Born in Idaho, Arvel Bird was raised in Utah and Arizona. His mix-blood heritage of Southern Paiute and Scottish ancestry is now the inspiration for his own unique style of music. For 11 years, he enjoyed touring with Glen Campbell, Clay Walker, Louise Mandrell, Tom T. Hall, Ray Price, Loretta Lynn and others. Now as a recording artist, Bird tours internationally to a growing legion of fans, undoubtedly the best-known Native American violinist touring today. Four of his 10 CDs have been nominated in several categories for the coveted Native American Music Awards and the Indian Summer Music Awards. As a popular entertainer, Bird also has been featured at a multitude of top events including Gathering of Nations, Miss Indian World, Schemitzun, Red Earth, Midway Lake Music Festival (Canada), Chasco Fiesta and many more.

Joining Arvel Bird on this performance bill is Fifth World, comprised of Andrew Begay, Will Clipman and Ash Dargan. Andrew Begay (of the Dine, or Navajo, Nation) is considered to be one of the world's finest flute makers, and is a quiet storyteller in the style of oral tradition. He began playing Native American flutes more than 10 years ago. Begay now turns his love of flute music into superb and intricate craftsmanship, designing and sculpting animals and inlays of stone and shell into each instrument. A simple, humble man from the Four Corners area of the Southwest, he weaves ancestor stories about how flutes were created in the world into the wood he carves, and sings wonderful chants about how flutes came into being for the Dine People.

Didgeridoo player Ash Dargan (of the Aboriginal Larrakia Nation, Australia) has been pushing the boundaries of indigenous music for more than 10 years now. An international recording artist with more than 20 CDs, and international/Australian awards, Dargan's music has been described as having the essence of the heart of Australian Aboriginal landscapes, peoples, and the dreamtime. He is no stranger to the Swallow Hill audience, having played Tuft Theater twice to very receptive audiences.

Will Clipman (of the Saamokee) is a five-time Grammy award nominee who possesses a depth of understanding and respect for his percussion instruments. A drummer since the age of three, Will has mastered a pan-global palette of percussion in addition to the traditional drum set, having recorded more than 50 albums. Also a two-time Native American Music Award winner, he has been inducted into the Tucson Musicians Museum in honor of his long-standing contributions to the musical community in his hometown.

About Swallow Hill Music Association
Helping people make and enjoy music since 1979, Swallow Hill Music Association is one of the largest nonprofit institutions of its kind in the United States as a source for folk, roots and acoustic music. With more than 2,300 members, Swallow Hill provides a place to celebrate music that is rarely heard elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain Region. Three concert venues house more than 200 performances a year, featuring some of the world's great artists as well as up-and-coming new talent. Swallow Hill’s Julie Davis School of Music offers classes for every interest, skill level and member of the family. Each year, a faculty of 60 instructors provides training to more than 4,000 students. A Tier II member of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Swallow Hill has won both the Mayor's and Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts, countless "Best of Denver" awards, has been recognized by the the North American Folk Alliance, and is one of the most sought-after venues by folk and roots performers in the country.