Michael Cleveland is simply one of the best fiddlers in the world.
Hailing from Southern Indiana, he first came on the scene in 1993 when he was a part of the Bluegrass Youth All-Stars, which played at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards show that year. The now-famous performance featured Cleveland jamming alongside fellow whiz kids and future stars Chris Thile, Josh Williams, Brady Stogdill and Cody Kilby.
Since then, Cleveland has won an amazing nine IBMA Fiddler of the Year awards and his band has won four IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year nods. He and his band Flamekeeper’s brand new album, On Down The Line, is yet another tour de force recording, showcasing an impressive version of the unit that is on fire right now.
Cleveland will be a part of a big three-day lineup (Friday-Sunday) at the Whispering Beard Folk Festival in Friendship, Ind., which also includes The Fairfield Four, the nine-decade old Gospel group made famous by its appearance on the O Brother, Where Art Thou movie soundtrack. Other acts include The Tillers, Chicago Farmer and many other regional and local acts. The festival has grown from a backyard get-together to a must-see event for Roots music lovers. View the lineup and complete info on the fest at whisperingbeard.com.
MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER play the Whispering Beard Folk Festival on Friday, Aug. 22.
This article appears in Aug 13-19, 2014.
