Montano, Mike C., 1937-

Mike was born in Hawaii to Filipino parents. He moved to the mainland with his family

when he was very young. Interestingly, Mike's parents had to apply for citizenship as Hawaii

was not yet part ot the United States. Growing up, Mike worked in the family grocery store in

the San Francisco area. Even though it was his father's dream that his sons would take on the

family business, it was not to be; Mike became a musician, and his brother became a professional soldier. Growing up in Stockton, California, Mike experience a very diverse population. It

wasn't until Mike went to college that he first experienced prejudice.

Mike comes from a musical background with both of his parents being musically

inclined. His father played the violin, mandolin, and the guitar as a hobby. Mike's mother was a

singer and played the piano. It was their mom's insistence that they learn music which started

Mike on his career path. Growing up, there was a piano in the home, and Mike started playing

when he was seven years old. In high school, Mike was taking lessons to become a classical

pianist. Hearing jazz for the first time changed Mike's direction; his focus became fixed in the

jazz world.

Following graduation with a Bachelor of Music degree, Mike headed to San Francisco to

find a job. Mike began working clubs in San Francisco which eventually led to working with

David Allen which Mike considers his big break. Mike then went to work on a cruise ship where

he played for about a year. Mike first played in Las Vegas with Jack E. Leonard in the 1960s.

During his entire career in Las Vegas, Mike only worked at two hotels for a total of 24 years; the

Flamingo and the Riviera. Mike admits he did not start out to become a career musician.

Sometimes you just don't know what is going to happen.