Spencer Bohren - Educator

Spencer Bohren's documentary concert, Down the Dirt Road Blues, follows the journey of a single song as it travels through America's history and culture. From its pre-slavery African beginning, the song slowly transforms into Mississippi blues, Memphis dance music, a banjo tune from Appalachia, Hank Williams' early country music, Muddy Waters' electric Chicago blues, and finally into folk music and rock 'n' roll, with Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. Spencer's concurrent narrative gives students a historical context for the changes that drive the music forward. Performed on appropriate vintage instruments, Spencer's captivating story carries listeners of all ages along with him on this amazing musical journey and leaves every listener with an appreciation for America's unique treasure of traditional music.