“…large sound and free flowing style…”

Downbeat Magazine 2022

Baltimore-native Derrick Michaels is a tenor saxophonist and improviser with a deep sound and a bold, imaginative presence in the creative music community.

With roots in both the lyrical and exploratory branches of the creative saxophone tradition, his wide expressive palette brings a soulful, melodic sincerity to a wide range of musical environments. 

APPEARANCES

8/8/25: DM4tet with Ballou, Lee, Kuhl & Aaron Irwin Trio (Double Bill!!) @ An Die Musik 7pm

8/15/25: Mike Pope Quartet @ An Die Musik 8pm

8/22/25: Charlie Ballantine Trio @ Backwater Books Ellicott City, MD 8-10pm

8/24/25: Bluebird Jam House Band (Charlie Ballantine, Jeff Reed, Mike Kuhl, Myself) 8-11pm

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9/12/25: FIREBATH (Tony Malaby, John Dierker, Dave Ballou, DM, Brandon Lopez, Billy Mintz Mike Kuhl) An Die Musik

9/15/25: John Lee’s Out of Body Quartet @ Le Comptoir Du Vin in Baltimore

9/20/25: Talking Points @ Ottobar, (with Bodega, Supercity, Lunar Year)

9/24/24; Mike Kuhl Quartet @ Dumbarton Middle School Lawn 5-7pm

9/28/25: Bluebird Jam House Band (Charlie Ballantine, Jeff Reed, Mike Kuhl, Myself) 8-11pm

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10/19/25: Bluebird Jam House Band (Charlie Ballantine, Jeff Reed, Mike Kuhl, Myself) 8-11pm

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11/22/25: Talking Points in Westminster (details TBA)

11/25/25: Derrick Michaels Trio @ Wine Collective Baltimore

11/30/25: John Lee’s Out of Body Quartet @ Rust Library Leesburg, VA 2pm

Teaching

conservatory-level work in a relaxed and respectful setting

I offer private and group lessons for dedicated musicians.

visit the lessons page

LIVE

“Derrick Michaels is an outstanding musician, with a beautiful concept of sharing this music with so many people to bring us together, and to make us appreciate what we all have within.”

-Robert Shahid, host “Masterclass” WEAA

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