Danny Knicely comes from a musical family steeped in a mountain music tradition for generations. He first learned music from his grandfather, A.O. Knicely, who played dances and social events in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia beginning in the 1930’s. Danny has used his roots in old-time and bluegrass to explore various types of music from around the world. He has shared his music and collaborated with musicians in over a dozen countries spanning four continents, including U.S. State Department tours in Tunisia, Morocco, Russia and Cabo Verde.

Danny has won many awards for his mandolin, guitar, fiddle and flat-foot dance expertise, including first place in the mandolin contest at the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Festival. His masterful mandolinistry and original compositions can be heard on his debut recording “Roots and Branches” and his colorful, versatile, acoustic guitar picking can be heard on his “Waltz for Aimee” album.

Danny is an avid music educator whose students have gone on to attain degrees at institutions such as Berklee College of Music and Oberlin Conservatory. He has also taught at some of the leading music camps in the U.S. including Augusta Heritage Center, Common Ground on the Hill, Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, and Millwood Blues Week.

As a very sought after session musician, producer, and arranger, Danny appears on countless recordings and has recorded with: {see list here}

Danny has the chameleon-like ability to blend into almost any musical situation and has appeared with many top Bluegrass, Old-time, Swing, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk, Latin, Country, Irish, Americana, and World Music artists including: {see list here}

Danny has years of experience as a professional musician and has performed at: {see list here}

Read Randy Barrett’s article about Danny in the DCBU newsletter.