Cleveland loses a Flamekeeper

Banjo player Glenn Gibson is leaving after three years with the band. His final gig will be Oct. 16 at the Festival of the Riverboats in Louisville, Ky.

"Making a living as a performer is a challenge in any genre of music," said Gibson. "To that end, I spoke to Michael several months ago and shared the difficult decision that this would be my last season with Flamekeeper. The music we made and the album, 'On Down The Line,' are highlights in my music career. The last three years provide fond memories that I will cherish and the camaraderie shared with band mates and the Flamekeeper team has been awesome.

"As for me, songwriting, recording and performing regionally will continue as my schedule allows. Working with Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper is an honor and privilege, and I look forward to hearing the great music that Michael and the band will be making in the future."

Cleveland praised Gibson's work. "For the past three years, Glenn has been a big part of our sound, both live on stage and on our latest album. He put his own stamp on the music of Flamekeeper and also took the time to learn solos and backup from the other great banjo players we've had in the past. We will all miss Glenn both musically and personally. He's one of the finest people I've ever had the pleasure to work with, and all of us wish him well."

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper have already begun auditioning for Gibson's replacement and plan to announce the newest member over the next few weeks.