[Read the Reviews below] Bio Michael Fitzsimmons is a percussionist, an award winning composer, and a performance and recording artist with Dancing Man Music. His most recent recordings include Skin on Skin (2002), which garnered him a Nebraska Arts Council Fellowship Award; Light in the Village (1994), Coyote Oldman records; In Medicine River (1992) with Michael Graham Allen, Coyote Oldman records; Joydance (1990); and Sunshower (1987). He has composed and performed music for Robert Bly's Tatterhood, and adaptations of Snow White and Cinderella for the Omaha Emmy Gifford Children's Theater. Fitzsimmons also accompanied storyteller Nancy Duncan's Coyote, Good Old Crunchy Stories II, and The Cat that Walked by Himself, Always/Never Coming Home directed by Bill Kirk with his original score. Michael is a leader of drum circles at Universal College of Healing Arts and other venues, an artist with Very Special Arts, cofounder of Who's Art Is It Anyway? for art museums and galleries with storyteller Rita Paskowitz. He is a percussionist with the Sacred Heart Freedom Choir under the direction of James Bogess, and the Christ the King Choir. Michael is a solo artist with the Nebraska Arts Council's Touring Program, performing in schools, communities, and corporate settings. As a master teaching artist with University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Arts Are Basic, and a resident teaching artist with Nebraska Arts Council, Fitzsimmons provides programs for music and story as a way of learning at many regional schools. Michael is a leader of full day music workshops with G.A.T.E.(Grief and the Arts Training Experience) for therapists, school teachers, hospital teams, and individual groups. He is a skilled performer of diverse percussion instruments including drums, African instruments, Mbira (thumb piano), Plains Indian flutes, Brazilian percussion flutes, various bamboo flutes, and Bell Drum. Michael Fitzsimmons' music is also available at www.cdbaby.com and www.amazon.com. Reviews This multicultural performance is a must see for audiences of all ages. Bill Pullen, former Assistant Principal of Minne Lusa Elementary School, Omaha, NE. I overheard our P.E. teacher say that this was the best assembly we've had this year ...and that's saying a lot! Diane Jelden, Instructional Facilitator, Sandoz Elementary School, Millard Public Schools. A superb feast for the ear and spirit...and imagination! Vic Faesser, Pawnee County Arts Council Very impressive, unbelievable performance! To hold the attention of 750 students for an hour takes a remarkable talent! Kris Vodehnal, Teacher, Human Elementary, Lincoln, NE Thank you so much for what you did for the residents and their families ... I’m not sure you’ll ever understand the impact that you have on our community and probably on every audience with whom you come in contact. Cathy Wyatt, Midwest Geriatrics, Inc., House of Hope (Alzheimer’s Care Facility), Omaha, NE The drum circle had to be one of the most exhilarating activities I have ever participated in. Spiritually it was like being unshackled and let out of a cage. The freedom I felt was limitless and I had a sense of being one with everyone in the room So, while this was good for mind, body and spirit, I would say that the spirit is the greatest benefactor of this exercise. Simon Prescott Thank you so much for your wonderful work with our youth. The arts can work magic as you have recently experienced! Your efforts at Uta Halee and Cooper Village made a significant impact. You helped our kids try something new, you encouraged them to push themselves creatively and your special project gave them something special to look forward to. The drumming and dance combination was huge success from staff as well as youth perspectives. Your efforts allowed for some wonderful percussion activities with a truly gifted artist!! The time you took, the talent you shared and your extra support helped make this project so special. Tracy Wells, Development and Volunteer Coordinator, Uta Halee Girls Village and Cooper Village, Omaha, NE What I thought was really cool was that you can make anything into scrap arts [music]. I can’t wait to tell other people what you taught me. Hannah, (4th grade student) Elliott Elementary, Lincoln, NE Michael is able to use his many talents to inspire and connect his audience. His enthusiasm in the music and it’s many messages is contagious, which makes for a very dynamic and entertaining evening. Deirdre Fay, Assistant Professor of Music, Bismarck State College, Bismarck, SD The recent performance and demonstration on the art of percussion was a HUGE hit. It was a treat to see so many smiles, and it was touching to witness the group share the common bond of music. [Michael] inspired us to start our own drum circles, and we hope he can join us again soon. Jon Pearson and the Recreation Department, Quality Living, Inc., Omaha, NE BACK TO TOP