World Tribal Fusion Concert with Native American Music Awards 2007 Artist of the Year

Southern Paiute / Me'tis Violinist/Flutist 

2007 Artist of the Year – Native American Music Awards

2007 Best Instrumental CD – Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards

2007 Best Native American Male Performing Artist – PowWows.com

2007 Best Native American Performing Group – PowWows.com

2006 Best Contemporary Instrumental CD – Indian Summer Music Awards

2006 Best Instrumental CD – Native American Music Awards

In the world of music, everyone’s heard of the Grammys, but do you know what the Nammys or Izzys are?  The Nammys are the Native American Music Awards, and the Izzys are the Indian Summer Music Awards.  When the Nammys were handed out in 2007, one artist, nominated in four categories, took top honors when he got Artist of the Year. 

Arvel Bird, the musician in question, is a unique recording artist with a flawless talent and passion to inspire his audiences.  He uses his mixed heritage – his mother is Southern Paiute and his dad’s family came from Scotland – to full advantage to create a repertoire like none before. 

His music is so universally appealing that no matter what style of music you enjoy listening to, from classical, New Age, folk, country, and Celtic, to Native American, bluegrass, fusion, jazz, or blues, you’ll find it all, and more, in Arvel’s work.  He’s a charismatic performer, expressive storyteller, and is considered to be one of the hottest Native American artists on tour today.   

In addition to winning the Nammy in 2007, he also won Best Instrumental Album at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in Toronto.  These distinguished accolades were the crowning glory to a career that began when he was a nine-year-old boy just learning to play the violin.  Later, as a young adult, Arvel studied with world-renowned Hungarian violinist Paul Roland.   

In addition to the violin, Bird is also an accomplished mandolin, guitar and Native flute player. In 1986, Arvel met Glen Campbell, and toured with him, both at home and abroad, for almost six years.  He toured with Loretta Lynn, Ray Price, Louise Mandrell, Clay Walker, Tom T. Hall, Ray Price, and others, as well.  But, despite all the fun and excitement, Arvel knew that what he really wanted to do was play his own music. 

So in 2001 he put everything on the line, sold his home and recording studio, bought a motor coach, and took to the road as a solo artist.  And now, he is coming to Shepherdstown!

Sunday, November 23, Arvel Bird will be in concert at the Blue Moon Sundays Concert Series.  He will be joined by local musicians, percussionist Butch Sanders and mandolin artist Matt Robinson, both of whom have performed with him in the past.  The Blue Moon Sundays Concert Series takes place at The Blue Moon Cafe located on North Princess Street at the corner of Princess and High in Shepherdstown WV.  Doors open at 5:30pm; show begins at 7:00pm.  Admission is $12 at the door. Students admitted at half price. Food and drinks are available for purchase at all Blue Moon Sundays concerts.  For reservations call the Blue Moon Cafe at 304-876-1920.  For more information, contact Cheryl Mansley at 304-702-0554 or riverhousemusic@....  Or, visit the Blue Moon website at www.bluemoonshepherdstown.com. To learn more about Arvel Bird, visit www.arvelbird.com.