Guest
Kevin Burt presents a take on the folk art of blues music and how it has been enjoyed, studied, interpreted, and appropriated around the world. Blues Education helps to develop an understanding of the evolution of blues, as an art form, and connects the music of the past to the music of now, creating a window to view its impact on American culture through a better understanding of the importance Blues music. Iowa native, Kevin Burt, gained international recognition when he swept the 2018 International Blues Challenge claiming top prizes in all three Solo/Duo categories (Guitar, Harmonica, Over-All). He is a Gulf Coast Records artist, Iowa Blues Hall of Fame member, Delaney Guitars endorsed artist, and two-time Blues Music Award nominee. There are currently two albums released – debut album Heartland & Soul (Little Village Foundation, 2018) and Stone Crazy (Gulf Coast Records, 2020) with a new album to be released in Fall 2023. Along with touring, Kevin is committed to keeping the Blues alive through his Blues in the Schools program – traveling through Iowa as well as New York and Arkansas. He authored Just Play It! Harmonica Method by Kevin Burt in partnership with West Music which introduces students to playing basic cross-harp blues harmonica. He also collaborates with high school bands – to not only play the notes but to feel the music to tell the story. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at
