Meet The Artists: Ivas John

Ivas John appears Friday evening, August 25th at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival.

Born in Chicago as a first generation Lithuanian American, Ivas John’s self made career stems from the musicality of his family. His working class father, who Ivas credits as his biggest influence, appeared in productions for the local opera company and was a regular fixture on the vibrant folk and blues scene in Chicago during the late 60’s. Ivas picked up a guitar at sixteen and hasn’t put it down. At first focusing on the instrument, and later adopting his father’s short and sweet “three verses and a chorus” theory of songwriting.”

Riverfront Times, “Together, between Ivas’ ability with the guitar and the songwriting

assistance from his father, Ivas John’s sound is a blend equal parts Ry Cooder, Mose Allison, Robert Cray, Van Morrison, Keb Mo, and Delbert McClinton. The music pleases the casual bar patron and the scrutinizing critic alike. Though he is an artist who understands the debt that is owed to his predecessors, and how important it is to honorably carry traditional music on, Ivas John is no copycat. As such, fans may have a hard time pinpointing exactly in what blues style Ivas is playing, but none will question that it is the genuine article.“

Chicago Blues Legend Billy Flynn, “Refreshing to hear a new band that clearly has a foundation in the blues, and not funk or rock like so many others.”