R.I.P. George Michael (sportscaster)

George Michael, the longtime NBC4 sports anchor known nationally for his syndicated sports highlights show “The George Michael Sports Machine,” passed away early Thursday morning at Sibley Hospital.

Known for his boisterous and energetic style, Michael anchored the sports desk for WRC-TV, NBC’s D.C. affiliate, for more than 25 years, beginning in 1980. Started as a local program in the early ‘80s, “The Sports Machine” was syndicated in 1984.

“George Michael was our friend and colleague for more than 25 years,” NBC4 said in a statement released Thursday morning. “He was a dynamic force around our newsroom and in the entire Washington area. George was a pioneer in sports broadcasting. He was a gifted interviewer, a master storyteller and one of the hardest working journalists out there. Our hearts go out to his wife, Pat, and his daughter, Michelle, both of whom also worked with us for many years, as well as the rest of his family.”

Events in December 2009 and January 2010

DECEMBER 2009
Wed December 16 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Patriot Center (4pm & 7pm)
Wed December 16 – Bilal at Rams Head Live (7pm)
Thu December 17 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular at 1st Mariner Arena (4pm & 7pm)
Thu December 17 – Christmas with Aaron Neville & His Quintet featuring Charles Neville at Rams Head Tavern (8pm)
Fri December 18 – Christmas with Aaron Neville & His Quintet featuring Charles Neville at Rams Head Tavern (8pm)
Fri December 18 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Verizon Center (4pm & 7pm)
Sat December 19 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Verizon Center (1pm, 4pm & 7pm)
Sun December 20 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Verizon Center (1pm & 4pm)

Sat December 26 – The Harlem Globetrotters 2010 Magical Memories World Tour at 1st Mariner Arena (2pm & 7pm)
Sat December 26 – Pieces of a Dream at Birchmere (7:30pm)
Sat December 26 – Danielia Cotton at Rams Head Tavern (8pm)

Mon December 28 – Regina Belle at Birchmere (7:30pm)
Tues December 29 – The Roots at 9:30 Club (7pm)
Tues December 29 – The Harlem Globetrotters 2010 Magical Memories World Tour at Patriot Center (7pm)
Wed December 30 – The Roots at 9:30 Club (7pm)
Wed December 30 – The Harlem Globetrotters 2010 Magical Memories World Tour at Verizon Center (7pm)

December 16 to 23 and 25 to 27 – Dreamgirls at the Hippodrome

JANUARY 2010
Fri January 1 – Wale at 9:30 Club (8pm)
Sat January 2 – 2010 R&B/Soul Explosion featuring Monica at Lyric Opera House (8pm)
Sat January 2 – Caribbean Jazz Project - Afro Bop Alliance at Rams Head Tavern (8pm)

Thu January 7 – Huggy Lowdown and Chris Paul at DC Improv
Fri January 8 – Huggy Lowdown and Chris Paul at DC Improv
Fri January 8 – Hairspray at Lyric Opera House (8pm)
Sat January 9 – Huggy Lowdown and Chris Paul at DC Improv
Sat January 9 – Hairspray at Lyric Opera House (2pm & 8pm)
Sun January 10 – Huggy Lowdown and Chris Paul at DC Improv

Thu January 14 – Sheryl Underwood at DC Improv
Fri January 15 – Sheryl Underwood at DC Improv
Sat January 16 – Sheryl Underwood at DC Improv
Sun January 17 – Sheryl Underwood at DC Improv

Wed January 20 – Laura Izibor at Birchmere (7:30pm)

Tue January 26 – Eric Roberson & Wayna at Rams Head Tavern (8pm)

January 12 to 17 and 19 to 24 – Young Frankenstein at the Hippodrome