If you have heard Michael “Patches” Stewart play his instrument, it will come as no surprise to learn he was born and raised in the city where Jazz was born — New Orleans, Louisiana. He fell in love with the trumpet at a very young age. It was during his high school years that he acquired the nickname “Patches” – from his habit of wearing patches on blue jeans. Undeniably talented, his focus on mastering the trumpet prompted him to seek opportunities to hone his skills outside the high school classroom. This included additional music lessons at a local college and of course, listening and learning from the incredible pool of local talent found throughout New Orleans. His reputation around New Orleans grew, and at the age of 19, he was offered an opportunity to fill-in during a session — his first time in a recording studio. It turned out to be the horn section session for LaBelle’s international hit “Lady Marmalade.” Patches started his professional career with great artists such as Johnnie Taylor, Al Jarreau, The Brothers Johnson, Quincy Jones, Marcus Miller, Whitney Houston, George Duke and Earth, Wind, and Fire, just to name a few. He is currently a member of Brian Culbertson’s band and performs,on The Smooth Jazz Cruise.