Mike Flanagan is an American saxophonist, pianist, songwriter, composer, music director, educator, and actor from Brockton, MA. Mike holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Saxophone and Music Education from Berklee College of Music, as well as a Master’s of Music in Music Theory & Composition: Songwriting from New York University, where he simultaneously taught composition as an adjunct professor.
As a saxophonist, Mike leads several of his own groups and music directs for Lea DeLaria. He has shared the stage with jazz greats Steve Davis, Mike Tucker, Marilyn Maye, Gray Sargent, Marshall Wood, Tim Ray, Richie Barshay, Dave Zinno, Donna Byrne, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joanne Brackeen, Esperanza Spalding, and more and has toured the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Mike also tours with and music directs for Lisa Bello in their multi-award-winning R&B/hybrid setting ‘Lisa Bello x MikeMRF’. In spring of 2002, Mike and Lisa toured the U.S. with the release of their live album, “Wait Just Listen,” and sold out the main stage at City Winery Boston. Mike also performs with singer/songwriter, Matt Alber, and co-leads a jazz quintet alongside Lauren Scales and Chris Grasso.
As a pianist, Mike has recorded for Kat Deluna, LeAndria Johnson and music directed for James Jackson Jr, Perfect Mark Music, Ada Vox, Madame the Puppet, Varla Jean Merman, Esera Tuaolo, and worked with Ruth and Issa Pointer (Pointer Sisters) and more.
As a composer, songwriter, and recording artist, Mike has released four albums, independently, under the artist-name MikeMRF and has topped iTunes, charted on Billboard three times, and won two OUTmusic Awards and a Lennon Award. His groundbreaking music video for his original song “Trying,” which he acted in and directed, has over one million views on YouTube. Currently, Mike lives in Provincetown, MA and serves as Entertainment Director for two Provincetown venues: Post Office Cafe & Cabaret, and Tin Pan Alley, both where he performs regularly.
Mike is playing on a custom alto saxophone mouthpiece, with a circular baffle, a large chamber and a 8 tip opening.
