“You guys (Berchtold & Stear) sounded great! I got many postive comments (at the Lunchtime Concert Series), and this was the best turnout we’ve had yet!”
— Eric Veal, Cultural Arts Program Manager, Bloomington Parks and Rec
“Parchman Farm is so intricate and so well done, it belongs in everybody’s Blues playlist!”
— Skyy Dobro, Friends of the Blues Radio Show, 1.1FM WKCC radio
“I wanted to thank you and Brian for coming out to the (Midwest Mountain Bike) festival last weekend. I know it was cold and we were running a little late. We appreciate your support and especially your fantastic music. I heard from many people how much they enjoyed your show. I hope to get to hear you again soon, in a little warmer environment! Thanks so much for your contribution to the weekend.”
— Carrie Kerr, Midwest Mountain Bike Association
“David and Brian, Thank you so much for playing (no pun intended) a significant role in making Easter Seals’ 17th Grape Soiree’ a record breaking event. The music provided by Berchtold and Stear received rave reviews from our guests who insist that you be asked back next year. Not only was the quality and presentation of your music greatly enjoyed by all but the sincere and personal support you conveyed to those in attendance regarding Easter Seals’ mission was clearly heard and greatly appreciated.”
— David Bateman, Easter Seals Community President
“The Illinois Sustainable Living and Wellness Expo’s (ISLWE) performance stage welcomed the music of Berchtold and Stear at this year’s event. The music was the perfect component to blend with the energy of the Expo creating a wonderful backdrop acoustically. In review of this year’ s evaluations of the event, there were many who thanked us for the having such high caliber musicians requesting that we have a repeat performance at next year’s Expo. We already have booked David and Brian (for next year) to honor this request; it’s a good thing!”
–Missy Smock, Illinois Wesleyan University Wellness Director & Co-coordinator of ISLWE
“You guys should be on the main stage next year!”
— An anonymous fan after hearing David and Brian Stear perform in the Education Tent at the Luther Allison Memorial Blues Festival
“David and Brian (Berchtold & Stear) entertained our crowd and created a family friendly atmosphere – while singing and helping to create awareness for the March of Dimes”
— Lori Christopherson, Division Director, March of Dimes
“My wife and I saw you and Brian Stear play at the Bloomington Farmers Market last Saturday, and I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how thoroughly we enjoyed it. I’m certainly not a musician myself, but I love good music of many kinds, and your playing is just beautiful: technically accomplished (as far as this amateur can tell), yet wholly accessible and engaging. All the same goes for Brian, who really gets a lot of energy and emotion out of that harmonica. I guess I was most impressed with the gospel tunes you chose, but really on everything, your playing was wonderful, and your arrangements brought out the best of the songs — not just the toe-tapping rhythm (which is so important, but I suspect is also the easiest part to get right) but more deeply, the warmth, the humor, the wistfulness — you really tapped emotionally into every one. All in all, you two were definitely the best we’ve heard at the market so far, and you really made our Saturday. So I just wanted to say thanks very much for that, and all the best with your music!”
— Bill Philpott, Normal
“You guys are the best Friday night band I’ve got.”
— Derek at NV Ultra Lounge
David Berchtold 