Mike Mitchell

Mike lives and works in one of our country’s richest musical areas, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. He is fortunate to perform, record, and teach alongside some of the country’s very best players and educators. Classically-trained, Mike is at home on the Americana/folk music stage and the singer/songwriter venues. His critically acclaimed recordings and performances have earned him a respected name within the regional industry and a fan base of discriminating listeners, worldwide. Mike’s fiddle has been in Mitchell hands since at least 1890, when his great-great grandfather, DJ, carved his name in the one-piece back. Mike learned his music from the voice of his mother, the sound of her piano, and the harmony of Sunday hymns….it was the most natural thing in the world for him to take up “Grandpap’s” instrument. A wild and unruly boy, Mike would not finish his classical training with Maria Reidstra, or his music major at university. Instead, he found his own voice with the DeadHeads, the Jam Band scene, and the pre-Americana music of the last century. As a young man, Mike moved back to the land and found his home on the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was natural that the Old-time and Bluegrass music of the Virginia Hills spoke to him, calling him to learn the secrets, the origin of the ancient tones, and the history of those who invented it. This was his journey–of place and belonging, family and heritage, but most of all, music—the river that would continually cross his path again and again, demanding to be heard, played, understood, and shared. “I find myself a man at peace, with a knowledge of self and of place which makes me the songwriter and musician I am today. Whether it is my own composition, or an old tune played on the Mitchell Family fiddle, or singing my heart out for the audience, my words and music come from the journey, singing of the destination. I look forward to sharing it with you.” “Excited about bringing this music to the people!”

Floyd, VA