We had told you earlier this year that Michael Cleveland was planning to do some shows in 2006 with his own band, which he had named Flamekeeper. At the time, Mike was the fiddler with Dale Ann Bradley, a role he has recently relinquished after five years in order to pursue his new group full time. Joining Mike in Flamekeeper are two other recent Bradley alums, Pete Kelly on banjo and Jesse Brock on mandolin, along with both Audie Blaylock and Jeff Guernsey on guitars and vocals. They have not yet brought on a full time bass player, but Mike Bub and Marshall Wilborn are filling the slot until a permanent hire can be made.

The various members have some commitments that will complicate their early schedule, as Audie Blaylock has a schedule of dates with his own group, Redline, and Jesse Brock will be in Europe most of the summer, as he is getting married to Bulgarian bluegrass performer, entrepreneur and radio/tv personality Lili Drumeva.

As you might expect, Michael is excited about launching the new venture.

“We’re looking forward to getting this thing up and going and looking forward to seeing everybody out on the road. We’re looking forward to a good first year.”

Booking will be handled by Jim Roe at Roe Entertainment in Nashville.