Has performed as a jazz clarinetist in numerous bands since 1975
(including the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, The Wynton Marsalis
Band, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band); leader of the Michael White
Quartet (formed 1981), The Original Liberty Jazz Band (formed 1982), and
the Liberty Brass Band (formed 1985). Has played in over two dozen
foreign countries and forty five states, including at major festivals and
concert venues, such as the Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall
and the Kennedy Center.
Composer and Recording Artist: Has performed on over three dozen recordings (with
Beausoleil, Wynton Marsalis, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, etc.), including
ten under the name (Dr.) Michael White. Has composed over four dozen
songs in the vein of traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, and hymns (over two dozen have been recorded). Basin Street Records recording artist -
released under Dr. Michael White since 2000: Blue Crescent (2008);
Dancing in the Sky (2004): Jazz from the Soul of New Orleans (2002); and
A Song for George Lewis (2000);
Producer: Has produced two recordings and regularly produces New Orleans culture related programs at Xavier University in the featuring musical performances, lectures, panel discussions, etc.
Consultant: Has served as a consultant on over two dozen documentaries and feature
films. Serves as hotel historian for the Holiday Inn Downtown/Superdome.
Chief traditional jazz consultant for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage
Festival since 1995. Frequently interviewed and profiled in the international
media. Discussed and /or photographed in over two dozen books. Served as
musical director for two plays and several Jazz at Lincoln
Center concerts.
Writer: Has written and published several essays on New Orleans’ musical traditions
in scholarly journals, magazines, and books, including the Journal ofAmerican History, Cultural Vistas, The Encyclopedia of the HarlemRenaissance, Seeking Higher Ground, and Triumph of the Soul.
Has served on numerous boards, commissions and committees, including the Louisiana Folklife Commission, The New Orleans Music Commission, and The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Board, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Hall of Fame Advisory Board, and The Sidney Bechet Society Board.
Has received numerous local, national and international awards, including Chevalier of Arts and Letters (France), the Mayor’s Arts Award (New Orleans), and the National Endowment for the Arts National Humanities Fellowship Award. Also received numerous traditional jazz musician, clarinetist, and jazz band of the year awards from Gambit and Offbeat Magazines. Was also named several times in the Downbeat magazine Critics Poll.