Chicago based mandolinist Don Stiernberg fell for jazz and bluegrass at an early age, growing up with a music-loving family who encouraged this crush and an older brother who played various string instruments. An unlikely but fortunate turn of events pushed this love forward when Don’s mother heard a radio ad promoting mandolin lessons with Jethro Burns, of the acclaimed Country music team of Homer and Jethro. Lessons ensued with Don eventually joining the Jethro Burns Quartet and going on to his own celebrated career.

Don joined me onstage at the Dixon Historic Theatre in Dixon Illinois in March 2022 to talk, play music and have a ball.