 Arvel Bird: Born in Idaho, Arvel was raised in Utah and Arizona where he
began his 11 years of classical violin training. He attended Arizona State
University on a music scholarship, later transferring to University of
Illinois-Champaign/Urbana. There he began to compose and improvise, learning to
play bluegrass, Celtic, folk, country and old-time music. Arvel's mix-blood
heritage of Southern Paiute and Scottish ancestry is now the inspiration for his
own unique style of music.
For 11 years Arvel enjoyed touring with Glen Campbell, Clay Walker, Louise
Mandrell, Tom T. Hall, Ray Price, Loretta Lynn and others. Now as a recording
artist, Arvel tours internationally to a growing legion of fans. He is
undoubtedly the best-known Native American violinist touring today. Arvel has
shared the stage with other big names in mainstream music such as the Gatlin
Brothers, Shenandoah, and Highway 101 and Native American music including R.
Carlos Nakai, Jim Boyd, Micki Free and Brule.
This award-winning violinist has released ten CDs and one DVD since 2002. Four
of the CDs have been nominated in several categories for the coveted Native
American Music Awards and the Indian Summer Music Awards.
His enthusiasm for the tradition of Native American fiddling and Native American
spirituality radiates from each note and spoken word. In addition to his
inspired violin solos, Arvel has incorporated Native flute, rattle and chants
into his already eclectic musical experience - from classical to country and
bluegrass to jazz - making him a truly versatile and interesting performer. This
versatility shines throughout many compositions as he easily transitions from
violin to flute to fiddle.
Drawing on his mixed heritage, Arvel uses lively Celtic fiddle tunes to honor
his Scottish ancestry, creating a truly multi-cultural experience for all
audiences. As a sought-after collaborator, Arvel has recorded with Joseph
Firecrow, Jeff Ball, and Irene Bedard and Deni, "Ananeah" with Grammy nominees
William Eaton, Mary Redhouse and Will Clipman and an as yet unnamed
collaboration with Grammy nominee and New Age Pianist, Peter Kater.
As a popular entertainer, Arvel also has been featured at a multitude of top
events including Gathering of Nations, Miss Indian World, Schemitzun, Red Earth,
Midway Lake Music Festival (Canada), Chasco Fiesta and many more. Arvel Bird is
signed to Singing Wolf Records.
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