Michael Cleveland And Flamekeeper Deliver A Fiery Performance Of “Lee Highway Blues”

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is known for its vibrant music scene, with events like Scenic City Roots showcasing the city’s rich musical heritage. This genre-blending concert series, which also doubles as a TV show and live radio broadcast, regularly features local talent.

One standout moment came in July 2013, when a YouTube video captured the essence of one unforgettable performance. The bluegrass band Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper delivered a stunning rendition of “Lee Highway Blues,” immediately drawing listeners in with the bright, captivating tones of the violin. Their performance perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Scenic City Roots series.

At first, Michael Cleveland, who was born blind and mostly deaf, seemed like he was simply warming up, easing into his performance with a rapid, dazzling sequence of notes. But just when the audience thought they’d seen it all, he paused and jokingly told the crowd, “That’s the only lick I know!”

After catching his breath, Cleveland shifted into a slower pace, with the banjo players perfectly syncing to his rhythm. Then, without missing a beat, he signaled the musicians to kick it up a notch. Suddenly, the whole band burst into a fast, flawless accompaniment.

The performance quickly escalated into a thrilling display of skill, leaving everyone in the room stunned. The crowd had come to hear a talented violinist, but they got so much more — a breathtaking, high-energy show that nobody saw coming.

It is believed that great fiddle players have a mysterious connection with the supernatural, and after witnessing this performance, it’s easy to see why. The musician played with such intensity and passion, his fingers flying across the strings in a frenzy of energy.

The entire crowd, swept up in the electrifying atmosphere, couldn’t help but applaud wildly when the performance ended. It was a moment that left everyone in awe.