Brad A Bishop

Brad performs traditionally inspired acoustic music on guitar and banjo. Brad is eager to appear as a solo artist or lead a small ensemble if needed for larger venues. His music draws from roots of country, bluegrass, blues, swing and classic rock, as well as originals. Brad often adds a unique and creative twist to old standards. His shows are lots of fun and offer something for everyone!

About Brad Bishop…

As part of the Prescott Park Summer Concert Series in Portsmouth NH, Brad has created a lasting reputation as an exciting show starter for legendary performers including Ritchie Havens and David Bromberg. Brad has also promoted and performed concerts throughout the eastern United States where he has shared the stage with IBMA award winning artists Del McCory and The Dixie Pals, Lost and Found, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, The Johnson Mountain Boys and also with western favorites such as Riders in The Sky to name a few.
Brad has earned his place as a respected member of countless bluegrass circles throughout his career. His trademark banjo playing provides drive and excitement. He has received much recognition for this talent including first place prize from the National Parks Service at the prestigious Lowell Fiddle and Banjo Contest.
His banjo playing has become the foundation for the achievements of many notable groups such as the popular Back Porch String Band, New Frontier, and Cedar Ridge. Brad's eclectic banjo style stands out on some of his earlier recordings with The Back Porch String Band and Cedar Ridge who several years earlier had received a personal invitation from Bill Monroe to perform at Fan Fair in Nashville TN. Fans can look forward this year to hearing Brad's timeless banjo playing on a new solo release and also on a much anticipated studio project from the Virginia based Heavy Duty Bluegrass Band.
Brad often performs as a multi instrumentalist. This has opened many doors for Brad and earned him a place in the house band at several different venues including appearances at The Gospel Chicken House which after thirty-seven years had been the longest running southern gospel show in America.
His instrumental talents are also seen at his solo appearances. Here he merges a variety of traditional styles played on traditional instruments. He is as comfortable on the guitar as he is the banjo, clawhammer banjo, and harmonica. It is not unusual to see him playing a number or two, or even sitting in with a group for the whole show on the bass. Brad's solo appearances are filled with surprises and include many original compositions as well. Brad has been fortunate to appreciate the creativity of songwriting and has toured with the Acoustic Circus songwriter's showcase as a featured artist. Look for many originals on his pending solo record later this year.
Every artist puts their unique musical signature to their work. Brad Bishop's signature is the vocal character he imparts in his music. Many bands along the way have been rewarded by Brad's contribution to their vocal blend. The Cedar Ridge band grew quickly to become a regional favorite known by their reputation for singing and seamless arrangements. Brad believes the singing tells the story of the song. This never ending story continues to unfold within the shadow of Brad's influence and vision. Hear the song tell the story today with the Heavy Duty Bluegrass group who appear as this year's featured new artist at the Rockahock Bluegrass Festival. This is one of Virginia's largest and most popular bluegrass events.
Be sure to catch Brad's numerous solo appearances as well. Lucky fans may hear soulful renditions of popular favorites such as” T for Texas”,” Blues for Dixie” or fresh originals such as “Postcard From a Song” or “You Just Hurt My Hurtin Song” which have awarded him the opportunity to compete as a finalist in the prestigious “Songwriter's Showdown in Richmond VA. There is something sure to please everybody at a Brad Bishop show.
You can hear Brad playing traditionally inspired music, hand-made in America at a variety of popular venues.