Virtuoso autoharpist returns to Elgin coffeehouse Sept. 1
Gifted and brilliant singer-songwriter and autoharpist Bryan Bowers will regale folk music lovers at the Highland Avenue Coffeehouse in Elgin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1.
When he was a child, Bryan Bowers was drawn to the old call-and-answer songs of the field workers and gandy dancers (railroad laborers) near his home in Virginia.
When as a young man he encountered the uniquely American autoharp, something magical began to happen. He moved to Seattle in 1971 and played for coins in the streets and bars. Coming back East, he performed in bluegrass festivals and began touring. Soon he was taking his place among beloved folk musicians as one of the best.
Bowers has redefined the autoharp and become a fine singer-songwriter. He stands over six feet tall and charms audiences with his charisma and storytelling.
"I want the joy of bringing people together," he has said. The Washington Times wrote, "This man makes more music from an autoharp than you can imagine from a 12-string guitar and a harpsichord combined."
In 1993, Bowers was inducted into the Autoharp Hall of Fame where he finds himself with such renowned artists as Maybelle Carter. FRETS Magazine listed him in its First Gallery of Greats alongside luminaries Chet Atkins and Itzhak Perlman.
Bowers has made many recordings. Of his 2006 CD, "Bristlecone Pine," Dirty Linen magazine wrote, "Like the venerable pine of the title track, autoharp virtuoso Bran Bowers' vocal style and instrumental prowess have grown in depth and genius over the decades. Each of these 18 tracks shines like a jewel, cut and polished by a master."
Bowers is returning Sept. 1 to delight Elgin audience again after being enthusiastically received at the Highland Avenue Coffeehouse in January 2017. He has a long history with Elgin music enthusiasts, having performed more than 40 years ago at the Colloquy Coffeehouse, a drop-in center and performance venue for young adults, also on Highland Avenue.
Lovers of the joy and humanity of folk music will be delighted to welcome back this gifted man whom People Magazine called, "the leading virtuoso on the autoharp."
The Highland Avenue Coffeehouse offers folk music, light refreshments, and friendly people.
The coffeehouse, which is open to the community, is held in the fellowship hall of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin. There is no cover charge; donations are appreciated. For information call (847) 741-5124 or go to www.hacob.org.