We’re thrilled to announce that Mike Cleveland won a record-tying ninth Fiddle Performer of the Year award last night as the International Bluegrass Music Association handed out its annual awards for the 22nd time. The awards, hosted by mandolin legend Sam Bush, were presented at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. And that wasn’t the only good news: “Goin’ Up Dry Branch,” from Flamekeeper’s latest Rounder CD ‘Fired Up,’ won the award for Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year. “Jerusalem Ridge,” from the band’s previous CD, ‘Leavin’ Town,’ won the same award in 2009. With last night’s fiddle award Mike ties Stuart Duncan, who also has nine. Mike and the band would like to thank the IBMA, Rounder Records, D’Addario Strings, First Quality Music, and especially bluegrass fans everywhere. Thanks, folks!
