Mike Stevens and Raymond McLain (Canada - ON / USA)
Raymond McLain
Raymond grew up in eastern Kentucky where for years he thought the banjo was the only stringed instrument in existence. Raymond’s forty-plus years of entertaining have given him the opportunity to perform throughout the and around the world, including touring as a musical ambassador of the U.S. State Department. Breaking new ground, combining various acoustic music styles, Raymond is a breath of fresh air at symphony orchestra "pops" concerts, residencies, and a variety of music events. For twenty-one years, as a mainstay of THE MCLAIN FAMILY BAND, and as a long-time member of JIM AND JESSE’S VIRGINIA BOYS Raymond had toured extensively and remains a bluegrass and old-time music festival favourite. Among others Raymond has performed with the likes of Doc Watson, John Hartford and Allison Kraus. Raymond’s playing and approach to the banjo is legendary.
Currently, Raymond performs with harmonica virtuoso, Mike Stevens, a true innovator of bluegrass harmonica. Together, Stevens and McLain play a new and unique combination of musical styles reflecting their background in bluegrass, blues and old time country music.
Now, in
addition to performing, producing & recording, Raymond is the
Director of the Bluegrass and Country Music Program at East
Tennessee State University, sharing his knowledge & music with
students interested in bluegrass & traditional music, culture,
instruments & performance.
Mike Stevens
Hailed as an innovative musician and author, Mike Stevens transcends the perceived limitations of the instrument in virtually every musical genre. His aggressive soulful approach to the harmonica takes audiences on an incredible journey. Best known for his groundbreaking work in the bluegrass field with legendary Grand Ole Opry members "Jim & Jesse" (with whom he has performed on The Grand Ole Opry over 300 times); Mike was able to create an original, much sought after and often copied, style of playing the harmonica.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Mike Stevens was instrumental in the establishment of Artscan Circle, an independent, volunteer-run group working to link creative artists with Native youth at risk in Canada. Since 2000, Mike has been traveling to isolated communities in Labrador to share his love for music with young people and help them explore their own creative musical expression.
Visitors to the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival in 2003 will recall Mike Stevens and Raymond McLain's inspired and joyful performances.
Raymond McLain's websiteMike Stevens' website
Artscan Circle
