I was born in 1972 and grew up in Johnstown, N.Y., in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Taught myself to play a little harmonica as a teenager. Lived for a year ('90-91) as an exchange student in Jamaica. Studied English and Irish literature (as well as Rugby football and drinking songs of all cultures) at Union College for four, er, five years, graduated in 1996. Played harp on a few occasions with such beer-party luminaries as Wok the Dog and Cajun Jack & The Rubber Band.

Started teaching myself to play acoustic guitar that fall while working as a reporter at my hometown newspaper. Started trying to channel Mississippi John Hurt, with some success (I do love that Maxwell's House ... that's some coffee!). Took guitar lessons fron Glenn Weiser on and off from 1997 to 2000.

Married Jennifer Sponnoble July 1, 2000.

Studied with Pat Johnson and others at National Guitar Workshop, July of 2001.

Son Liam Guthrie Ackerbauer was born March 31, 2002.

Had a blast learning a little old-time banjo and mandolin at Ashokan Fiddle & Dance Camp, August of 2003.

Catch me this summer pickin' and grinnin'amongst the produce at farmers markets throughout Fulton and Montgomery counties...

Bill Ackerbauer

Smokin' Bill's Digital Depot