Music in the Background
Sanibel guitarist enhances the dining experience
Regular patrons of Sweet Melissa’s Cafe on Sanibel relish the soothing tunes that accompany dinner. This ambient music, provided by acoustic guitarist Michael David, is completely by design. It is definitely possible to
PEOPLE REGULARLY ASK WHAT I CALL MY STYLE... IT’S BACKGROUND MUSIC TAILORED FOR FINE DINING.”
recognize songs from David’s calm, instrumental repertoire, but only if recalled in their original form, which typically included lyrics. One part of David’s success in creating a relaxed environment is never competing with conversation— no vocals, no loud music. “My job,” he says, “is to keep everybody’s heart rate low.”
“People regularly ask what I call my style,” says David with a smile. “It’s background music tailored for fine dining.” Listeners will hear a carefully crafted collection that is comprised of mellow pop, country, rock, jazz, and Latin tunes.
“Mike adds a great energy to the restaurant,” says Sweet Melissa’s owner/ chef, Melissa Talmage. “He really contributes to the ambience, and guests love him. We feel really fortunate to have him here.”
Michael David, whose real name is Michael McMillan, has been strumming on- island for several years, while refining his pleasure- inducing act. He tries out new tunes on his wife, Eve, and kitten, Noah, while crediting a highly nervous cat named Gina with teaching him to soothe musically. “Her tail twitched with every loud note,” he laughs.
“I do think I’ve found a unique fit for my music in the supporting role to Melissa’s food and her staff,” says David. “My job is to support all of them. It’s such a unique restaurant, and I feel privileged and delighted to be part of it.”
Michael David plays from Wednesday through Saturday throughout the year at Sweet Melissa’s Cafe on Sanibel and one night per month at Pine Island’s Tarpon Lodge.