Fundraiser for Universal Thankful Center
Michelle is a featured performer at this event.
W.I.S.E. Community Solutions Breakfast
From the Facebook Promo:
Facilitator Spotlight: Ms. Michelle May
We are honored to welcome Ms. Michelle May, Licensed Professional Counselor and gifted musician, as a facilitator for the W.I.S.E. Partnership’s 2nd Annual Community Solutions Breakfast.
Michelle brings a rare and powerful blend of clinical expertise and healing artistry. As a counselor, she creates safe spaces for restoration and growth. As a musician, she understands the deep connection between sound, spirit, and emotional wellness. Her presence embodies what Pathways to Wellness: A Gathering for Mind, Body & Spirit is all about.
Jazz At the Grove
Michelle is the Producer of this Fundraising Concert for the Delta Manor Senior Residence, founded by the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,
Advent Services at Hope United Methodist Church
For the third consecutive year, Michelle contracted the string quartet, as well as performed, for this annual Christmas Eve service.
Handel's Messiah at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church
For the third consecutive year, Michelle was the orchestra contractor for this long-standing annual performance. She has been a performer in the orchestra off-and-on for the last 30 years.
Reset Your Creative Practice Virtual Retreat
Michelle led her fourth annual Reset Your Creative Practice virtual planning retreat for Creative Professionals.
Concerts in Boston-Edison 2025
For the 16th season, Michelle curated a line-up of world-class local and regional musicians, presented in concert in the homes of the historic Boston-Edison neighborhood in Detroit. She is the Founder and Coordinator of this series with the support of the Historic Boston-Edison Association (HBEA).
"Messiah" at Hartford Baptist Church
Michelle was the orchestra contractor for the annual performance of “Messiah”. The church has presented this concert annually for over 30 years.
Friday Night Live with My Brightest Diamond
Friday Night Live at the Detroit Institute of Arts - Michelle performed in a string quartet backing Shara Nova aka My Brightest Diamond
Noel Night
The Violin Divas - Michelle is the teacher for this group of recreational string players who have performed at this annual holiday event for over 15 years.
Culture Source Arc Fund Award
Michelle was selected as one of 75 recipients of the inaugural Arc Fund award through the Culture Source organization. From the website: “The Arc Fund in an ongoing investment in Southeast Michigan’s culture-workers of color. This $1.5 million initiative aims to spur growth in the careers of culture workers who have experienced historical trends of disadvantage, underrepresentation, and oppression due to their race. The initiative offers funding, professional development, and social networking opportunities to culture workers of color to those trends and help culture workers of color advance their careers.”
Each recipient received an unrestricted $15,000 cash award.
Twinkie Clark 70th Birthday Celebration
Twinkie Clark 70th Birthday Celebration - Michelle performed violin in the orchestra for this star-studded celebration of the gospel icon.
Studio Session with Iconic String Arranger, Paul Riser
Studio Session with Paul Riser - Michelle recorded strings for a project that Paul Riser arranged. Mr. Riser is an iconic Motown (and others) string arranger.
Stevie Wonder in Concert
Stevie Wonder “Can We Heal Our Nation’s Broken Heart” Tour - Michelle performed once again in the string section at the Detroit stop of this tour.
Reset Your Creative Practice 2024
Michelle presented her fourth annual Reset Your Creative Practice retreat, this time in-person at a beautiful vacation home in Saugatuck, MI.
Freedom Sounds Music Series
Michelle was chosen as the Music Director for the Freedom Sounds music series to benefit the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network.
Kresge Foundation 100-Year Celebration
The Kresge Foundation celebrated 100 years with a big party at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The night included food and drink, retrospective films, remarks from dignitaries, performances from those who have received the prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship, and a live, sit-down interview with President Barack Obama. Michelle is a 2018 Kresge Artist Fellow and was among 10 Fellows selected to perform.
L to R: Marion Hayden (2016 Kresge Artist Fellow and 2025 Kresge Eminent Artist), Mahindi Masai and Michelle May (2018 Kresge Artist Fellow).
Concerts in Boston-Edison 2024
Michelle celebrated 15 years of “Concerts in Boston-Edison”, a series that she founded and has directed, bringing world-class musicians to the historic residential community of Boston-Edison, where she resides.
Musique Noire performs for the Minerva Foundation
Musique Noire, founded and led by Michelle, were the featured performers at the Minerva Education and Development Foundation’s (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated Detroit Alumnae Chapter) 30th Anniversary Celebration.
Musique Noire Headlines "Urban/Rural Conversations"
Musique Noire, founded and led by Michelle, headlined Urban/Rural Conversations, sponsored by Michigan ArtShare.
Musique Noire at Kerrytown Concert House
Michelle performs with Musique Noire at Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor, MI. This was the group’s third performance at the house.
Concerts in Boston-Edison 2023
Michelle has produced this series since 2010, bringing world-class musicians into the homes of the historic Boston-Edison neighborhood in Detroit.
Samara Joy wsg Musique Noire
Musique Noire opened for Samara Joy for two nights as part of The Cranbrook Project’s “Sacred Concert”.
Samara Joy wsg Musique Noire
Musique Noire opened for Samara Joy for two nights as part of The Cranbrook Project’s “Sacred Concert”.
Wendell Harrison's "Fighting For the Children" Concert
Michelle was the string orchestra contractor and performed as part of Detroit jazz icon Wendell Harris’ concert as part of the Detroit Institute of Arts “Friday Night Live” series.
Sphinx Connect
Michelle and her sister, Dr. Angela May, spoke on a panel at the 2023 Sphinx Connect convening. Michelle was the panel moderator. This discussion serves as a forum for artists and leaders to share their challenges surrounding wellness and for experts in the field to offer guidance and innovative solutions toward a healthier tomorrow.
Musique Noire Performs at Ann Arbor District Library
Musique Noire, led by Michelle May, performs in celebration of their latest release, in * ter * gen *er* a* tion * al
Musique Noire Releases in*ter*gen*er*a*tion*al
Musique Noire, led by Michelle May, releases their fourth album, featuring collaborations with three up-and-coming artists.
Concerts in Boston-Edison 2022
Michelle has produced and directed this series since 2010, bringing world-class musicians into the historic homes of Detroit’s Boston-Edison neighborhood.
Concerts in Indian Village
From 2021 to 2023, Michelle was contracted to produce concerts in the historic neighborhood of Indian Village on the east side of Detroitl
Centers of Wellness for Urban Women Celebration Brunch
Michelle was a featured performer, along with pianist Joshua Allen, at the Center of Wellness for Urban Women’s 15th Anniversary Celebration in Indianapolis, IN. Michelle served as a Board member of the organization for four years.
Michelle May Jazz Quartet at High Scope Gala
Michelle’s Jazz Quartet performed for the High Scope Research Foundation’s Gala in Detroit.
