1/31 @ 8PM
Billy Strings took to music early, displaying a kind of fingerpicking skill and affinity for traditional American folk music unusual in someone whose age was still in the single digits. He apparently went through a heavy metal period in his teens — go figure — before returning to his earlier love.
Now 22, he’s caught the ear of far more seasoned musicians like mandolin player Don Julin, who’s 54. He too came from a musical background which gave him an early launch but he brought years of seasoning in bars that Strings didn’t have. But when the duo met in northern Michigan where both live, they discovered a mutual love for music from much farther south.
Together they play high-energy old-time string band music, gospel, bluegrass and Appalachian folk ballads. They’ve put it on an album called Fiddle Tune X (although no fiddles are in evidence when they play) and they’re hitting the road together with a stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Happy Days Lodge.
Admission is $17, $12 for members of the park Conservancy and $5 for kids 3-12.