Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

Michael Cleveland is the most awarded International Bluegrass Music Association Fiddle Player of the Year, with twelve wins to his name. He is a six-time winner of the IBMA Instrumental Performance of the Year and his band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, has won Instrumental Group of the Year seven times. In 2019, his album TALL FIDDLER was awarded the GRAMMY for Best Bluegrass Album. Michael Cleveland was inducted into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame in 2018.

Cleveland faced profound loss in 2021with the passing of his dear friends Bill Wolfe and Eddie Wells, inspiring him to cherish life's fleeting moments. His sixth solo studio album, 'LOVIN' OF THE GAME,' released in March 2023, showcases his bluegrass prowess and collaborative spirit. Notable tracks include a jamgrass rendition of 'For Your Love' with Billy Strings and a country waltz, 'I Wish I Knew Now What I Knew Then,' featuring Vince Gill. Michael received his third "Best Bluegrass Album" GRAMMY nomination for this album in 2024.

Michael comes to Blue Strawberry with his band, Flamekeeper, seven-time recipients of the IBMA’s “Instrumental Group of the Year” award. Flamekeeper includes Josh Richards (guitar), Nathan Livers (mandolin), Jasiah Shrode (banjo), and Chris Douglas (bass).