Cats and the Fiddler

Cats and the Fiddler started out with original members consisting of twin brothers Shaun Richardson and James Richardson and cousin Carmen Gibes in 2001 when they were all just 6 years old. Beginning their music career in the traditional styles of bluegrass and folk music, their country music roots remained as they developed their musicianship on numerous acoustic instruments. Their bluegrass band Cats and the Fiddler grew to be well-known throughout Michigan and received numerous awards such as Meijer Kid Talent Quest in 2005, Elderly Instruments Battle of the High School Bands in 2008, Huron Valley's Got Talent and IBMA Songwriters Showcase in 2009, and was nominated for Best Acoustic CD for the Detroit Music Awards in 2011. This CD entitled “Come Back to Me” was also featured in the nationally recognized magazine Bluegrass Unlimited with this comment: "Although its members are just in their early teens, Cats & the Fiddler has already achieved a remarkable skill level and should definitely look forward to a promising career in music ". Now all at the age of 20, the band has self-produced 4 albums within the 12 years of performing together and they continue to grow musically and stylistically as the trio shows their love of country music. Their new innovative sound is inspired by many artists such as Nickel Creek, Neil Woodward, Lady Antebellum, and Hunter Hayes. Their energy and enthusiasm on stage engages all who watch them. They continue to write many new songs with stunning instrumentation and originality and their family vocal blend draws dedicated audiences. Their new acoustic country style has been shared at multiple venues in Michigan such as the benefit concert Comedy for a Cause as well as at a political campaign rally for the Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney, both of which drew crowds in the thousands. Favorite performances for the trio also included opening up for the country artists Ty Herndon and Anita Cochran at the Rock Financial Showplace as a part of Operation Injured Soldier benefit concert as well as recently singing the National Anthem at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. As the band continues to grow and create, their love of country music is their driving force behind every show and they want to share their love, passion, and originality with their audiences. Cats and the Fiddler, a unique trio of 21-year olds, keeps acoustic and roots music alive through their impeccable musicianship.