2008 Woodie Awards
Have you heard of Michael Tolcher?
Jackie Starner
Issue date: 2/3/05 Section: Life!
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Michael Tolcher's musical performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta was ironic because he had once dreamed of being a miler in the Olympic Games. However, Tolcher said that the experience was not at all bittersweet because truthfully he's glad that he stopped running. Running carried with it too much pressure, and his body was beginning to break down. In a mile long race, Tolcher said that the person who wins is the one willing to go through the most agony. For Tolcher music is a far more enjoyable career path. Though he does not always enjoy driving long hours to reach different touring destinations, he says on the whole he's pretty comfortable.
An influential person in Tolcher's musical career and life was Dr. Mutulu Shakur, Tupac Shakur's father. Tolcher met Dr. Shakur at the Atlanta Federal Penitentary. No, Tolcher is not an ex-con. He just enjoys entertaining at the prison where his father works as a pastor. Tolcher explained that his work at the prison was very rewarding because the inmates were appreciative of what he brought to them, and he felt good that he could make their lives more bearable if even only for a short time.
Dr. Shakur encouraged Tolcher to pursue his dream of a musical career. In 1994, Tolcher began his journey by traveling to different towns and booking his own gigs in local bars and coffee shops. At 25 he even performed for an audience of five giggly girls at a thirteenth birthday party.
Since the release of his debut album I Am Tolcher says his life has been drastically different. The time commitments are the biggest difference for him. He is continually on the road touring, mostly opening for other acts. In January, Tolcher opened for Gavin DeGraw at the Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown and says there is a good chance that he will be performing with DeGraw at Muhlenberg College on April 10. Of opening for other acts, which can be difficult for a performer because the audience wants to see the headliner, Tolcher is optimistic. He says that you just have to spend a little time winning them over.
An influential person in Tolcher's musical career and life was Dr. Mutulu Shakur, Tupac Shakur's father. Tolcher met Dr. Shakur at the Atlanta Federal Penitentary. No, Tolcher is not an ex-con. He just enjoys entertaining at the prison where his father works as a pastor. Tolcher explained that his work at the prison was very rewarding because the inmates were appreciative of what he brought to them, and he felt good that he could make their lives more bearable if even only for a short time.
Dr. Shakur encouraged Tolcher to pursue his dream of a musical career. In 1994, Tolcher began his journey by traveling to different towns and booking his own gigs in local bars and coffee shops. At 25 he even performed for an audience of five giggly girls at a thirteenth birthday party.
Since the release of his debut album I Am Tolcher says his life has been drastically different. The time commitments are the biggest difference for him. He is continually on the road touring, mostly opening for other acts. In January, Tolcher opened for Gavin DeGraw at the Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown and says there is a good chance that he will be performing with DeGraw at Muhlenberg College on April 10. Of opening for other acts, which can be difficult for a performer because the audience wants to see the headliner, Tolcher is optimistic. He says that you just have to spend a little time winning them over.