For decade after decade, Dean Stevens has delighted audiences of all ages throughout the Americas. An exuberant performer of distinctive style and wit, he combines an intricate, self-taught guitar style with a versatile and expressive singing voice. He has established himself as a formidable creator and interpreter of a wide spectrum of songs in English and Spanish. His own material explores a variety of personal and social topics, paints sketches of people and places, celebrates the Earth, and annoys the narrow minded.
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Dean Stevens is a lifelong student of Latin America. He learned Spanish at an early age, and readily absorbed the musical and topical influences of the region. He travels frequently to Central America, and has become known for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of war refugees returning to resettle their villages, replant their fields and reconstruct their lives.
Dean leads frequent trips to villages in El Salvador, and has become an importer of fine coffee from Izotalillo, one of these mountain communities.
"Seeing and hearing Dean Stevens live on stage is proof that sanity, literacy, love, hope, and the forces of good are still alive and well and at work in the universe. Losing your faith? Go to a Dean Stevens concert!"
~ Geoff Bartley
Dean Stevens has six highly acclaimed recordings to his credit. His 2020 release, "Arise" (Volcano Records), produced by Dean and Eric Kilburn,is a collection of songs in English and Spanish, with guest appearances by Rob Flax, Ritt Henn, Kevin BarryRandy Sabien, Linda Waterfall, and many others.
"Dean Stevens, remember that name! We’re going to be hearing a lot more from this marvelous voice.'
~ Pete Seeger" a powerful, moving political voice". Scott Alarik, Boston Globe
" Dean Stevens is a charming entertainer, a musician of great sensitivity and wit. Hs spirit of joy and sharing shines through his music" Jerry Christen, New Song Coffeehouse
"...as happy, uplifting and moving a performer ...as has emerged in the Northeast in the past ten years! Benny Green, Sweet Potato
"Dean Stevens is such a consummate musician and singer, such an easy guy to be around that it's easy to forget what a great songwriter he is...a sunny guy with a wicked wit...a killer guitar player: a first quality musician and a first quality human being" Bob Franke
" a performer with keen vision, tenacity and wisdom to inspire and to entertain" Stephen Ide, Dirty Linen
After a 25 year virtual hiatus involving childcare and mortgage, activism, community building and other lines of sustenance and distraction, Dean Stevens is once again reocring new work, and looking to play for folks every chance he might get. “Wherever they have me, I’ll be had!” is his slogan.