At first glance, Billy Strings and Don Julin don’t seem like the makings of one of the best bluegrass duos in all of Michigan. A tattoo-covered, twenty-year-old guitar-picker and singer working with a forty-five-year-old mandolin teacher? The Locavaux Crew was skeptical to say the least, but when we boarded the Traverse City catamaran, the Nauticat, and listened to the two men pluck just a few strings together, we were mesmerized. Having specialized in American traditional bluegrass and folk since he was a small child (he learned to play guitar at age three!), Billy Strings’ talent is almost hard to believe—at such a young age, he exudes the spirit of an old soul mountain man dressed impeccably in a crisp suit and tie. He picks his guitar riffs at the speed of a machine gun and sings along to the melodies with sharp precision and impeccable tone. Don Julin is no amateur, either—the older half of the duo has played mandolin for decades and is one of the best at his craft. His flawless plucking, along with his perfectly harmonized voice, creates an incredible counterpart to Billy’s musical abilities. You might be thinking to yourself, “Bluegrass? In northern Michigan? It can’t be that good.” Well trust us, don’t ask questions and take a listen to this duo’s latest album release, Rock of Ages. Their talent even has veterans to the bluegrass scene scratching their head in incomprehension and wonder. Side-note: if you have the chance to see them on a midnight cruise, underneath the clear, northern Michigan starry sky, we recommend you take that opportunity pronto.