Stacy McMichael

Biography

At 8 years old, Stacy was excited to try an orchestra instrument with her classmates. She watched her teacher play a jig on the violin and a prelude on cello. Then, she heard the two notes - E and F - that changed her life:
… (yes, the JAWS theme)!


She was determined to play the bass, even though her teacher thought she should choose something 'gender-appropriate' like the violin. So, Stacy kept going with her dream, and eventually got a Bachelor's (classical double bass performance) and Master's degree (jazz bass performance & pedagogy).
 
Now Stacy McMichael is a thriving professional Upright and Electric bassist & Educator, who has been featured onstage in Broadway shows/tours such as “1776”, “Dreamgirls”, “Cabaret ZaZou”, “Hairspray", "Teatro ZinZanni", "Taste of Things to Come", and the smash-hit "SIX: the Musical". Stacy entertained 70,000+ fans onstage at Lollapalooza Paris performing with superstar dj Kygo.
 
In addition to her performance career, Stacy is delighted to give back & serve as a Governor on the Chicago Chapter Board of the Recording Academy, which she initially joined via the GRAMMY U program. It is her unique “GRAMMY U to GRAMMY Governor” origin story that provides constant motivation to work hard making sure the Academy provides the most value to our creative community.  


Stacy’s diverse musical accomplishments include a #1 debut album on the Billboard Traditional Jazz chart (featuring Frank Catalano & Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin), an upcoming musical film / cast album by 2-time GRAMMY winners Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer “All Wigged Out”, multiple tv/podcast appearances, national publication articles, International tours, a Joan Rivers televised special, and a PBS concert feature of the band of which she has led for over 15 years: lePercolateur.
 
Ms. McMichael is also a dedicated mentor and educator. Along with her GRAMMYU work, she maintains the role of Adjunct Professor at institutions like Joliet Junior College, Olivet Nazarene University, City Colleges of Chicago, and Saint Xavier University.  Thanks to her wide range of experience and talents, Stacy can handle a variety of creative situations with ease and confidence.