Bill Bartilson
Bill was raised attending Ten Pound Fiddle concerts with his dad, Stan Bartilson. He saw countless shows, eventually doing sound for many of them. Along the way, he picked up musical instruments, songs and stories and has woven them into a program highlighting the Fiddle's first 50 years.
Bill Bartilson: Folk Songs That Brought Us Here
From the soundboard to center stage, Bill Bartilson’s journey has been deeply shaped by Michigan’s folk and music communities—through both performance and production.
With his father, beloved local musician Stan Bartilson, Bill first attended the tiny Willow Folk Festival in 1970. That early experience sparked a lifelong love of music and community. By 1975, at just 12 years old, Bill was already turning knobs at Willow, and soon after found himself on sound at the fledgling Ten Pound Fiddle concert series, assisting longtime engineer Wayne Swick and immersing himself in a steady stream of live acoustic performances. That immersion didn’t just inspire him—it set the course for his entire musical and professional life.
A versatile multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Bill’s influence extends far beyond folk stages. He contributed lead guitar on Armada’s 1987 Christian metal album Frontline, recorded at SCP Studios—a pivotal work in Michigan’s melodic metal scene. In 2019, Frontline was remastered and reissued, reaffirming the enduring value of that early collaboration.
Bill’s studio work continued with Rob Klajda’s 2012 CD Hopening, contributing guitar and the final mastering touchesto a project rooted in Michigan songwriting and community spirit.
Today, Bill works as a professional audio/video integrator and public school educator, delivering technical artistry and music expertise to churches, colleges, and high-profile events nationwide. Yet his roots remain local: he continues to volunteer behind the board at the Ten Pound Fiddle whenever time and need align. These traditions—both technical and musical—continue to guide his path.
Now, as part of the Fiddle’s 51st season, Bill returns not with iPad and microphones, but with songs, stories, and a few surprise guests—sharing a half-century journey of sound, community, and the music that brought us here.
Make it a meal with Sleepwalker
The worst kept Sunday Brunch secret revolves around the Sleepwalker Spirits and Ale, two doors north of the Robin Theatre… fabulous food, drinks, (no TVs!), and company.
Sleepwalker’s Brunch is served on Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm.
Doors at the Robin will open at 2 pm for the 3 pm Sunday show. REO Town is a social district, so drinks from Sleepwalker and the REO Town Tavern can be enjoyed at The Robin Theatre.
Bill Bartilson: Folk Songs That Brought Us Here
From the soundboard to center stage, Bill Bartilson’s journey has been deeply shaped by Michigan’s folk and music communities—through both performance and production.
With his father, beloved local musician Stan Bartilson, Bill first attended the tiny Willow Folk Festival in 1970. That early experience sparked a lifelong love of music and community. By 1975, at just 12 years old, Bill was already turning knobs at Willow, and soon after found himself on sound at the fledgling Ten Pound Fiddle concert series, assisting longtime engineer Wayne Swick and immersing himself in a steady stream of live acoustic performances. That immersion didn’t just inspire him—it set the course for his entire musical and professional life.
A versatile multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Bill’s influence extends far beyond folk stages. He contributed lead guitar on Armada’s 1987 Christian metal album Frontline, recorded at SCP Studios—a pivotal work in Michigan’s melodic metal scene. In 2019, Frontline was remastered and reissued, reaffirming the enduring value of that early collaboration.
Bill’s studio work continued with Rob Klajda’s 2012 CD Hopening, contributing guitar and the final mastering touchesto a project rooted in Michigan songwriting and community spirit.
Today, Bill works as a professional audio/video integrator and public school educator, delivering technical artistry and music expertise to churches, colleges, and high-profile events nationwide. Yet his roots remain local: he continues to volunteer behind the board at the Ten Pound Fiddle whenever time and need align. These traditions—both technical and musical—continue to guide his path.
Now, as part of the Fiddle’s 51st season, Bill returns not with iPad and microphones, but with songs, stories, and a few surprise guests—sharing a half-century journey of sound, community, and the music that brought us here.
Make it a meal with Sleepwalker
The worst kept Sunday Brunch secret revolves around the Sleepwalker Spirits and Ale, two doors north of the Robin Theatre… fabulous food, drinks, (no TVs!), and company.
Sleepwalker’s Brunch is served on Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm.
Doors at the Robin will open at 2 pm for the 3 pm Sunday show. REO Town is a social district, so drinks from Sleepwalker and the REO Town Tavern can be enjoyed at The Robin Theatre.