Evo Bluestein

Website: evobluestein.com

Multi-instrumentalist and singer, Evo Bluestein, brings to his music a rich legacy of American folk tradition, brilliant interpretation and original composition. Considered one of this country’s most accomplished Appalachian style autoharpists, Evo is equally known as a performer and teacher of old-time fiddle, button accordion, guitar and banjo. His repertoire includes songs derived from Appalachian, Cajun, zydeco, blues, and other styles of music.

His autoharp roots are traced to two legendary folk-artists; his father, Gene Bluestein, and Appalachian musician Kilby Snow. To quote Evo, “ ... Prior to the summer of ‘77, I’d never paid much attention to either Kilby or the autoharp. All that changed, one day, when my father asked me teach autoharp at his summer folk institute at Fresno State. I decided I had better learn how to play. A week beforehand, I listened to the two Folkways autoharp LP’s that included Kilby Snow and did my best to emulate his style. I was already an old-time musician playing fiddle, mandolin, banjo, dulcimer, and guitar. When I heard Kilby’s autoharp, I realized his music was as intriguing as any of the Appalachian masters of the more popular instruments.”

Evo designed his own autoharp, named the “Evoharp” by trying to emulate the fine qualities of A-model harp combined with features of modern day custom made harps. As a result, the “Evoharp” is recognized in the autoharp community as a lightweight instrument with a big sound and an attractive appearance. It is suitable for all ages, for concert performances, senior citizens, and children. Both Fresno Unified and Mendota Unified have purchased quantities of “Evoharps” for use with students, parents, and staff members.

Evo is one of the founders of the California Autoharp Gathering, and does extensive teaching with elementary students. He has taught at the prestigious Migrant Scholars’ Program at California State University, Fresno for the last six years. In response to the terrific reviews of his rendition of “Troubles” on the Autoharp Legacy CD, Evo has completed a new album of songs and tunes, which is titled “Off the Top.” We welcome back our very own Evo Bluestein for his fifth visit to our festival.

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