like … I ’ ll keep you in mind and give you a call ,” Fleck mentioned to Cleveland in parting . The rest , they say , is newgrass history .
“ Bela pushed me in a way I haven ’ t been pushed in a long time ,” Cleveland offers . “ In some ways , it ’ s some of the hardest stuff I ’ ve ever done .” Though a challenge , the end results for My Bluegrass Heart are more trophies for the case , including more Grammy Awards .
Cleveland and Flamekeeper also took home a Grammy and other awards for their latest album , Tall Fiddler , which brought up sentiments about the late , great Byron Berline .
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper performed at OIBF in 2019 during the Tall Fiddler tour , and marked the last time he and Berline would share the stage together for a rollicking “ Orange Blossom Special .”
“ I met Byron when I was 13 at the IBMA awards in Owensboro that year . I remember one of my favorite versions of ‘ Orange Blossom Special ’ was his ; I wore that tape out and knew I had to meet him . He was always nice and gracious to me , and we ’ d talk about all these cool Flying Burrito records and his recordings that I was always a huge fan of , and he ’ d take the time to mail them to me . His kindness left a huge impression on me ,” Cleveland recalls .
“ To see the love and respect the city of Guthrie and OIBF had for Byron left us spellbound . We are honored to be invited back to play the festival , and to carry on the tradition of bluegrass in his honor .” “ As keepers of the flame ?” I quipped . “ You got it ,” Cleveland assured . “ Music is a religion to me . Anytime there is a jam and I can be there , I AM there . It ’ s become a way of life , and is my life . When I go to bed at night , chances are music is on my mind ; and it ’ s usually on my mind when I wake up every day . Life is good .”
Together with Flamekeeper members Josh Richards ( guitar ), Nathan Livers ( mandolin ), Jasiah Shrode ( banjo ) and Chris Douglas ( bass ), Cleveland makes his way around the country performing festivals , clubs , and performing arts centers , delighting audiences , leaving them with jaws dropped in complete amazement .
You can follow Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper on socials at @ MichaelClevelandFiddle and at their official website , michaelclevelandfiddle . com . IBF
ENJOY CLEVELAND AND OTHER GREAT ARTISTS AT THE 2022 FESTIVAL !
DOUBLE STOP FIDDLE SHOP & Music Hall
For the finest in vintage instruments and bluegrass music
UPCOMING EVENTS @ The Music Hall
October 22
27 nd th // November 5 th 10
, 19 th th
, 24 th
December8 3 th rd & 15 10 th th Guthrie ’ sVictorian ’ s Walk Evenings evenings
All Shows at 7:30pm / $ 10 per person
All Shows at 7:30pm
121 E . Oklahoma Avenue • Guthrie , OK 73044 • 405-282-6646
4 / OKLAHOMA ’ S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2022