Who is Michael Cleveland?

Michael Cleveland is a renowned fiddler from Charlestown, Indiana, recognized with multiple awards, including the International Bluegrass Music Association's Fiddle Performer of the Year.

What songs did Billy Strings and Michael Cleveland perform in Louisville?

They performed traditional and original songs, including 'Sally Goodin,' 'My Rose Of Old Kentucky,' 'Sitting Alone In The Moonlight,' 'Molly And Tenbrooks,' 'With Body & Soul,' 'Roll On Buddy, Roll On,' 'The Old Mountaineer,' 'Know It All,' '10,000 Miles From A Friend,' 'Baltimore Johnny,' 'Eight More Miles To Louisville,' 'Summertime,' 'Meet Me At The Creek,' and 'I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky.'

When is Billy Strings' next performance?

Billy Strings is scheduled to perform in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on December 10, 2025. Tickets are available for purchase.

December 9, 2025

Michael Cleveland Joins Billy Strings for Bill Monroe Tribute

Louisville, KY, December 9, 2025

In Louisville, KY, renowned fiddler Michael Cleveland performed with guitarist Billy Strings in a heartfelt tribute to bluegrass legend Bill Monroe. The two-night event at the KFC Yum! Center celebrated Kentucky’s rich musical heritage and highlighted the resilience of the local arts community. Audiences enjoyed traditional favorites and original pieces, contributing to the ongoing revival of live performances in the region.

Louisville, KY: Michael Cleveland Joins Billy Strings for Bill Monroe Tribute

Louisville, KY – Acclaimed fiddler Michael Cleveland joined guitarist Billy Strings and his band for a two-night performance at the KFC Yum! Center on December 5 and 6, 2025. The collaboration honored bluegrass legend Bill Monroe and celebrated Kentucky’s musical heritage.

Bringing together two of the bluegrass genre’s heavyweight talents, this event showcased not only the musicianship of Cleveland and Strings but also the resilience of the local arts community. As more artists take the stage, it reflects the positive impact of individual initiative and community engagement in enhancing Louisville’s cultural landscape. Given the area’s rich musical history, the tribute added a unique dimension to the ongoing revival of live performances in the region.

Friday Night Highlights

On Friday, the ensemble captivated the audience with the traditional “Sally Goodin,” paving the way for an emotional performance of Monroe’s “My Rose Of Old Kentucky,” which marked its first live rendition since April 2024. The night further embraced Monroe’s legacy with the debut of “Sitting Alone In The Moonlight,” a composition that resonated deeply with the audience. The set continued with the lively tunes “Molly And Tenbrooks” and “With Body & Soul,” concluding with “Roll On Buddy, Roll On,” leaving attendees buzzing with excitement.

Saturday Night Highlights

Saturday’s performance engaged the crowd with the heartfelt “The Old Mountaineer,” alongside the original track “Know It All.” Highlights continued with “10,000 Miles From A Friend,” “Baltimore Johnny,” and the much-anticipated “Eight More Miles To Louisville,” marking the end of a lengthy hiatus from live performance since February 2024. The evening also featured Gershwin’s classic “Summertime,” culminating with the crowd favorite “I’m Going Back To Old Kentucky,” celebrating local pride and musical roots.

About Michael Cleveland

Hailing from Charlestown, Indiana, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, Michael Cleveland is a distinguished fiddler within the bluegrass community. Recognized with multiple accolades—including the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Fiddle Performer of the Year—Cleveland’s impact on the genre is significant. His early start at the age of four showcased his exceptional dedication to mastering the fiddle, and his performance alongside Billy Strings signifies a powerful collaboration that honors Kentucky’s rich musical traditions.

Upcoming Performances

Following the Louisville shows, Billy Strings and his band are set to perform in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on December 10, 2025, ensuring that fans have more opportunities to experience his dynamic style. Tickets for this performance are readily available.

Conclusion

With the collaboration of talented artists like Michael Cleveland and Billy Strings, the recent tribute to Bill Monroe highlights Louisville’s ongoing commitment to celebrating its musical heritage. This event reminds us of the power of local performances to bring communities together and reinforce regional pride. Residents are encouraged to support local arts initiatives and attend future events that promote individual talents and collective engagement in Louisville, KY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Michael Cleveland?: Michael Cleveland is a renowned fiddler from Charlestown, Indiana, recognized with multiple awards, including the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Fiddle Performer of the Year.
What songs did Billy Strings and Michael Cleveland perform in Louisville?: They performed traditional and original songs, including “Sally Goodin,” “My Rose Of Old Kentucky,” “Sitting Alone In The Moonlight,” “Molly And Tenbrooks,” “With Body & Soul,” “Roll On Buddy, Roll On,” “The Old Mountaineer,” “Know It All,” “10,000 Miles From A Friend,” “Baltimore Johnny,” “Eight More Miles To Louisville,” “Summertime,” “Meet Me At The Creek,” and “I’m Going Back To Old Kentucky.”
When is Billy Strings’ next performance?: Billy Strings is scheduled to perform in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on December 10, 2025. Tickets are available for purchase.

Feature	Details
Event Location	KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, KY
Performance Dates	December 5 and 6, 2025
Special Guest	Michael Cleveland
Notable Songs Performed	“Sally Goodin,” “My Rose Of Old Kentucky,” “Sitting Alone In The Moonlight,” “Molly And Tenbrooks,” “With Body & Soul,” “Roll On Buddy, Roll On,” “The Old Mountaineer,” “Know It All,” “10,000 Miles From A Friend,” “Baltimore Johnny,” “Eight More Miles To Louisville,” “Summertime,” “Meet Me At The Creek,” “I’m Going Back To Old Kentucky”
Next Performance	December 10, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma