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Mike Mitchell — Singer, Songwriter, Fiddler
The Mike Mitchell Band brings together exceptional young talent with the seasoned artistry of Virginia-based singer, songwriter, educator, and fiddler Mike Mitchell. The lineup features Mike Mitchell on lead vocals and fiddle; his son James Mitchell on guitar, vocals, and twin fiddle; Sydney Christian on lead and harmony vocals and mandolin; Baker Northern on banjo; and Jared Houseman on bass. Together, they deliver an energetic and heartfelt bluegrass show grounded in tradition, family, and musicianship.
Music has always been at the center of Mike Mitchell’s life. Growing up with a mother who taught piano and directed church choirs, Mike developed an early love for harmony, teaching, and community music-making. Today, he proudly carries that legacy forward as a second-generation educator and Church Music Director, while his songwriting and performing career has earned national attention.
Mike’s commitment to education led him to establish The Floyd Music School, where he has taught hundreds of young musicians, and where his son James grew up immersed in the sound of old-time and bluegrass fiddle tunes. From Friday nights at the Floyd Country Store Jamboree to summers at the Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention, the two shared countless musical moments that shaped James into the dynamic multi-instrumentalist he is today.
Life brought challenges as James spent several of his teenage years living away from home, with music becoming a crucial thread that kept father and son connected. When James returned to Virginia in 2024, he joined Mike on staff at The Floyd Music School and soon stepped into an integral role in the Mike Mitchell Band, bringing their family story full circle.
Throughout his solo career, Mike has collaborated with some of bluegrass music’s most respected artists, and his recordings have featured members of the genre’s top-tier talent. His album Fathers & Sons became a milestone project, not only because of its deeply personal theme, but also because it was the final album session for the late Jason Moore. The release elevated Mike’s national profile, earning airplay on SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction and chart recognition across the bluegrass industry.
The current configuration of the Mike Mitchell Band reflects Mike’s passion for mentoring the next generation of bluegrass artists. Several members began as his students, and now they tour with him, carrying forward the style, discipline, and joy of traditional music.
RECENT PRESS
“Mike Mitchell and his band absolutely shined during our Mountain Fever Records showcases at IBMA. Their performances were dynamic, heartfelt, and full of energy. Mike’s music, delivered with his signature fiddle work and warm, expressive vocals, was an incredible delight — truly one of the highlights of the week.” — Amanda Cook, Mountain Fever Records
"Virginia's Mike Mitchell Band features masterful fiddle work, strong harmonies, and rising young pickers Their dynamic performances blend tradition, family, and original songwriting into a compelling modern bluegrass sounds." ----- Penni McDaniel, Hope River Entertainment
"Mike Mitchell of Floyd, Virginia, considers himself foremost a songwriter, and in his involvement with the International Bluegrass Music Association’s songwriting committee, he has done much to support the songwriting community. On Friday, May 2, when the Mike Mitchell Band took the stage at Nashville’s historic Station Inn, he demonstrated the other facets of his place in the bluegrass community." -- Nancy Posey, Music City Magazine, May 2025
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”Original music with traditional flavor.”
—Tim White (host of Song of the Mountains Live!)
”“Little Mountain Home” is the debut single from Mike Mitchell’s highly anticipated forthcoming album, Love Songs, Torch & Bluegrass, set for release in early 2026 on Mountain Fever Records. This track is not merely a single; it is a profound emotional overture, a testament to the power of place, and a masterclass in modern bluegrass arrangement.” —Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
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”Mike Mitchell is a musician, an instructor, a teacher, a singer, a songwriter, a storyteller, and a music dad. Mike’s work is very professional, and covers all aspects of this project. Working with him is a distinct pleasure. I hope the people at Turnberry Records realize what they have.” —TheBluegrassJamboree.com
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”Mitchell’s unfettered affection for bluegrass has always been apparent. As as a singer, fiddler, viola player, and instructor, his dedication to making music has been evident with each of his four albums, but it’s especially now, courtesy of this vibrant new offering from Turnberry Records, Fathers and Sons.” —BluegrassToday.com
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VENUE QUOTES
”I first encountered Mike Mitchell in 2018 when we had a last minute cancellation and I called on Mike. He agreed to drop what he was doing and come on a couple of days notice and perform with the Mike Mitchell Trio. To my surprise, he arrived with a 5 piece band and proceeded to give it all he had and it showed.
Fast forward to 2023. Mike took up right where he left off and put on one of the best shows of our festival over 2 days, including a Sunday morning gospel set. The Mike Mitchell band has become a Podunk favorite and will be welcomed back in the future.” —Rich James, Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival
”My crew has sent word to me that you and your people are the nicest people they have worked with in forever! I appreciate that very much!"--Josh Ulbricht, The Station Inn, Nashville
”The Mike Mitchell Band played an amazing House Concert in our Barn on Friday August 11, 2023. Mike is an incredibly entertaining front man and his bandmates were just terrific. They performed an excellent mix of original and cover songs and our audience simply loved them. To top it all off they are all really nice folks.“ —Daniel Woody Weist, The Bluegrass Barn, Leesport, PA
“Howdy folks, I am happy to tell anyone who doesn’t already know that adding the Mike Mitchell Band to your line-up is one of the smartest things you can do for your presentation if bluegrass music, fun, and knowledge is what you are seeking for your event. Mike and the band go beyond being “just” entertaining; they teach and perform—sometimes both at the same time. The band is skilled in all things “bluegrass”, and they can and do thrill audiences. BTW—they’re gentlemen all.” —Ron Thomason of Dry Branch Fire Squad
LISTEN: Recent Podcast Appearances
The Hometown Bluegrass Show Podcast, hosted by Tim Batts & Josh Williams
Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show: Mike Mitchell Band Interview
Bluegrass Unlimited podcast: An Interview with Mike Mitchell
“Stories Behind the Songs” a track by track of the new album with IBMA broadcaster of the year, Michelle Lee.
ASSETS
