Meet Arvel Bird, a Shivwit Paiute violin / flute player. He's different, intriguing, traditional AND contemporary. He's a true crowd pleaser at pow wows, gatherings and festivals. His quiet demeanor belies the power and passion his music evokes in his audience.

Here are two event organizers' comments about working with Arvel:

"Arvel Bird was a wonderful addition to our Powwow. His style of music is beautifully soul stirring, causing people to be drawn to the arena to watch and listen. Arvel has a standing invitation to perform at Thunderbird Powwow in Niceville, Florida each and every year from now on." Kate Thompson, Vice Chairman, Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow, Niceville, FL

"We had the privilege of working with Arvel Bird on two occasions. We all were impressed, not only with his wonderful talent, but also with the way he interacted with his audience. We found him to be very professional and courteous in his dealings with our organization. We will definitely engage Arvel in future events." Carolyn Jenkins, East Tennessee State Fair Entertainment Committee, and Indian Caves Entertainment Director

The renowned fiddler /violinist, Arvel Bird, of Nashville, TN, received two nominations for his album, BIRDSTOCK: FIDDLE TUNES FOR THE BIRDS in both the Best Folk / Country Artist,and Best Instrumental Recording categories. This album, a unique combination of original and traditional fiddle tunes, is now available online and in record stores. BIRDSTOCK was released to generate funds for Soarin' Hawk Avian Rescue in Leo, Indiana, a raptor and songbird rehabilitation center. Bird has also released ANIMAL TOTEMS, a contemporary instrumental interpretation of the medicine and power that animals bring to our lives; and RAKISH PADDY, a lively celebration of his paternal Scot/Celtic heritage. Bird is represented by SINGING WOLF RECORDS, now in its second year of existence.

Born in Idaho, raised in Utah and Arizona, Bird's family never spoke of his Native American heritage. He grew up as part of a hard working, middle-class family and out of respect and love for his parents, he never asked about his origins. However, in 2000 Bird produced his first Native American album and simultaneously launched Singing Wolf Records, which sent him on a personal journey to discover his Shivwit Paiute heritage.

It was in the summer of 2002 that Bird found his blood link to this very small tribe in Southern Utah. The effect this discovery has made on his and his family's lives has been significant. His grown daughters have also come forward with their own interest to find out more about their ancestry. Bird admits that his music has become much more focused and meaningful as a result of the positive influence of the Native American culture.

Over the years, Bird has earned his pedigree in the music industry as a musician, performer, songwriter, recording engineer, record producer, and recording artist. He is an accomplished musician on the European violin / fiddle, mandolin and guitar. His recordings feature contemporary instrumentals along with traditional Native American and Celtic percussions, music and rhythms. The results are unique blendings of the Native American and European worlds in which he was raised and now walks.