WhorlWood is a dynamic acoustic trio founded in 2016 by songwriter and guitarist Michael George Gonzalez. Their music is infused with flavors of Americana, roots, folk, and world music. Featuring SAMMY Award winning artist Perry Cleaveland (mandolin, fiddle, voice) and Doug Henrie (upright bass) of Henrie Brothers fame. We add guest percussionist Steve Imburgia for some performances.

WhorlWood performs aboard the Seneca Chief, a replica canalboat celebration 200 year anniversary of the Erie Canal – October 2025 in Lyons, NY

Michael Gonzalez

Michael George Gonzalez delivers fresh sounds that pay homage to the legacy of American music. His sultry voice and prolific guitar work engage the ear with creative phrasing and dynamics.

A trained composer with 30 years experience as a performer, bandleader, and music educator. Each year Michael is part of 200+ events both as a solo artist, with WhorlWood, and more groups.

He’s the artistic director and co-founder of the Geneva Jazz Festival and Scott Lafaro Celebration. And the founder of Finger Lakes Independent Music Alliance (FLIMA).

Perry Cleaveland

Perry Cleaveland is a SAMMY Award winning mandolinist who also adds lead and harmony vocals, fiddle, lead guitar and clawhammer banjo. Born in Louisville, Kentucky Perry emigrated to Syracuse, N.Y. and grew up in a household that hosted many bluegrass luminaries during his formative years. In his High School years, and continuing later, he began playing in a number of New York State Bluegrass bands including: Hard Times, Pleasant Valley, Bristol Mountain Bluegrass, Rosewood, John Rossbach & Chestnut Grove, The McCarthy Paisley Band, and Lost Time.

He has performed for festivals, colleges, clubs, private parties, corporate events, arts centers, schools, town concerts, PBS/NPR affiliates: WCNY, & WXXI, and New York State Council on the Arts-sponsored events, including Arts in Education series’ under the auspices of Young Audiences of Rochester. His innovative mandolin playing keeps him in demand as a recording session player throughout New York State having played on projects by many regional Bluegrass, Old Timey and Folk artists.

Doug Henrie

Upright Bass



Michael Gonzalez

Michael Gonzalez


Michael is a singer-songwriter steeped roots, jazz, folk, and world music. His sultry voice and prolific guitar playing engage the audience with music that is dynamic and rich.

Perry Cleaveland

Perry Cleaveland


Perry is a SAMMY Award winning mandolinist and one of the most in-demand session player in the region. His high-tenor harmonies add depth and shimmer to the WhorlWood vocal sound.

Doug Henrie

Doug Henrie


Doug is a seasoned pro with 50 years playing folk, bluegrass, jazz, and more. He started his performing career as a teenager in the legendary Henrie Brothers, touring throughout the country.