Franklin Delano Roosevelt Wakefield (born June 26, 1934) is a legendary mandolin player, coming to prominence during his 20-year partnership with Red Allen, and maintained through his originality and creativity as a mandolin player. Frank has toured and/or recorded with a number of other notables, including Jimmy Martin, the Greenbriar Boys, Ralph Stanley, Don Stover, Don Reno, Chubby Wise, Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, Leonard Bernstein & the New York Philharmonic, and The Boston Pops Orchestra. But Frank has also led his own bands for over 30 years, written more than 40 songs, including several bluegrass classics, was nominated for a Grammy, and has made numerous memorable recordings -- including his latest, "Ownself Blues."

Frank's shows are famous for the power and raw beauty of his playing, and for his liveliness and humor on stage. His performances cover a wide range of music, from hard-core bluegrass to classical, and include many of Frank's own incredibly beautiful tunes. He will be playing with a stellar band of California-based musicians, including his longtime bandmate Jim Lewin (guitar, vocals), plus Jim Mintun (dobro, vocals), Louise Mintun (acoustic bass, vocals), and special guests.

Ever since the 1953 release of his first original tune, “New Camptown Races,” Frank has been exploring new musical frontiers and influencing virtually every mandolin player. David Grisman, Frank’s most famous student, sums up Wakefield’s importance: “Frank was the first mandolin player to transform the bluegrass energy of Bill Monroe’s style into something new. He split the bluegrass mandolin atom. Some of us, obviously, will never be the same again.”

For more information plus sound/video samples, please visit:
www.myspace.com/frankwakefieldmandolin