Larry Keel is an award-winning innovative flatpicking guitarist and singer/songwriter hailing from Appalachia and currently residing in historic Lexington, VA. Raised in a musical family steeped in the mountain culture of the region, Keel began from an early age to forge a distinctive sound, taking bluegrass and classic country music and infusing those styles with a rock edge and elements of improvisational jazz. The Larry Keel Duo, consisting of Larry Keel on acoustic guitar and Winston Mitchell on mandolin and acoustic guitar, are masters of their instruments, drawing heavily from Keel’s catalog of original music and imaginative interpretations of choice covers. 

Winston's love for music started with his dad who was a skilled guitarist, singer, songwriter, and pedal steel player.   Playing mostly electric guitar until his early-20s, he was introduced to the music of Jeff Austin and Yonder Mountain String Band and was immediately captivated by the energy and improvisation coming off of a pile of acoustic bootleg CDs.  After playing guitar in several bands he decided to try out mandolin and immediately was hooked.  With his strongest inspirations deriving from Jeff & Sam Bush’s playing, he worked his way backwards through time to get to the origins of bluegrass. 

One listener likened the experience of watching this act to being backstage while the artists are running tunes, relaxed yet energized, nailing songs while taking musical risks and letting it all hang out. That’s the vibe they bring to the stage, inviting listeners to have fun and be part of the creative process happening before their very eyes and ears.

“Larry is a living legend who's been bringing people together with his amazing music for many years. His song 'Being Kind' is what the world needs right now - a modern anthem about the power of positivity and gratitude.” - Chris Pandolfi, The Infamous Stringdusters

 

"Larry Keel is a triple threat... songwriter, guitar player, entertainer. He can do it all. I think what makes Larry so powerful is that he has lived his songs. He's not sitting in a room trying to write the hit of the week, he's writing what's in his heart and on his mind." - Del McCoury

“Larry Keel, the Bluegrass Warrior, has kept the flame of mountain alive with intensity and clarity of singing and fiery guitar picking! Larry and Jenny both have big-ears and wide listening to open their music up to a growing young audience.” - Peter Rowan

“Larry Keel is a true original, be it traditional, progressive, improv- he does it all and with such joy. I love jamming with Keel. Enjoy the music, Larry does.” - Sam Bush