Councilman Mathys honored local family of Bluestein musicians at Tuesday's Council Meeting. This special day was proclaimed "Bluestein Family Day" Friends gathered at city hall as Gene, Ellie, Frayda, Joel, Jemmy, and Evo Bluestein were honored as a wonderful family--committed to teaching and entertaining others with their music and knowledge. This family has brought many people the joy of diversified music, dance, and family togetherness. Their musical talent and work at local schools and colleges have been a part of our valley for many years, and are still a part of our community today.

BLUESTEIN FAMILY HONORED BY CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, June 8, 1999 9:00 am Fresno City Hall, Fresno, California Left to right: Jemmy and daughter Masha, Councilman Chris Mathys, Evo, Gene, Ellie. Joel and Frayda were unable to attend. Evo gave this statement at the ceremony.             photo by E.Z. Smith

WHEREAS, the Bluestein Family is a local family of musicians who have entertained and educated many, whether in a classroom of Gene Bluestein' s or watching a live concert of wonderful folk music; and

WHEREAS, the four Bluestein children, Joel, Evo, Jemmy and Frayda, grew up listening to their father, Gene, play a wide range of music, including the Blues, Israeli, Appalachian, labor organizing tunes, and Finnish and Swedish songs collected in Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, each of the Bluestein children took formal music lessons, mostly while living in Fresno. They also started playing the traditional music they have grown up with; and

WHEREAS, during Gene's 1975 sabbatical in Paris, France, the family concerts began. Upon returning to the states, they recorded the first Bluestein Family album, featuring traditional American music and socially conscious composers such as Woody Guthrie and Malvina Reynolds; and

WHEREAS, performances continued as the family group toured Israel, China and Japan, often as a result of Gene's teaching positions at universities in those countries; and

WHEREAS, during the early 1980's, The Bluesteins often performed in the Bay Area and started their tradition of a reunion concert in Fresno. The family produced record albums including several children's folk collections and albums that represented their expanding interest in music from Cajun and klezmer to zydeco and reggae; and

WHEREAS, although Gene's wife, Ellie, is not part of the musical group, she has offered endless support and encouragement. She is well known in the community for her volunteer work in areas of peace, social justice and human rights.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Chris Mathys, Acting President of the Council of the City of Fresno, and on behalf of the City Council hereby proclaim Tuesday, June 8, 1999, to be:

in the City of Fresno, and extend congratulations to Gene and Ellie on their 50th wedding anniversary and express appreciation for continuing to share a wealth of talent with thecommunity.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand andaffixed the Seal of the City of Fresno, California, this 8th day of June, 1999.
ACTING PRESIDENT CHRIS MATHYS

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