Artist/musician Nedra Russ (The Harmonica Lady) talks about all things Harmonica music and the artist process.
Art installations, song writing NJR Music and being a teacher. Interview and more
Her podcast is a great place to learn and hear for many great and lesser know harmonica players
Listen on: https://russnedra.podbean.com
Dutch Harmonica Quartet Fata Morgana still going strong after member change in the group
Quite a few of you came to know harmonica quartet Fata Morgana from the Netherlands in the years since their start in 1980. The group played over 450 concerts in 18 countries, including appearances in the US (like the SPAH Convention in Dallas, Texas, in 2003). Recently, a significant change has happened in the group: Paul Cornelissen, who has played the second chromatic since December 2001, decided to leave the quartet. Fortunately, a new member was found: Robert Pastoor, who has taken over the bass harmonica part from Ronald Kamminga, who is now playing second chromatic. Antal van Acquoy and Rob Janssen stay with their instruments (chords and first chromatic respectively).
During 2023, the group played concerts not only in the Netherlands, but also in Seewen (Switzerland), Klingenthal (Germany) and Trento (Italy). The year 2024 shows less concerts, also due to the member change. This time is being used to allow Robert and Ronald to get their feet under the table with their new challenges, and to work at new arrangements.
In 2025, the quartet is looking forward to presenting itself and the harmonica again by playing concerts at a broad range of events. If you want to know more: feel free to visit our website at www.fatamorganamusic.nl
Ronald, Rob, Antal & Robert
CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN MUSICHéctor Guzmán, conductor
Robert Bonfiglio, harmonica
Sat, Oct 19, 2024 | 8 PM
ROBINSON FINE ARTS CENTER
SPAH and HOOT Discount: Buy one, get one free, or 50% discount if you use the code word HARMONICA on Checkout here:
A TRIBUTE TO ELVIS PRESLEY – Plano Symphony Orchestra
Concert dedicated to the memory of Dr. Betty Muns.
What do a masked hero, a harmonica, and an enduring American favorite have in common? They’re all a part of our second concert of the season! From the William Tell Overture to Gershwin’s rhapsodic ballet An American in Paris, it’ll be an evening of joyful music and entertainment—especially once you hear a medley of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits as you have never heard them before! Guest artist Robert Bonfiglio joins the PSO with his unique style in a tribute to the “King of Rock and Roll.”
Called “the Paganini of the harmonica” by the Los Angeles Times, Robert Bonfiglio has dazzled audiences at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Gewandhaus, Teatro Colón, Teatro Massimo, Teatro Amazonas, Kennedy Center, Boston Symphony Hall, and Lincoln Center with his ability to both play Harmonica Concertos and sizzle on the blues. Robert has appeared on CBS New Sunday Morning, CBS Mornings, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Larry King Live, The Jim Bohannon Show, and Garrison Keillor’s American Radio Show. He has had feature stories and reviews in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and the Chicago Tribune.
SPAH is pleased to announce that the SPAH Convention will return to San Antonio, Texas August 12-16, 2025. We will gather at the Hilton Palacio Del Rio on the Riverwalk in the city center, hosted by the Alamo HOOT Club in San Antonio.
We are pleased to advise you that News on 6,
Channel 6 TV in Tulsa,
has featured the SPAH Convention 3 times in the past two days.
Most recently, here
Take a look!
Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica Presents the 61st Anniversary Convention in Tulsa, OK
Tulsa, OK. – August 5, 2024 – The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH) is pleased to announce its 61st Annual SPAH Convention, to be held in Tulsa, OK. August 13-17 at the Tulsa Hyatt Regency Downtown. Hundreds of musicians, enthusiasts, teachers and vendors are registered to attend.
SPAH welcomes headliners listed below, and a world-renowned chromatic Jazz artist to close the Saturday Awards banquet. Hank Shreve; is an award-winning blues harmonica player and vocalist who has played around the world’. Cheryl Arena; who’s voice and energy, combined with powerful harmonica have wowed international audiences for over 30 years. Ross Garren; harmonica player, keyboardist, composer and producer, has shared the stage with many greats, artists. PT Gazell; designer of the “Gazell method” signature Seydel harmonicas, PT has shared his one-of-a-kind tone and phrasing with many greats, and is a first-call Nashville session player and touring sideman.
Starting Wednesday morning, the Convention offers 40 seminars & workshops, plus a daily teach-in, vendor booths, jams and an open mic. Performances include afternoon and evening concerts throughout the week, featuring world-class performers at every show. The Convention culminates on Saturday evening with a Gala Awards Banquet, concert, and raffle to benefit the SPAH Rosebush Youth Scholarship Program.
“SPAH is excited to be back in Tulsa where we have had some of our largest Conventions. Tulsa offers a great Convention location, coupled with many important historical sites to visit. We are excited to bring world-class harmonica music and education for all ages back to Tulsa,” said SPAH President Michael D’Eath. “We invite you to come and experience the friendship of this incredible, sharing harmonica community for yourself!”
Free events for Tulsa locals
The 7 pm Wednesday evening show is free to the local public (subject to capacity, doors 6:30 pm) and features the Tulsa Route 66 Harmonica Club, Mitch Grainger, Enrico Granafei, and closes with Michael Rubin’s Variety Show, featuring performances by many artists attending the Convention. On Saturday, The Gospel Show (10 am, doors 9:30 am) is also free to the public and features world-class performers playing uplifting Gospel music.
