Ethan Setiawan

Originally from Goshen, Indiana, Ethan Setiawan tried out numerous instruments before finding his way to the mandolin, making a name for himself when he won both the National Mandolin Championship and the Rockygrass Mandolin Championship. Years later, Ethan has become a leading voice of the mandolin, his path wending its way through traditional bluegrass to Bach partitas and free jazz. He performs regularly with his progressive bluegrass band Fine Ground, and Scottish fusion duo Hildaland. His previous solo albums Flux and Gambit (produced by Darol Anger) were made up of original tunes drawing from all these wells, and employed a traditional full band format. On his most recent record, Encyclopedia Mandolinnica, he explores the many possibilities of mandolin music through duets and trios with friends, mentors, and heroes.

In addition to his solo projects, Ethan is an in-demand sideman and band member, and can be seen playing with various acts in the northeast and further abroad. Throughout his work, Ethan’s technical proficiency is rivaled only by his restraint, leaving room for the music to thrive.