A New York City native, Bela picked up the banjo at age 15 after being awed by the bluegrass music of Flatt & Scruggs. While still in high school he began experimenting with playing bebop jazz on his banjo, and in 1980, he released his first solo album, Crossing the Tracks, and in 1982, Fleck joined the progressive bluegrass band New Grass Revival, making a name for himself on countless solo and ensemble projects ever since as a virtuoso instrumentalist unbounded by genre.
Bela and director Sascha Paladino are currently premiering the documentary Throw Down Your Heart at festivals nationwide. Motivated by a deep love of African music, the film follows Bela on a boundary-breaking musical adventure to explore the little-known African roots of the banjo and record an album.
Transcending barriers of language and culture, Fleck finds common ground with musicians ranging from local villagers to international superstars such as the Malian diva Oumou Sangare to create some of the most meaningful music of his career. The album and tour are planned for Spring 2009.
Bela Fleck has won 11 Grammy awards and has received 25 nominations in more diverse categories than any other musician in history.
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones are Live @ Vicar St this November 4th. Tickets are €36 on sale Wednesday August 5th @ 9am through Ticketmaster and other usual outlets nationwide. Booking Line: 0818 719 390.