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.
