LIVE PERFORMANCE • THE LITTLE CAFE

“New York native Benny Bleu is a geologist by trade, banjo player and singer-songwriter who touches on our connections with the natural world and each other.” – Putumayo World Music

Benny Bleu Haravitch plays old time banjo in the Finger Lakes of upstate New York – a land defined by deep lake valleys and steep highlands. The topography is reflected in the local fiddle tradition, and Benny’s banjo rolls along having studied and played with regional old-time visionaries Mac Benford, Richie Stearns, Judy Hyman, and Bruce Molsky. As a former geologist, his songwriting is earth-focused and inspired by the natural world. Benny’s performances are soothing journeys through tunes from his homeland, old songs learned by growing up next to a jug-bandleader, and original modern folk contemplations. His appearance in the 2025 Clifftop Banjo Finals, alongside his latest releases Banjo Meditations (Bandcamp Daily’s Best Country Music) and Banjo Jubilations (FAI Folk Radio Top 5) nestle Benny amongst the most distinguished clawhammer banjoists today. Find him on one of his Amtrak tours spreading the efforts of sustainability and eco-consciousness in the traveling arts.

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