Mike Walbridge was born in 1937 in Los Angeles, CA. He was exposed to
classic jazz at an early age via his father's records. Mike Walbridge was born in 1937 in Los Angeles, CA. He was exposed to
classic jazz at an early age via his father's records.
Mike took up the trumpet in High School, but was persuaded to switch to the Sousaphone by the band director. This switch was due to an over-abundance of trumpet players in the school band.
Upon graduation from school, Mike pursued jazz music as a profession and became a charter member of the Chicago Stompers. When the Stompers disbanded, Mike worked with Lil Hardin Armstrong's band for a long run at the historic Red Arrow jazz club in Stickney, IL.
Upon his discharge from military service, Mike joined the Original Salty Dogs jazz band and has been a mainstay to the present day.
In addition to working with the Dogs, Mike has worked with numerous bands, including George Brunis, Art Hodes, Eddy Davis, Turk Murphy, Bill Reinhardt, Ted Butterman, and Ernie Carson, as well as leading his own band, the Chicago Footwarmers.
Mike has recorded extensively with the Salty Dogs. In addition, he as appeared in recordings with such jazz giants as Albert Nicholas, Art Hodes, Floyd O'Brien, Clancy Hayes, Turk Murphy, Wally Rose, Bob Helm, Ernie Carson, and Hal Smith's Down Home Jazz Band.
Mike currently appears with the Speakeasy Trad Jazz Trio at Ciao Bella Ristorante in Glen Ellyn, IL on Saturday evenings.
Purchase Original Salty Dogs CDs online.
Mike Walbridge appears on the following Riverwalk programs:
