Jean Ritchie 1922-2015 photo by Evo Bluestein Musician and folk artist Jean Ritchie passed away recently at the age of 92. Kentucky poet, singer and composer, she popularized the mountain dulcimer and saved it from obscurity almost single handedly. She hailed from the small Eastern Kentucky town of Viper, and was the youngest of … Continue reading Jean Ritchie and the Fresno Friends
Author’s Note: An earlier excerpt about Frank Hicks ran in the September 2014 FFS newsletter. This excerpt picks up from his high school graduation in June 1941. Frank went to work for the railroad in 1950, became an engineer in 1956 and continued his career with the railroad until retiring in 1982. Fortunately, his railroad … Continue reading Frank Hicks
Nada Lewis–Balkan and Klezmer musician from Berkeley I was introduced to Balkan folk dancing through my friend Liz, at U. C. Riverside. Before that I had been involved in Israeli folk dance and music, but when I heard Balkan music I switched. I loved the Balkan music so much I bought every recording of it … Continue reading Nada Lewis Comes to Sweet’s Mill
Evo continues with interviews regarding early Fresno folk history. Tom Ninkovich was raised on a farm outside of Sanger. He graduated from high school in 1961. In this interview he was explaining to Evo what got him interested in folk music and the folk scene around Fresno, starting around 1962. l-r: Will Spires, Larry Hanks, … Continue reading Early Fresno Folk – Tom Ninkovich
Virgil Remembers the Mill, Part 2 Excerpts from an interview with Virgil Byxbe by Evo Bluestein, 1990 Balkan men’s dance, photo by E. Z. Smith Jim White1 came up [to the Mill] from the college Y2 and gave classes in non-violent protest during the Vietnam War. After a series of classes would finish, they wanted … Continue reading Virgil Byxbe interview, part 2
Early Times in the Fresno Folk Scene: Virgil Byxbe, part 1 by Evo Bluestein Here is the beginning of an interview with the late Virgil Byxbe (1917 – 1992), long-time Fresno Folk Society member and owner and originator of an early and influential folk music and dance camp, known as Sweet’s Mill. Gypsy Gyppo Stringband … Continue reading Virgil Byxbe interview, part 1
Early Times in the Fresno Folk Scene Quotes from folks you may have known . . . by Evo Bluestein I hope you enjoy these excerpts from interviews I’ve gathered over the years. From singer Rita Byxbe In 1962, I came north, from L.A. to Fresno, as advance person for The Stanley … Continue reading More Fresno Folk History 9/14
A hot contra or square dance band often becomes the preferred dance band in a community because they know their stuff, understand how to work with a caller, and are keenly aware of what the dancers want and need throughout the evening. Paying attention to the caller and the dancers reminds you that you are … Continue reading Mindfulness Training and Other Tips for Contra/Square Dance Bands by Evo Bluestein
Pete Seeger Tribute Evo Bluestein I was too young to remember the first time Pete visited us, but Mother says it was during a time when house concerts and small venues kept him going, as he was blacklisted by Joe McCarthy. I suppose he was developing his performing skills and philosophy. The … Continue reading Pete Seeger Tribute
This article was originally reported in the Fresno Bee by reporter Dan Gleason. Smiling faces and enthusiasm are a clear signal to Evo Bluestein that his American folk rhythm and dance workshops are successfully teaching children to respect and value culture. For many years Bluestein, a well-known and respected local musician and teacher, has put … Continue reading Fresno Bee Article 2002