Kevin “B.F.” Burt, a Midwest legend, has been electrifying audiences for more than 25 year dispelling the myth of true blues having no roots in Iowa. His unique, soul-inspired presentation has earned him comparisons to Bill Withers and Aaron Neville. He also has the ability to create a rapport with his audience that is comparable to B.B. King. Kevin is a self-taught musician (vocals and harmonica), whose warm, smooth vocal delivery sets a mood for relaxed exhilaration. He mixes serious music with infectious humor, which audiences of all ages seem able to appreciate. His presence and voice are strong. His unique delivery is a mix of the sweetest, most full-bodied, and juiciest. He can also be heard grinning with the most playful laugh. He performs anywhere from 325 to 400 shows per year and his audience leaves knowing this. Kevin has some stage experience during his short career. He was “Papa Gee” and acted in “Klub Ka, The Blues Legend”, an off Broadway play. Each night, it sold out at LaMama’s Experimental Theater in New York City for a period of two weeks. It was first performed in Iowa City and then moved to Washington D.C. Burt also orchestrated all the blues music. Burt also played roles in many other plays at the University of Iowa. As “Old Timer”, in “Waking Niccodemus”. In August Wilson’s acclaimed play, “The Piano Lesson”, Burt also played the role of “Whining Boy”. Burt also wrote the music soundtrack and landed a leading role in “The Guru’s Game”, a short silent movie. Burt was also cast as himself in the independent film, “Twelve-thirty”. Kevin Burt won numerous awards and has played at many festivals with his band, The Instigators. Three times he was named Best Entertainer in Iowa City, Best Band in Iowa City, and the International Blues Challenge Competition’s Top 25 Unsigned Blues Bands. Festival appearances included the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival and the Iowa City Jazz Festival. He also appeared at The Blues Foundation International Unsigned band Challenge in Memphis, TN. Blues-stock Memphis. The 1996 Smithsonian Institution Festival of American Folk Life in Des Moines, IA. The International Blues Challenge Competition named him one of the top 25 unsigned blues bands in the world. Kevin Burt’s career is short and he has performed on stage with many of the biggest names in music. B.B. King, Koko Taylor and Buddy Guy. Luther Allison, Bernard Allison. Junior Wells. Robert Lockwood Jr. David “Honeyboy”) Edwards. Lonnie Brooks. Ronnie Baker Brooks. Wayne Baker Brooks. Blues Traveler. Head East. Terrance Simieon. Dan Zanes. The Holmes Brothers. Tony Brown. Jerry Dugger. Ken Valdez. Burt is also a top Midwest blues heritage educator. In February 2009, Chet Culver, the Governor of Iowa gave Burt this honor. Kevin is an Iowa Arts Council artist and educator. He also wrote and published “Just Play It: An Introduction to Blues Harmonica” a book on classroom harmonica. His philosophy is education through entertainment. Since 1994, the program has been in operation. Burt intends to continue his work in the community with Children and the arts. Kevin “B.F.” Burt will see good things with the support of his family. http://bfburt.com