This year’s SPAH Convention along with the above, will feature additional performances by, The AJ Windmeyer / Boaz Kim / Phil Caltabellotta Harmonica Trio, Enrico Granafei, Winslow Yerxa, Mitch Grainger, Kiersi Joli, the Rosebush Youth Scholars, The Chris Bauer Jazz Hour, The Tom Stryker Big Band, The Michael Rubin Variety Show, all with amazing accompaniment from Kyle Rowland, Dan Ruppa and Eric Noden on guitar, Neil Adler on piano, plus Michael Bremo and Matt Martin on drums, and Stephen Schultz on bass guitar. Two additional world-renowned artists – Jazz and Blues – will be announced nearer the start of the Convention.
SPAH welcomes its Youth Scholars, selected from applicants from around the world to attend the convention, funded by generous SPAH donors. Local youth will also attend the SPAH Youth Outreach, a free program on Saturday morning. Attendees will receive a free harmonica, a boxed lunch, and a class led by teachers David Kachalon & Joe Filisko.
The SPAH Convention offers a wide range of education, with daily seminars, and the Joe Filisko “Teach-In”, with 1-1 time from renowned players & teachers, as well as insight into instrument customization and repair. Teach-in faculty includes all of our headliners plus; Charlie Barath, Chris Bauer, Don Caesar, Grant Dermody, Dennis Gruenling, Deak Harp, Lonnie Joe Howell, George Miklas, Eric Noden, Dennis Oellig, Rob Roy Parnell, Todd Parrott, Mike Peace, Dan Ruppa, and Peter Madcat Ruth.
SPAH also welcomes our honored Troubadours to share their experience, insights & music around the Convention area. The Troubadours this year are Cajun performer Jerry Devillier, classical maestro Robert Bonfiglio, and Will Scarlett of Hot Tuna fame.
What’s more, you can join us or listen to spontaneous jam sessions and impromptu performances from morning until late at night — on stages, in lounges, on patios, and in hallways – with music played by attendees ranging from pre-teens to octogenarians! Attendees may also perform at the open mic stage, which is open daily in the hotel lobby. After the evening concerts, jamming starts up again, with blues, jazz, country, and gospel circles late into the night!
The Vendor Exhibition is open daily, showing the widest array of top-of-the-line products anywhere, provided by vendors from around the world, with harmonicas, tools, equipment & accessories for sale.
Registration & Tickets
Registration is open daily at the convention hotel, starting Tuesday afternoon with opening ceremonies at 3:30 pm, featuring music by local Piedmont-style blues guitarist, Tom Pevear. The Blues Blowoff will be held Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm (doors 6 pm) at the same location.
Tickets can be purchased onsite: for the full convention, the Blues Blowoff, for a single day, for the Saturday banquet & show, and for all evening shows. Convention details are here: https://spahstore.org/convention-events/upcoming-convention-2/. Attendance is subject to capacity. You can register at the Convention registration desk in the Tulsa Hyatt Regency. Full Convention registration includes access to all streamed & recorded performances, and seminar recordings.
About the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH)
SPAH (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization) is the nation’s flagship harmonica organization with over 700 members. In addition to publishing a quarterly membership magazine, each year SPAH attracts harmonica players, enthusiasts, vendors and teachers from around the globe to its annual Convention. More information at www.SPAHstore.org
If you told us you’d like a T-shirt when you arrive in Tulsa, check out the design for this year! These will go fast, so stop by the table to purchase yours when you arrive! (We will have a few available for if you didn’t tell us your size when you registered)
Harmonica & Blues Summit Returns to Underground Honky-Tonk
Third annual Blown Away on the Bayou takes place October 16-20 in Sunset, LA
SUNSET, LA – Blown Away on the Bayou, a harmonica and Blues summit, returns for a third year, October 16-20, 2024, at the Whirlybird in Sunset, Louisiana, to celebrate and teach the rich history of the Blues and the harmonica in Acadiana.
The 2024 harmonica instructors are Joe Filisko, Jerry Devillier, Chris Miller, and Grant Dermody
The idea for Blown Away on the Bayou came about through a series of pie and tea conversations with founders Jim Phillips, Christy Leichty, and Grant Dermody. A shared love of music led to the idea of a harmonica summit, with an immersion in both Blues and Cajun styles. In 2021 the inaugural BAOTB took place at the Whirlybird, an underground honky-tonk located in Sunset, Louisiana.
In year two the Summit expanded to include Blues guitar, mandolin, fiddle, accordion, and the addition of vocal instruction. As the Summit continues to grow, the founders intend to provide an ever widening immersive experience where Blues lovers from all over the U.S. and abroad can learn, share, play, dance, and eat together, all in the beauty of Acadiana.
Registration is open for full and part-time attendees. Full-time registration is $750 and includes:
Three full days, and two half days of instruction and jamming on all instruments, admission to all seminars and evening dance parties, Gospel choir participation and performance, and all gourmet, home-cooked meals and snacks provided by our resident Cajun chef.
Tuition discounts are offered to Louisiana residents. Part-time/Drop In registration is also available. There are food a la carte options for part time participants. Evening events are open to the general public.
Blown Away on the Bayou (BAOTB)
The mission of BAOTB is to enrich cultural understanding, nurture musical passion, and celebrate the Blues in the Acadiana region. Participants, both in our region and well beyond, are offered an immersive experience to explore the profound impact of the Blues, to dig more deeply into the study of Acoustic Blues, and to come to an understanding of its historic significance. The Summit offers a space to experience, discuss, demonstrate and jam the blues openly, thereby creating an environment that will encourage those in attendance to discover their own unique approach to the Blues and to play with their own authentic voice.
SPAH is pleased to announce that those wishing to attend the 2024 Convention online can now register here. Discounts are available for early registration, so register now!
SPAH friend Luke Clebsch at harmonica.com has written a cool “first timer” review about attending the SPAH Convention in St. Louis in 2023. Take a look at his article here.
