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Biography: Michael Anthony Perna
Michael Anthony Perna is a versatile and talented musician who has been performing professionally since the age of 12. A singer, songwriter, keyboardist, guitarist, producer and arranger, he has captivated audiences in cities from New York to Tokyo. Michael was Musical Director for the Academy Awards (Scientific and Technical Achievement) for four years and has appeared in various film and television productions, including "Tap" with Sammy Davis, Jr. and Gregory Hines. He has performed the National Anthem at Candlestick Park, and recently appeared on the Emmy Award winning network TV show, "Will and Grace" on NBC. He has produced artists from jazz, swing and rock to Gospel music albums. So now the producer/arranger/musician adds the title of artist to his impressive resume as he gets ready to release his debut album, "Undiscovered". Thirteen original songs written and composed by Perna are a passionate mix of honest, yet uplifting lyrics with intense grooves. Even though the album has not been officially released, it is currently being played in the front system of all the Elton John/Billy Joel concerts prior to showtime and the third track, "City of Angels" is in the Los Angeles Mayor's office by request for consideration of being the city's new official theme song. Michael is joined on the album by friend and partner, Bob Birch. Bob is a world-class bass player. He has performed internationally with mega-stars such as Elton John, Jose Feliciano, Billy Joel and a host of others as the principle bassist on "Diva's '99. Bob plays all styles of music, and is now performing with what he says is his "new favorite band", The Michael Anthony Perna Band. Another staple in the band is friend and master guitarist, Paul Gomez. A throw back to the blues and funk school of music, Paul plays guitar, lap steel guitar, Spanish guitar, and ukulele. He has performed at the Monterey Blues Festival and the San Juan Jazz Festival, and with blues greats including Albert King, Little Milton and the Honeydrippers. Also stopping by to do a few tracks on the album are world renown drummer Greg Bissonette, best known for his work with legends like Don Henley, Joe Satrianni and David Lee Roth, Vic Bissetti, the great drummer and percussionist from Los Lobos, Rich Sumner, former drummer of "The Surf Punks", Peter Buck who has played drums with everyone from Grammy Award winner, Bonnie Raitt to Joe Sample, longtime friend and consummate drummer and percussionist Dann Gillen who has keep the beat for Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics among others, Sachi Patitucci, on cello, who has performed throughout the world with artists Yanni, Sade and Kansas, and last but not least, The Bob Corda Strings, formally of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.This category needs an editor