2007, 2008 IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year

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Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper won its second consecutive Instrumental Group of the Year award and Michael Cleveland took home his sixth Fiddle Player of the Year award tonight at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards Show in Nashville. Flamekeeper won the Instrumental Group award last year, and Mike has won the Fiddle Player award six of the past eight years. With six trophies he is second only to Stuart Duncan, who has won the award eight times. The award winners, chosen by the professional members of the IBMA, were announced at an entertainment-filled show at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Way to go guys!

Jessie Baker joins Flamekeeper

Indiana native Jessie Baker has joined Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper on banjo, playing his first show with the band last weekend in Denton, North Carolina. Although he is not yet out of his teens, Jessie has already had plenty of experience in bluegrass, playing with Wildfire, The Wildwood Valley Boys, The Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show, as well as his family band, The Baker Boys. He has also appeared with Marty Raybon and Full Circle, David Peterson and 1946, Avery County, Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain, and Ronnie Stoneman. Welcome Jessie!

XM Radio airs "Studio Special" featuring Mike and the band

XM Radio's Bluegrass Junction will air a "Studio Special" live show with the band several times this week. Hosted by Kyle Cantrell, the show was recorded earlier this summer and features live performances of songs from our latest Rounder Records CD "Leavin' Town." Hope you enjoy it! Here's the schedule:

• Friday, October 3rd at 8AM ET
• Saturday, October 4th at 11AM ET
• Sunday, October 5th at 6PM ET
• Monday, October 6th at 8PM ET
• Tuesday, October 7th at Midnight ET
• Thursday, October 9th at 3PM ET