Michael Calabrese

Gretsch Artist Since: 2025

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Lake Street Dive

Current Kit Setup:
USA Custom in Piano Black Gloss finish
5.5x14 SD, 8x14 SD, 9x13 TT, 14x16 FT, 18x22 BD

Influences:
Ringo, Levon Helm, Questlove, Mitch Mitchell, Phil Collins, Roger Hawkins, Philly Joe Jones, Russ Kunkel, Jim Keltner

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
They can do anything and sound good doing it.

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
Keep the “play” in playing.

Bio:
Mike’s parents met in a band in the 70’s, just outside Philadelphia, PA. In Mom’s car it was Golden Oldies and in Dad’s car it was classic Rock. Years of marching band, orchestra, choir, jazz band and garage bands brought him to study at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA where he studied with Bob Moses and Billy Hart. It’s also where he met the founding Members of Lake Street Dive, who he spends most of his time with to this day, over 20 years later.