User:Hawks and Owls

Bruce Ling, one of Michigan's finest musical treasures, is a River-side mystic, eloquent story teller and passionate caretaker of America's collection of traditional music.

Raised in a multi-faceted musical family, Bruce found his calling at the ripe age of eight, the first time he was paid for a performance in a garage near his home on Chicago's South Side. At a young age he started becoming the recipient of a vast amount of oral tradition: songs and stories passed on from older folk to younger generations. He has since honed an extraordinary repertoire of traditional string-band tunes from near and far. He plays with equal flair and skill on fiddle, mandolin and flat-picked guitar.

With stage performances that combine the expressive style of Garrison Keillor or Will Rogers, he paints musical portraits celebrating the colorful history of rural America with a broad repertoire of bothoriginal and time-savored traditional folk songs. As a collector of tunes, and songs, Bruce understands the importance of keeping the history of this timeless musical genre alive and well. He shares his keen knowledge with caring and passion, and his inspiration has propelled a legion of young musicians to continue playing these songs...a true testament to Ling's talents as a teacher and mentor.

"Bruce is an all around musical genius. He plays mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and sings as a great bass vocalist. He is one of the best around." ... Glynn Russell, Wheatland Music Festival, Remus, MI

Whether performing solo, joined by his wife (world class old-time rhythm guitarist Becca) or combining forces with additional string band members in Hawks and Owls String Band, Bruce's dynamic versatility is unmatched. His award winning expertise on the fiddle, guitar, and mandolin in concert performance and Contra Dances is heralded by critics and fans alike.

Bruce's original songs showcase both his eclectic life and the unique characters that he's met along the way, and are inspired in great measure by his experiences spent living alongside Michigan's wild and scenic Rivers and the denizens and creatures who inhabit them.

Bruce Ling solo, or with Hawks and Owls String Band, offer audiences an engaging and memorable live performance experience. For more information on booking him for concerts, Contra Dances, recording sessions, and instructional workshops for fiddle, mandolin and flat-picked guitar, please contact: Becca Ling 616-299-8843