Oct 31
Michael Cleveland to play Chicago Area show
Michael ClevelandEvanston, IL. — The Chicago area’s Bluegrass Legends Concert Series is featuring Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper on Saturday, November 10. The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Music Hall, 1030 Central St., in Evanston, Ill. Tickets are on sale now by calling 847-573-0443. Details are also available at http://www.chicagobluegrass.com.
Five-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Fiddle Player of the Year award, Mike Cleveland is the reigning fiddler of today’s bluegrass world. His band Flamekeeper, 2007 IBMA Instrumental Group Of The Year , burns through the night and sparks the virtuosity of Michael’s fiery fiddle. Crystal vocal harmonies, blistering instrumental work, and allegiance to the first generation bluegrass is warmed by dry wit and down-home humor.
Considered one of the premier bluegrass fiddlers of his generation, Mike picked up a fiddle at age four, and his talent was recognized early. In 1993, he was chosen to be part of the Bluegrass Youth All Stars at the IBMA’s award show. Later that year, Mike made his Grand Ole Opry debut as a guest of Alison Krauss. His list of guest appearances over the years is a who’s who of bluegrass legends including Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse, Ralph Stanley, Mac Wiseman, Doc Watson, Larry Sparks, Doyle Lawson, and J.D. Crowe.
After high school, Mike briefly toured with then-named Dale Ann Bradley and Coon Creek before joining Rhonda Vincent and The Rage in 2000. At the 2001 IBMA awards, Mike took his first Fiddle Player of the Year award, and shared the title of Entertainer of the Year with Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. In 2002, Mike rejoined The Dale Ann Bradley Band. That year he won the Fiddle Player of the Year award and again in 2004. Mike’s first project as a Rounder recording artist, “Flame Keeper,” was released in February 2002 and was chosen the IBMA’s Instrumental Album of the Year. In 2004, Mike shared the Instrumental Album of the Year award with Tom Adams for “Tom Adams and Michael Cleveland Live at the Ragged Edge,” an album of fiddle and banjo duets. In 2006 and 2007, Mike took home his fourth and fifth Fiddle Player of the Year awards.
Today Mike is a sought-after guest and has performed recently with Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, The Mark Newton Band, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Audie Blaylock and Redline, Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain and The Wildwood Valley Boys.
Bluegrass Legends Concerts ( Evanston , IL ) is the only running bluegrass & acoustic music concert series in the Chicago area that features national headline bluegrass talent. The 2007 fall series marks our 9 th year of presenting the nation’s top acoustic bluegrass talent and local folk-roots opening acts in an all-ages non-smoking concert setting for families. Bluegrass Legends concerts are all about great music in a truly community setting for families, friends, and neighbors.
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