THE FIDDLER—Alex DePue

Alex DePue began studying classical violin at age five. He won his first university-level competition at age 10, and later (age 14) won a competition that entitled him to perform at Carnegie Hall as Concertmaster for the National Guild Youth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Joseph Silverstein. He has continued to win competitions and appear as a guest soloist with orchestras and at festivals worldwide.

Despite his classical training, Alex became interested in fiddling at age seven and began competing in “fiddle” contests. He reigned as the Michigan State Fiddling Champion from 1994-1998; won the first-place trophy at the Walnut Valley National Fiddling Championship in Winfield, Kansas in 1999 and 2005; won first place in the Halletsville, TX “Gone to Texas National Fiddling Championship” in 2000; won first place in the Alabama state fiddle contest in 2006 and 2007; and won first place in the California state fiddle contest in 2007. Also in 2006, he was deemed, “Fiddle King” in Athens, AL (Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention). Alex served as a judge at the National Oldtime Fiddling Championship (Weiser, ID) in 2008 and in 2010 and 2011 he won first place in the Twin Fiddle division with Sedra Bistodeau while ranking among the Top 10 finalists in the Grand National Championship division. Alex toured as Musical Director/Fiddler with Capitol Recording artist Chris Cagle from 2000-2006, with whom he still regularly appears (re-runs) on the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Television, Great American Country and VH1 Country.

In 2007, Mr. DePue joined legendary rock guitarist Steve Vai for a world tour that took him across North America, South America and Europe. Alex’s YouTube (www.youtube.com) videos are from all parts of the globe, and his #1 YouTube hit, 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' (originally recorded by the 80's rock band, Yes) has been viewed worldwide over four million times (re-posting). 2010 continued celebration for Vai's 2009 DVD release, “Steve Vai: Where the WILD THINGS Are” (a live concert music-movie co-featuring DePue), its Grammy nomination (Best Rock Instrumental) for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards and Gold Record (award issued to each band/cast member) from the Recording Industry Association of America in recognition of “Gold” sales status in both the US and Canada (Platinum Award from the Canadian Recording Industry Association). Also that year Alex performed with actor/singer, Kevin Costner in Chicago.

Alex recently teamed up with Mexican guitarist Miguel De Hoyos. Their unique international sound has been praised by elected politicians and officials in the country of Mexico and their spectacular musical performances are being extolled by popular English-written Mexican publications such as the Gringo Gazette, Baja Times as well as much press from US publications (i.e. San Diego Union-Tribune, etc.). Alex and Miguel, “DePue/DeHoyos”, released their first recording 'Underground Whispers” in 2009 and their most recent recording, “Twisted Strings”, are both available online at www.thefiddlerllc.com .

With the increasingly popular, “DePue Brothers Band” (www.depuebrothersband.com), including all violin-playing DePues, Wallace Jr. (Concertmaster, Philadelphia Pops), Jason (1st Vln. Philadelphia Orchestra) and Zachary (Concertmaster, Indianapolis Symphony), Alex played on the soundtrack and composed one of the pieces for the Philadelphia Orchestra documentary, “Music from the Inside Out”, and also records for NFL Films.

In 2011, Alex DePue launched “The DePue Brothers’ International Fiddle Competition” to benefit his home town's music programs through Bowling Green City Schools (OH) and also released his second solo recording, STAGES, on which he is performing all instruments heard.

With a background in classical violin, fiddling and rock; as well as his ability to play not only the violin but also the viola, mandolin, guitar, bass, drums and piano, Alex is an artist who can produce any style of music.

www.thefiddlerllc.com