What can happen on profile pages such as these is the bioger (is there such a word) uses them to draw the readers attention to all the things they have done in the past but for Birdy its more about the here and now.

That said whats a profile Biog without a little background info

So here goes.

Michael Bird was born at an early age - in Romford, Essex in the year 1968 and came into the world to the sound of the then No.1 record  Those Were The Days  by Mary Hopkin and right there his love of music was born along with him.

Since then, like most of us, he has been through many phases of music that have been responsible for many unacceptable hair styles and even more indescribable outfits - we all know those moments eh!!!

So, his formative years included many musical influences that included Swing, Country & Western, Gaelic, Blues, Ska, Reggae, Boogie, Disco, Jazz Funk, Electro, Soul, Rare Groove, Acid, R n B, Hip Hop, Gospel, Latin and later House and Garage. He has always known what he likes and although he has categorised some of the genres of music of his past, he has always tried to avoid putting music into categories for the sake of just enjoying music for what it is. Stints on House FM, Stomp and Starpoint Radio, as well as DJing at countless events, have allowed his hosting style to develop and morph over the years into what you hear today....

Ultimately all of the above have helped shape his musical journey and are central to the eclectic nature of the man you now hear host The Monday Menagerie each week between 7-9 pm.

He tells us that he is aware that the word Menagerie has a couple of meanings.

1. a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for the curiosity and entertainment of the public, sometimes as part of a traveling show  

2. a diverse, exotic, or unusual group of people or things

Both of which describe him (and his show) perfectly and with a surname like Bird, the title for his show as good as chose itself!!!

He attempts each week to create a musical journey for the listeners - maybe via an unheard promo, a classic, a tune associated with good (or sad) times, a cheeky little remix or re-edit, a rare album track that never quite got the airing it could have or a huge chunk of cheese to get you singing (and hopefully dancing) unabashed.....he says whatever it takes to bring a smile to the ears.

He tells us that he feels its a show for such a diverse listenership - for those wanting something old, something new, the unusual, the unexpected, a wide range of music genres, moving the boundaries of music - but most importantly for him is being a unique entertainer. Just see the live studio webcam if you dont believe us where more often than not a pair of wings are donned and a 12 vinyl necklace is around his neck!!!   nuff said.

One things for sure - the show comes from a place of musical passion and he hopes that this comes across when you listen....

He is also aware that although the music is central to the show, bringing you information on upcoming events, other shows on the station, reviews as well as dedications and requests in a light and FUN way are just as important.

That is a brief synopsis of his musical past but more importantly whats happening for The Birdman in the here and now apart from jocking on Zero?

Well, some of his current/recent events include

Hosting and playing at his very own bi-monthly event aptly named  The Aviary @ Dust, 27 Clerkenwell Road, EC1 London which continues to go from strength to strength - a night that fuses the very finest music on two Perches -

Perch 1 - Rare Groove, Soul, Jazz Funk & Disco  

Perch 2 - The very best Uplifting/Soulful House music on the planet

A must attend for anyone that just loves dance music and where he gets the chance to play alongside some of the best talent the UK has to offer.

He says its been a honour for him to  Spin a few at the Delicious nights @ Henrys, Aveley, Essex as resident and has had great fun playing alongside some of his House music heros including  Joey Negro, DJ Spen & Ron Carroll, to name but a few. He feels its a night where the the best House music that an entry fee can buy is showcased......

Co-promoting and heading the line-ups at the Cockleshed Soul events @ The Boatyard, Leigh on Sea, has also given him many unforgettable memories. This at one of (if not the) best venue in Essex and once again allowing him to share a line-up with some of the best and most established Soul DJs in the country and where the music matches the venue as being the very best that it can be - all of which combine and help to constantly sell out the capacity 350 tickets within weeks of going on sale.

He recently joined Zero Radios Mr Messy, Johnny Layton and Dave Cook at the helm for their monthly foray at Soul By The Jetty @ The Lobster Smack, Canvey Island, Essex for 100% Jazz, Funk, Soul, Nu-jazz, Weekender anthems & general mayhem! This is an event that he hopes to play regular slots at alongside djs that share his passion for the eclectic, quality and fun that makes for nights to remember.

Heading the line-up at the recently formed Reflections night @ The Korsan Bar, Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, for what is set to be one of THE best nights out in London is the latest edition to the growing portfolio of quality nights out he feels fortunate enough to be involved with and he stressed that this is one definitely not to miss as its going to be something special.

Being part of the Legendary Caister Soul Weekender 30th Anniversary celebrations in 2009 he described as being a great feeling. This is as well as playing at many other Weekenders including Soul Village, Salou Soul and Med Soul are some of the best music events of my life.

Finally, his determination to produce quality music has introduced him to some very interesting and talented people and he is very excited about the projects he is currently involved with - so watch this space in the coming months for what could possibly be the most challenging and rewarding time of his life.

 

Birdy

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