Stephen Bluhm

This is an interview with Stephen Bluhm, conducted in his home in Athens, NY on June 22,2024. Stephen grew up in rural Pennsylvania and lived in Philadelphia before moving to Hudson. He moved to Hudson at the encouragement of his friend Dot and because of the opportunity to be involved with Club Helsinki when it was first opening in Hudson. Having grown up in a small town, Stephen mentions that he never imagined that he would move to a small town again.

He discusses all of the different roles that he had at Club Helsinki, including posting flyers, hosting the open mic night, and being there the day that the soundboard was delivered. He also discusses his decision to eventually take a job with Etsy when the company opened its customer service office in the old cannonball factory in town. Stephen describes his excitement and pride in working for the new company that helps support artists and makers who are selling their work and shares stories about his experiences working in are purposed building.

Stephen isa musician and at the time of this interview was working for Flynn Pianos, based in Great Barrington, MA. He talks about how he purchased a piano fromFlynn Pianos and, through persistence and demonstrated interest, is now learning about the process of tuning and caring for pianos. He also shares information on his recently released, second album and spiritual experience she’s had in relation to creating music.

This interview may be of interest to those who want to learn about the music community in Hudson and surrounding region; the ways that buildings have been adapted and reused as industries and economies shift; the movement of people from large cities to more rural areas; as well as embodied and spiritual experiences with music.

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