Nan Nelson has been playing and singing a wide range of folk music for over 50 years. In her teens, she began exploring American bluegrass, old-time and other folk styles, and soon discovered Russian folk music, as well as other East European styles and traditions, and has continued on this path of discovery ever since. Along the way, she earned a bachelor’s degree in music education at the University of Illinois.

Since moving to Michigan in 1987, Nan has been a member of the Detroit Balalaika Orchestra, The Ethnic Connection (led by David Owens of the NAMA Orchestra), Bulgarian trio Veselba (with Bruce Sagan and Chris Rietz), among others. Teaching experience includes individual instrumental and vocal lessons, and workshops for adult participants and for middle school students.