to be able to play them.

At age 10, the high school band director visited our classroom and so began my high school career as lead trumpet player at Plainfield High School . I was accepted to the University of Cincinnati as a jazz trumpet major.

At age 24, I went on the road with a show-band called Morningstar playing 5 star hotel resorts all over the eastern half of the United States .

After 5 years and after meeting the love of my life, I settled down in Carmel . I played in several bands over the next 15 years including one I put together myself called Touch of Brass, and one I'm particularly proud of called Frontline.

After Frontline I joined a band called Phil Stevens and the Open Road. We opened for more national acts at the 8 Second Saloon than I can remember, including Montgomery Gentry, Trace Atkins, Merle Haggard, and Randy Travis.

Following that I had a three year gig with a band called Hardride Express.

Now I find myself lucky enough to work with some of the most talented people I've ever worked with, LemonWheel. May we have a long and fulfilling ride.

For those who don't know it - Mike plays everything!!!

Here he is on Keyboards