He is an icon and an inspiration, an eleven-time Fiddler of the Year, and even a 2020 Grammy winner, but that's just part of the Michael Cleveland story. Though born with disabilities that left him blind and partially deaf, Cleveland is considered by many to be the greatest fiddler of all time. He will be bringing his special talents to Rose-Hulman in a 7:30 p.m. April 28 concert at Hatfield Hall Theatre.

The world tends to look at accomplishments in the form of accolades, and although only in his mid-30s, Cleveland has plenty to his credit. After picking up the fiddle at age 4, his musical momentum began to propel him forward toward early success. Reluctant as they were, Cleveland’s teachers quickly found reason to his rhyme, helping him progress to the point when, at age 9, he was invited to sit in with the legendary Bill Monroe at the Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival.

Soon after, Cleveland brought his virtuosic style to the Grand Ole Opry as a guest of Alison Kraus and was hand-picked for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Bluegrass Youth Allstars before he was 14. His blistering prowess and technical fluency have marked him Cleveland as a sought-after musician, leading to performances with Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Tim O’Brien, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Andy Statman, and The Kruger Brothers in recent years. However, it wasn’t until 2006, when he formed his own band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, that he found the right vehicle for his musical vision, and he hasn’t rested since constantly looking for new ways to push himself and his music forward.

Tickets for the April 28 concert are $25 for adults, $10 for those under 18 and Rose-Hulman faculty and staff, and free for Rose-Hulman students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at hatfieldhall.com, by calling 812-877-8544, or visiting the Hatfield Hall ticket desk Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If still available, tickets also could be purchased at the ticket desk beginning one hour before the show.

The feature film “Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story” will be shown in Hatfield Hall on Saturday, April 29 at 1:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public.