Michael began his music and acting career in 1969 with the world renowned Arthur Hall Afro-American Dancers and Theatre Advocate Company of Philadelphia. He has performed in numerous Washington DC regional theatrical productions including: Dreamgirls, Purlie, The Wiz, and a Raisin in the Sun. In 1989 Friend wrote his first play entitled We Are Africa in response to the growing number of racial disturbances on college campuses across the country. This production based on Egyptology, was inspired by Tony Browder's book, From the Browder Files. SIMPINC toured We Are Africa for 14 years.

Michael studied at Fisk University and Howard University where he received his B.A. degree in Communications in 1980. He went on to perform nationally and internationally, including a jazz tour in 1989 to Cameroun, West Africa.

Michael performed in the Arena Stage production of Douglas Walcott's The Odyssey and at the Kennedy Center (1997), with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, as a drummer during the dance "Dougla". Michael is currently the percussionist for the Four Kings of Rhythm & Blues featuring Lloyd Price, Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, and Ben E. King.

AFFILIATIONS:
Former Member of the Montgomery County Committee for Ethnic Affairs
Former Board Member of Black Rock Center for the Arts
Former Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County Board of Directors
(Former Vice-President of Grants)
National Theatre Vaudeville Program
Maryland State Arts Council
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity for Men
American Federation of Musicians - Local 161-710
Traditional African-American Drummers of Philadelphia

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