Make Music Madison

Michael Bell

Mike Bell is a professor and author by day and a composer, songwriter, and performer by night. His Americana songs focus on social and environmental themes, and often have a klezmer vibe. Mike’s classical composition includes dozens of works for chamber ensembles, symphony, choir, and solo piano. In 2010, he co-founded the award-winning quintet Graminy, whose four albums bring grassroots and classical music together in a style the group calls “class-grass.” He also performs on guitar and banjo as a soloist and as a member of the Elm Duo, a duet with his daughter, the vocalist and fiddler Eleanor Mayerfeld.