A four day event celebrating the life and music of singer and guitarist Eddie “Son” House is underway in Rochester, sponsored by Geva Theatre.
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren kicked off the event Wednesday, which featured a performance of House’s “John the Revelator” by Tony Award winner Cleavant Derricks and members of the Elim Sanctuary Choir.
Co-producer of the event, Geva’s Jenni Werner, says Son House was a legendary bluesman from Mississippi who lived in Rochester for 30 years and was just an incredible inspiration to all kinds of musicians, from Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters to Bonnie Raitt and Jack White, among others.
The event, called “Journey to the Son: A Celebration of Son House” features a play commissioned by Geva chronicling his life, plus performances by many musicians including John Mooney and Joe Beard.
There will also be guitar workshops and photographs on display from the Delta Blues Museum.
The event runs through Saturday.
