From an early age, Mike Guggino has been playing music. He began with the mandolin when he was in college studying history and music. His love of music eventually led to the formation of the bluegrass group Steep Canyon Rangers. The band would go on to win a Grammy Award in 2012 and tour throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Mike also enjoys creating Italian Folk music. He first became interested in it from his grandfather, who played the violin. Mike and his fellow band member, Barrett Smith, have played together for two decades. In 2021, the duo recorded Mia Dolce Farfalla, a musical exploration of Italian folk music. Mike plays a 1918 Vega Style 202 “Lute Mandolin”. It has a spruce top with a 2-point design. The back is mahogany and has an unusual curvature known as a “cylinder-back”. It is the perfect compromise between the traditional bowl-back mandolins and the more modern American-style bluegrass mandolins. www.mikegugginoandbarrettsmith.com For more about our host, episodes, and the podcast visit: www.passagesandprose.com cjvcommunications.com/the-muse Executive Producer: Lillie Leonardi
Creative Content Producer: Cally Jamis Vennare
Tech Producer: Sabry Mohieldin
Music: Alethia, George Skaroulis
Sponsor: Passages & Prose LLC