Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Michael Wimberly set off for New York in 1982, quickly carving out a niche for himself. It was there he performed in duets, quartets and larger ensembles with unique or experimental instrumentation. For example, with Steve Coleman he collaborated on many projects, live and in the studio, including the creation of The Five Elements (including David Gilmore and Don Byron), in which radical conceptual pieces were refined for performance.



In addition to being a drummer and percussionist, Michael Wimberly is also a composer and has written for prestigious New York dance companies (Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and Joffrey Ballet). Although his percussive repertoire is replete with traditional rhythms, Michael is known for playing cutting-edge music involving a meld of visuals and audio, not to mention a penchant for contemporary jazz.



Michael Wimberly, a percussionist and composer of both classical and contemporary music, holds both a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Music from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and a Masters Degree in Music from Manhattan School of Music. (formerly Drummers’ Collective).



Michael Wimberly has recorded and/or tourred with P-Funk, Steve Coleman, Mama Tongue, and Charles Gayle, Wilber Morris, and D'Angelo among others.



As a composer Michael Wimberly has created commissioned scores for some of New York’s most acclaimed dance companies including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Joffrey Ballet, and Philadanco. Accompanying Mr. Wimberly are featured dancers from Forces of Nature Dance Theater Company.