Emma Jones
Get to know Michael Cleveland: Kentuckiana’s Award-Winning Musician
Brace yourself, music lovers. An astoundingly talented artist is about to hit Louisville’s Bourbon & Beyond stage – none other than our very own, Michael Cleveland.
A Little About Michael Cleveland
Michael Cleveland’s journey with music began at an early age in the modest town of Henryville, Indiana, where he was born, bred, and first discovered his passion for music. He was born nearly blind, but that never deterred him from pursuing his love of music. His first instrument was the violin, but he quickly transitioned to the fiddle because it offered the raw and passionate sound that resonated with him—at the mere age of 4!
Despite his physical challenge, Cleveland’s unflinching spirit and prodigious talent shone through, earning him a place in the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2020—he is one of the youngest to achieve this milestone. His fiery fiddle playing and ability to stir souls with his music has made him a respected figure in the bluegrass and country music scenes. Today, he is a dominating force in his genre and relentless in his pursuit of creating outstanding music.
Michael Cleveland & his IMBA accolades
Not only is Cleveland a crowd-favorite performer and an accomplished recording artist, but he is also a heavily decorated musical mind. One of his biggest career highlights includes winning the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) “Fiddle Player of the Year” award an astonishing 11 times. His band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, has also won the “Instrumental Group of the Year” from the IBMA multiple times.
Moreover, his albums have fared remarkably well among critics and listeners alike. “Fiddler’s Dream,” his fourth studio album, was a commercial and critical success, confirming his place among the greats of bluegrass and country music. Releasing stunning albums one after the other, Michael Cleveland continues to astound his audience with his exceptional fiddle-playing skills and passion for music.
Performing at Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville
Locally loved and globally celebrated, Cleveland’s talent is going places, literally. If you’re a music enthusiast residing in Louisville, consider yourself lucky as he’s about to electrify the Bourbon & Beyond stage. This grand Louisville festival is a bourbon, food, and music spectacle happening once a year, bringing together a diverse lineup of artists, and this year, Michael Cleveland is on that list!
Known for his spellbinding live performances, Cleveland is expected to bring the same level of grit, passion, and musical brilliance that has cemented his place as one of the most sought-after performers in bluegrass music. Attendees can expect a foot-tapping, heart-pounding set list that will leave them mesmerized. And yes, there will be plenty of fiddle.
What’s Beyond?
Michael Cleveland’s journey as a musician is an apt reminder that physical challenges cannot limit a determined spirit. From a small town in Henryville to world-renowned stages, his journey has been nothing short of inspirational.
So, for all of you music enthusiasts out there, make sure to catch this fiddle maestro as he lights up the stage at Bourbon & Beyond. Make room in your schedule, book your tickets, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable musical experience that only Michael Cleveland can deliver.
And as for what’s next in Cleveland’s journey? With his skill, determination, and love for music, we can only expect more musical brilliance in the years to come.
