Meet the Musicians
As far as my music goes, I have been playing fiddle since the age of 10. It's been one of the biggest parts of my life,Brandon Godman I'm now a resident of Nashville, TN. I moved here in May of 07. I'm a student at Morehead State University, completing classes online now. I spent two years of my life on campus studying jazz. It was a GREAT experience for me, but it's time to move somewhere where I can focus my music career. What better place? and my existence. I also play guitar and some mandolin. I'm looking to start learning Steel Guitar soon... We'll see how that goes! I like all kinds of music, but my favorite genres of music to play include Bluegrass, Swing, Jazz, Country (mainly classic/honkytonk), Classical, and Western Swing. I plan on spending my life in music. So far I've been fortunate enough to have a fairly active gigging life. I have played with 5 professional bluegrass bands including Wildfire, NewFound Road, Karl Shiflett, Dave Peterson, Doyle Lawson and Quicksivler and now very excited about my new venture with Dale Ann Bradley. Check any of those artists out whenever you get a chance!
Mike Sumner claims numerous playing influences, from his father Joe Sumner to Bela Fleck, Scott Vestal, Allison Brown, and Sammy Shelor. He began playing in the contest circuit in his teens and has won numerous state championships multiple times. In 2001 he won Merlefest, Rockygrass and the Winfield National Banjo Championship. He repeated the National Banjo Championship win again in 2007. Mike plays an Ome Megatone and a Sumner Goldenbell model banjos. He strives to play clean, creative yet tasty banjo that enhances the overall sound.
The youngest of 9 kids; I was raised in a very musical family. My older brother George is well known in bluegrass; having played with the Bailes brothers, Jim and Jesse, the Stanley brothers, Reno and Harrill, and others. Brother John did a stint with the Stanley Brothers and others; as well. Everyone played and sang. A big part of my background was R&B, and R&R. I also played behind a lot of older country entertainers. I did all this to by my bluegrass albums, and always did some bluegrass gigs as time permitted. Much of my background was upright bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar; and electric bass. I toured the last 4 festival seasons with David Peterson and 1946. Having a blast playing bass and singing harmony with Dale Ann Bradley. Married to Miss Laura for 39 years, one daughter; Amy, a school principal, and one grandaughter; Erica-Allyn10 years old. My Three angels.
Biography coming soon.