EVA KATHERINE – Today’s Ray of Sunshine… Tomorrow’s Star
Written by Gina Tutko-Usalis
May 2010
POTTSVILLE - Eva Katherine Blankenhorn at the age of 6 years old sang to her grandfather who just loved listening to her. Her grandfather has since passed away but would surely be very proud of his granddaughter. Now at the age of 11 years old you may be wondering what is so special about this young lady? Well… have I got news for you!
Eva is first and foremost the daughter of Kevin and Beth Blankenhorn, Orwigsburg PA. She loves spending time with her younger sister Paige and the rest of her family along with friends. She enjoys reading, loves horses, watching the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) and does very well in her 5th grade enrichment classes at Blue Mountain School District. But Eva Katherine has a very special gift… this young lady has a singing voice well beyond her years. She is a talented singing sensation who has recently been making some impressive public appearances.
In 2007, Eva’s parents decided to surprise their daughter by giving her vocal lessons as a Christmas present. Mrs. Dawn Hull is Eva‘s music professor and thought she would engage with Eva for 2-3 lessons. After the very first lesson, Mrs. Hull declared she would indeed like to keep Eva as a student. Eva has commented, “Mrs. Hull is the best! She is always patient and a lot of fun. We rock out in her kitchen every week.”
Eva does recitals, school plays and keeps working on her stage presence. She loves to have fun and meet new people. Last year, she performed the “National Anthem” at a Reading Phillies game and sang for the Reading Express Area Football Team. Eva sang at a church in Allentown and also sang “Amazing Grace” at the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Kutztown by invitation from a close family friend. She also entered Kidz Idol which was sponsored by the Big I-105. Eva actually won and was awarded the grand prize of opening the FallFest by singing the “National Anthem” and receiving a guitar signed by every artist who performed at the festival.
Along the way last summer, she and her family also got to enjoy the atmosphere of two Pennsylvania fairs, Greene County Fair in Western PA and the Bloomsburg Fair where Eva also performed with some Nashville artists such as the Chris Higbee Project, Steve Smith and one of Eva’s all-time favorites and influence – Miranda Lambert. Lambert gained fame from being a finalist on the 2003 season of Nashville Star and is only the third female country artist in history to have three records debut at #1 on the Billboard Country Album chart. Eva herself has been in the PA Talent Showcase at Hershey, where she received the first standing ovation in 27 years. Some of Eva’s other music influences are LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood and Johnny Cash.
Eva is also currently taking guitar lessons from Pottsville’s Thom Greis who is referred to as her “guitar guru.” Eva’s dad Kevin says, “Eva really enjoys learning the guitar and is getting much better each week, just not quite ready to play live yet. Eva was invited to sing in July at the Martin Guitar facility in Nazareth, PA on her way to a fair in the area that day. Eva is very excited to go there as the Martin Guitar Co. has guided tours through their facility. The list of artists that own Martin guitars is everyone whom is anyone.”
However, although Eva is getting all this attention, her father tells me, “This must remain fun for the whole family. Eva makes the call as to which performances she wants to do and the decisions are made as a family unit.”
Earlier this spring, Eva made her first appearance with a band – the Badlees. The Badlees are a nationally famed group of musicians hailing from Northeast PA, known for songs such as “Angeline is Coming Home” and “ Fear of Falling” among many others. This was one of many SOLD OUT shows spurred by their long awaited new CD release - Love is Rain. The crowd attending the performance of the Badlees along with supporting band Pan.a.ce.a (new release titled We the Broken) at the Front Street Station in Northumberland, rocked the night away to fantastic music. The Badlees then brought Eva up on stage to perform a couple of songs. The crowd went wild with cheers and applause! The bands are often approached by friends and fans with remarks like “Great show!” and on this particular night they were also approached after the concert by hundreds of people in the crowd all asking the same question… “Who’s the kid?”
The summer brings many new adventures for the Blankenhorn family. Eva’s self-titled debut CD will be available to the public very soon. In celebration, there will be a music release party on Saturday, June 12th which will be held at Roman Delight III, 1240 Centre Turnpike Route 61, Orwigsburg from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. She will also be participating in an upcoming benefit on Sunday, June 27th- Pennsylvania Helps Nashville Benefit Concert being held at BROWNIES, 23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore PA.
Eva’s debut release was recorded at Saturation Acres Recording Studio, Dupont PA under the creative ear of acclaimed producer, Bret Alexander (Badlees, Breaking Benjamin). Through a chain of events, Eva was introduced to Bret in December of 2009. Eva was definitely worthy of studio time. “Bret has been very gracious in helping Eva. I think he has a plan for her. He stays in contact with us quite frequently and offers guidance by answering any questions we have. Bret will also be writing some material for Eva in the future,” said her father Kevin. I asked Eva if Mr. Alexander has shared any chocolate cake with her as I had heard from other musicians that the chocolate cake served at Saturation Acres is a favorite. She replied, “I LOVE working with Mr. Alexander! He is very patient and a really cool person. I usually like to snack on granola bars and I like Moose Tracks ice cream. He has not shared any cake yet, but we are seriously waiting.”
Bret comments on Eva saying, ” She is a very special young lady, I’m not used to my artists calling me Mr. Alexander… but I will adapt. I’m excited about her record. People are really responding to her already. With the right songs… look out!” Eva and Mr. Alexander will be working on original material for the future.
Other folks that have been very supportive of Eva’s talent are her Aunt Cyndi & Grammy Carol, Ryan Pelton, Rich Dallago and Schaeffer’s Harley Davidson who is supporting Eva’s “Crazy” Tour 2010. Eva will be opening for former American Idol finalist and Country Star Bucky Covington who will be performing on Schaeffer’s Harley Davidson Night at the Schuylkill County Fair on August 7th.
If you are looking for something to do this Memorial Weekend, you can enjoy Eva performing a few songs at a benefit concert for the Children’s Alopecia Project on Sunday, May 30th at The Works in Wyomissing. The benefit concert will also consist of the Badlees, Pan.a.ce.a., and The Fallen Troubadours. For more information on this event click here.
Please go to Eva’s website for the complete list of scheduled appearances.
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