Derrick Michaels

Saxophonist | Composer | Educator

Baltimore-based tenor saxophonist whose approach is at once unapologetically lyrical and uncompromisingly dynamic. 

“…large sound and free flowing style…”

Downbeat Magazine 2022

Elena Volkova Photography (genuine tintype)

“Derrick Michaels' saxophone playing comes right out of his soul; the instrument sounds like a human voice.”

— Baltimore Jazz Alliance 


2026 Public Performance Dates

January:

1/3 - Ishta @ Backwater Books // 8pm // featuring Derrick Michaels and Dave Ballou

1/20 - Monthly hit at Wine Collective // 6-9pm // Trio with Grant Le on Bass and Dominic Smith on drums

1/25 - Derrick Michaels Quartet at An Die Musik // 7pm // with Dave Ballou -trumpet, John Lee-guitar, Eric Kennedy-drums

1/26 - Duo with Mike Kuhl @ Wax Atlas // 5523 Harford Rd // triple bill with Ida Dierker and Rapid Eye (NYC) Doors @ 7pm

February:

2/17 - Monthly Hit at Wine Collective // 6-9pm // Mike Kuhl on drums

March:

3/5 - Carroll Community College with Alon Nechustan group (details TBA)

3/10 - Trio Xolo iBeam Brookly, NY (details TBA)

3/17 - Monthly hit at Wine Collective 6-9pm

3/29 - Nick a Nee’s in Providence, RI // 4-7pm // with Brendan Carniaux reeds, Dan Liparini guitar, Evan Carley bass, Max Goldman drums

April:

4/21 - Monthly hit at Wine Collective 6-9pm

May:

5/18 Duo with Chris Frick for the “Peace in the Valley” series at Comptoir Du Vin

COPYRIGHT © Derrick Michaels 2021

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED