FRIENDS CONCERT SERIES: DAN STEVENS – BLUES, AMERICANA ROOTS & ORIGINALS

Dan Stevens, originally from Bellefonte PA, is an acoustic blues artist based in Old Lyme CT whose style centers around the acoustic fingerpicking tradition learned from Boston bluesman Paul Rishell and the late folk legend Dave Van Ronk, with whom he has studied in New York City.  Dan performs an eclectic mix of Blues, American roots music and originals including many 'bottleneck slide' songs.  He also plays various primitive blues instruments including a homemade three-stringed cigar box guitar and a one-stringed “Diddly Bow” which were played by early bluesmen. 

Dan Stevens has toured for many years along the East Coast, U.S. Virgin Islands, U.K., Germany and Canada and has appeared with such artists as James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite, Arlo Guthrie, Richie Havens, Charlie Daniels, Livingston Taylor, Ronnie Earl, and others.  This event will be the first in a series of CD Release Concerts featuring songs from Dan's new CD, his 4th, entitled 'Dirt Floor Sessions' produced by Fred Brightman of Stash Records in New York City.  The CD represents his travels since becoming a finalist at the International Blues Challenge '08 on Beale St. in Memphis TN and beyond.  Art Tipaldi, Senior Writer for Blues Revue Magazine, offered about Dan's work, “His stylish fingerpicking and warm vocals shade these tunes with fresh, penetrating nuances.”  Dan's ability as a raconteur is evident in his shows as he relates historical elements of the music and stories of his many experiences from years of life on the road.  Dan's mentor, Dave Van Ronk has said, “I have always been impressed by Dan's command of the blues, both vocally and on the guitar.  His readings of traditional songs and of his own compositions are delightful and convincing.  A hell of an all-round entertainer!” 

Dan Stevens is on the roster of Music Under New York and appears on a regular basis in locations such as Grand Central Station and Times Square and also is on the rosters of the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism and New England Foundation for the Arts.  Read more about Dan on www.danstevens.net. Reserve a seat now!