MIKE SIMONS

Founder

Mike founded Intonation in 2006 with a carful of his own instruments, a volunteer slot at a local community center, and a hunch that learning to play and perform the music they love would be a rewarding experience for kids. A musician himself since middle school, Mike combined his love for music with 13 years of overnight summer camp experience to create Intonation.

Earlier in his career, Mike traveled the globe as a Tour Director, landing in Chicago where he and a colleague started Skyline Chicago, a Destination Management Company which thrived for 8 years. In 2005, Mike co-founded the acclaimed Intonation Music Festival, later renamed The Pitchfork Music Festival. Mike also co-founded the long-running Chicago Ukulele Cabaret and plays with several bands including Hayward and David Singer & The Sweet Science.