Brian Oberlin is an internationally recognized mandolinist and educator. from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Over his decades long career, he has performed swing, bluegrass, original and classical music, releasing over 20 albums.  He has collaborated with many acclaimed acts such as the GER Mandolin Orchestra, The Twin Mandolin Slingers, founded the River of the West and Great Lakes Mandolin Camps and conducts the Michigan Mandolin Orchestra.  Oberlin has also taught and performed worldwide, including the International Mandolin Academy in Italy, the Telluride Troubadour Contest and featured at EuroFest and BDZ festivals in Hamburg and Bruchsal, Germany.

Since 2003, Oberlin challenges himself to the ultimate task of playing solo mandolin shows. With many solo albums to mark his journey, he delves into the genres of swing, western swing, bluegrass, original music, Italian classical and contemporary classical; crooning all the while.

A self-taught musician, Brian founded the River of the West Mandolin Camp in 2009 and the Great Lakes Mandolin Camp in 2017, which hosts renowned educators. Brian teaches private lessons and workshops at festivals and Arts Centers frequently. He's a faculty member at various international festivals, including in Italy and Germany, and has received grants for his educational projects and lectures.

Brian’s musical journey began in Rockford, Michigan, where he first played alto saxophone, drums and guitar before discovering bluegrass and the mandolin at age 19.  Now a seasoned performer, he has played over 2500 concerts, including appearances with renowned artists like Vassar Clements, Mike Marshall and Ramblin' Jack Elliot. He’s won multiple songwriting awards, and was inducted into the Rockford High School Hall of Fame in 2016.