Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Suman.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Knoxville, TN, and landed in Miami in 1988. I was working aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines vessels and was ready to start a career on dry land. When I opened the Miami Herald one Sunday and saw that the city had been awarded a new basketball franchise, I detected an opportunity. I called the office of the nascent Miami Heat and suggested that the team would probably be bad for a couple of seasons, and that they should consider a house band for extra entertainment. The Heat said that many bands had contacted them, so they set up an audition for 2 weeks later.
One problem; my band was in the middle of a 4 month contract aboard NCL’s Southward. I went back onboard and turned in my 2 week notice, feverishly wrote 5 new arrangements, found some local musicians at Bayside Marketplace, rehearsed for 2 hours, and won the audition. The Heat Band was born!
After 3 seasons, I returned to the cruise industry, working in the office of NCL and later Celebrity Cruises. In 2005, I left Celebrity and started Suman Entertainment Group in Miami Shores. Today, the company, now based in North Miami, is the largest private music agency in the United States,
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been smooth, save 2020-2021, when the cruise industry was shut down. Local bookings at country clubs and communities kept us afloat.
Entertainment is VERY competitive, but I surrounded myself with a hard-working, positive staff.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I retired in April of 2025, and transferred my company to my employees. I continue to perform (more than ever, actually) as a professional trumpet player. I have also been a producer of 2 Broadway musicals;” Gutenberg, the Musical”, and “Water for Elephants” which was nominated for 7 Tony awards. W4Elephants just started a national tour, and will be at the Broward Center from Nov.11-23 of this year.
I continue to compose, and my work can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, and most streaming services under my name.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Miami for its diversity and endless opportunity it offers for anyone that is willing to work hard.
I dislike Miami’s traffic and politics. And I am certain that poor political decisions add to traffic woes. Remember the half penny tax? We still have a train system that goes hardly anywhere. And the politicians continue to make short-sighted land use decisions based on greed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sumanent.com
- Instagram: michaelsumantrumpet
- Facebook: Michael Suman
