David Bromberg Quintet will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St. in Waterville.

For Americana godfather David Bromberg, it all began with the blues. His journey spans five-and-a-half decades, and includes — but is not limited to — adventures with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jerry Garcia, and music and life lessons from seminal blues guitarist Reverend Gary Davis, who claimed the young Bromberg as a son.

Bromberg’s mastery of several stringed instruments (guitar, fiddle, Dobro, mandolin), and multiple styles is legendary, leading Dr. John to declare him an American icon. In producing John Hartford’s hugely influential Aereo-Plain LP, Bromberg even co-invented a genre: Newgrass.

Bromberg’s guitar work remains a marvel; amped electric lead — both slide and fretted — and delicately powerful acoustic fingerpicking propel these songs with the same force that made him the go-to guy for acts ranging from the Eagles to Link Wray to Phoebe Snow.

Tickets cost $27-38.

For tickets, or more information, call 873-7000 or visit operahouse.org.