Bill Ward is a singer/songwriter
from Western NY. Now in his fourth decade of performing, he was a part of the burgeoning '70s folk/acoustic scene in the area,
eventually finding his way to Austin, Texas, where he 'found his voice' performing in the town where artists like Nanci Griffith,
Townes Van Zandt, and Jerry Jeff Walker had also cut their musical teeth.
Returning to Western NY, Ward forged alliances with some of the best artists in the
Northeast, eventually releasing his landmark recording, "Highway in the Desert," which featured his all-star band
and a host of special guests, including Muscle Shoals Hall of Fame guitarist Will McFarlane.
In 2002 he founded the Mayville Bluegrass Festival, which has garnered international
attention, featuring artists such as Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan, Claire Lynch. Tony Rice, and Norman Blake, as well as some
of the nation's best young bluegrass performers. To that end, his most recent release, "The Christmas Sessions,"
features Ward with the Doerfels, who at the time were all under the age of eighteen.
Ward has been named "Artist of the Year" by the Chautauqua County
Arts Council; "Promoter of the Year" for his festival and collaborative work; and is a member of the Chautauqua
County Music Hall of Fame. He continues to perform and record, and uses his gifts as a worship leader, teaching
artist, community developer, and promoter to help foster arts programs and festivals in the tourist-rich Chautauqua County
area.
Currently performing extensive dates with the talented Amanda Barton, Bill is also the host of the monthly live independent music radio show,
In Our Back Yard Live, broadcast on 106.9 KISS FM. Podcasts for recent shows are available on the player on this page to the
right. 
