For more than 25 years, Kevin Burt has been electrifying audiences throughout the Midwest, dispelling the myth that true blues has no roots in Iowa. His soul-inspired presentation is unique, which consistently gets him compared to a range of artists like Bill Withers and Aaron Neville, with the ability to build an audience rapport that has been compared to B.B. King.
Kevin is a self-taught musician (vocals, harmonica, and guitar) whose smooth, warm presentation sets a mood of relaxed exhilaration, with a welcome mixture of serious music and infectious humor that appeals to audiences of all ages. His voice and presence are powerful, his unique delivery ranges from the sweetest, fullest, juiciest come-on to the most playful growl. Though he performs between 325 and 400 shows each year, he holds nothing back night after night.
Kevin has also had an acting career which included plays in an off-Broadway theater, New York City, Washington, DC, and the University of Iowa.
Kevin has won many awards and continues to perform at many festivals both solo and with his band, the Instigators. His awards include Best Solo/Duo performance at the International Blues Challenge in 2018, being a distinguished member of the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame, Best Entertainer in Iowa City (3 times), Best Band in Iowa City (3 times), and Iowa Blues Challenge Champions.
In 2024, Kevin released his latest album, Thank You, Brother Bill: A Tribute to Bill Withers through Gulf Coast Records. Because Bill has had such a profound impact on Kevin, he wanted to make this homage to his music. Kevin specifically wrote the poignant title track, Thank You, Brother Bill, to express the deep connection to the stories and songs that have shaped his own narrative. In his own words, “I hope to someday have the same impact on someone else’s world the way Mr. Withers has had on mine.”
Experience the resonance and timeless melodies of stories that transcend generations — at Blues in the Bottoms at Knuckleheads Saloon on Saturday, October 4, 6:00 p.m. Featured performers are D.K. Harrell, Kevin Burt, and Selwyn Birchwood. Tickets are available at knuckleheadskc.com.
Find Kevin Burt online at https://www.kevinburtmusic.net, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kevinburtmusic
Funding for Blues in the Bottoms is partly provided by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund and the Missouri Arts Council.
