By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – If the sound of spirituals, rhythm and blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, folk, classic big band era and old fashioned love songs is something you enjoy listening to, then Kevin Blair is the performer you'll want to see.
Blair will be performing this Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph. This year, Blaire released three new CDs – Dialogue with Mystery, Walk Me On Down, Lord and Potpourri for the Soul – which will be available for signing at the concert.
Tickets are $8 and $6 for students and seniors 60 and older. Children under 12 free with adult.
Blair, a Niles resident, brings rich evocative professional quality to the many varied styles of musical entertainment he performs. Originally from East Orange, N.J., Blair moved to the area in the spring of 1966 with his family. He has been playing music for 25 years, starting out with visual art (acrylic on canvass and later plexiglass). He's gone back and forth throughout the years, but admitted he is now focusing on music mostly.
"It's my first performance at the Box and I am expecting a very large turnout. My music is Gospel and Inspirational, with twists and turns into life's journeys and experiences. Plus, I focus on past and current geopolitical events in relation to prophecy in symbolic and allegorical terms. I Love the Lord," he said.
Blair is no stranger to the stage, though, as has appeared on WNIT-TV and has performed at the University of South Florida, Fiddler's Hearth in South Bend, Ind., The Beanery in Mishawaka, Ind., Lakeside Melody Resort and many art museums and galleries throughout the country. He also performed recently as an opening performer with the Southwest Symphony Orchestra.
He has gained recognition in Colorado and the Midwest where his performing creative talents and visual artistry have continued to gain him recognition and awards.
Joining Blair on stage will be popular Riversong musicians Drew, Joy and Adrienne Frailey, of Milford, Ind. They will accompany Blair on guitar, mandolin, harmonica and vocals.
Blair draws his unique songwriting style and performance inspiration from such beloved artists as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Ralph Stanley, Nat King Cole, The Weavers, Gillian Welch, Pete Seeger, Elvis Presley, Melvina Reynolds, Willy Nelson, Hank Williams and others.
For additional information on Riversong, visit riversong.org or boxfactoryforthearts.org. You can also call the Box office at (269) 983-3688 during normal gallery hours of 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Monday through Saturday or Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.