Mike Gross
Mike is the producer and host
of the weekly program on WVOF. In addition, this Western Swing Hall of Fame member's
love for the swinging sounds of hot fiddles and steel guitars has allowed him to review
Western Swing albums and books for niche publications and earned him the appreciation award
from the prestigious Pedal Steel Guitar Association in 1992, the first non-guitar
player to be so honored. In addition, he has also been the M.C. for the Pedal
Steel Guitar Association's annual concerts since 1989. In addition, Mike has
written liner notes for Western Swing CDs and has been used as a source of
reference for many magazines, periodicals, etc. in Western Swing and Western Music. Mike
was interviewed and featured throughout in a 2004 documentary movie on the life of Western
Swing legend Adolph Hofner.
He was also emcee and DJ between live sets at Lincoln Center, NYC in 2005 & 2006 and
the International Steel Guitar Convention in St. Louis in September 2006. Photographs
of these events can be found in the Photo album section of this web site.
Although Western Swing is his musical passion and forte, he for many years was also the M.C. and announcer for
the Fairfield Counts, an 18 piece
Glenn Miller/Duke Ellington type band for all of their summer outdoor concert events.
His musical knowledge and interest are in all forms of Swing. Mike feels that
"Swing is Swing" no matter if it is Wills, Miller or Manhattan Transfer.
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News
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Mike was inducted into the Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest
on July 19, 2008. Mike was also inducted into the Western Swing Music Society of Kansas Hall of Fame
in June 2005.
Mike was inducted into the Western Swing Society of Sacramento Hall of Fame
on October 10, 2004. (A section of photographs is in the photo album area.)
On August 11, 2002, Mike Gross was honored by being inducted
into the Pioneers Of Western Swing Hall of Fame by the
Western Swing Society- Seattle. (A section of photographs is in the photo album area.)
On July 11, 2000, Mike Gross was honored as
DJ of the year by the
Academy of Western Artists.
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Contact Mike
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If you have requests, questions or anything dealing with Western Swing,
you can contact Mike Gross at mike@swinginwest.com.
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