Category: Uncategorized

June 5-7, 2023. Director Roy Roy Parnell is joined by PT Gazell, Ronnie Shellist, assisted by Michael D’Eath, for 3 days of instruction for intermediate to veteran players. Fee includes the class, a special KFF T-shirt, lunches each day, and may include admission to the Festival if you are not already in attendance at the Festival.

For workshop details, click here.

For more information and tickets, go to the Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation website.

Note: SPAH members receive a 10% discount by using the code SPAH10 when registering.

Price is $450 including Festival admission for 3 days, or $375 for those without festival tickets.

Please join this longstanding workshop, amazing instructors, the campground music, fabulous nightly concerts and camaraderie!

There is a harmonica workshop taking place in Helen, GA this May 17th – 21st. Hosted by Rob Paparozzi, Jason Ricci, and Todd Parrott, Harpfest is an amazing opportunity to learn from some of the greatest players in the world! For more information and registration, please email jimmyescott.1@gmail.com!

This just in from SPAH Platinum Sponsor, Hohner.

 

Hohner’s new “XPRESSION” chromatic harmonica, available for purchase on April 3rd, offers new technical features and musical capabilities, lending to an expressive and comfortable performance for beginners and advanced players alike.

 

Made in Germany, the “XPRESSION” was designed to exhibit excellent playing capabilities while
maintaining comfortable handling. The instrument includes a CNC-milled stainless steel
mouthpiece with excellent gliding properties and integrated precision slide to provide maximum
comfort for the performer, ergonomically shaped stainless steel covers for comfortable handling,
a sound-optimized ABS comb for durability in a wide variety of climatic conditions, reedplates
manufactured to prioritize maximum air tightness and precision-machined brass reeds capable
of supporting heavy use.

 

“The stainless steel mouthpiece meets the high standards of professionals for playability and
performance” said Hohner Harmonica Brand Manager Jimmy Zednik. “The Xpression is priced to
appeal to players starting out, while the design, materials, construction, and durability make it an
instrument that will last as players progress to higher playing levels.”

 

Of note, the Xpression is valved, and straight-tuned. SPAH intends to publish a review of the instrument in an upcoming issue of Harmonica Happenings . Yvonnick Prené  is featured on the packaging for the Xpression, and and you can watch Prené demonstrating and speaking about this new model on the Hohner website. The launch of this instrument coincides with the International Chromatic Harmonica Competition in Hong Kong (see the earlier SPAH News story).

 

Follow this link for the technical information: Hohner Xpression

 

The Hohner Xpression’s pricing is expected to be MSRP $315 and MAP* $228.99. You can place your advance order for your new Hohner Xpression at HARMONICA GALLERY SALES REPAIR AND STUDIO , Rockin’ Ron’s, and other Hohner dealers.

 

 

Here is a review of the new instrument from Musical Merchandise Review

 

*Manufacturer’s Minimum Advertised Price

Bud Gardner
Nov. 1, 1934 – March 16, 2023

There will be a Celebration of Life for Bud Gardner to be held on April 16, 2023, at Sierra Pines, Sun City Roseville, from 1:00 pm to 4 p.m.

Bud and his fellow Harmonicoots (of almost 60 members) hosted a wonderful SPAH Convention in Sacramento in 2009. He will be sorely missed by us all.

 

Join us in “The 1st Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition” (HKICHC) between 3 April and 9 April 2023 and participate in the series of vibrant and exciting fringe activities from competitions, concert, master classes, workshops, open stage performances to exhibition. Among them, we are offering free and discounted tickets to two highlighted activities, respectively the HKICHC – Final and the Master Concert: The Evolving Harmonica.

Moreover, we can arrange a “Competition Audience Pass” for you so that you can enjoy all the other stages of the competition for free.

Please get back to us to reserve your tickets by filling in the online form on or before 15 March 2023. Should you have any other enquiries, please email (rainbow@hkharmonica.org)  or WhatsApp (+852 91638829) Ms. Rainbow Tam for facilitation.

Please also help to spread the news to your harmonica circle.

We look forward to welcoming you to join us in this unprecedented harmonica event!

Hong Kong Harmonica Association

https://ichc.hkharmonica.org/

Mary Jane Gormley

MARCH 3, 1940 – DECEMBER 9, 2022

Mary Jane Norris Gormley has passed on.

It was diagnoses of COPD in 1998, which happened to have a positive effect on a wider audience. Searching for a way to lessen the effect of difficulty breathing she came up with the idea of using a harmonica to exercise her lungs, and thereby strengthen them. She became a member of SPAH, and through her contacts with entertainers and manufacturers, developed an appreciation for the instrument as a musical instrument but, more importantly, a medical aid. This led her to team up with a respiratory therapist/musician, Larry Vesely, who worked at Bloomington Hospital, and the two co-authored a book on Harmonicas for Health that is available for free download at www.mjngormley.com. She partnered with manufacturers and local doctors to get large numbers of harmonicas and deliver them to elementary school children in Monroe County, along with music and complete instructions arranged by her grandchildren.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of longtime SPAH performer, attendee & teacher, Mike Caldwell. Mike was an important part of the community, supporting us in the Gospel Show, Teach-in, Seminars, jams and many stage performances. He will be sorely missed by all in the SPAH community. We will share more about Mike in the upcoming issue of Harmonica Happenings. In the meantime, please read the official obituary.

 

It is with great sadness that we must share information about the passing of a longtime SPAH member, Frank Yore, provided by his daughter.

 

My name is Margaret Thompson. I am the daughter of Frank Yore and want to inform you of his passing last week. I discovered my dad had been a part of SPAH. He loved to play the chromatic harmonica and played many jam sessions in the Tampa Bay area as well as anywhere he could while traveling. Francis Joseph Yore III, “Frank” was born on June 11, 1935, in Chicago, IL to: Francis Joseph Yore II and Charlotte nee, Turskey, entered into eternal rest on January 17, 2023, in Lutz, FL.  Frank was predeceased by his sisters: Charwill Smeddick (Sr. Pia OSB), Marlyne Olsen and son, Peter W. Yore. He is survived by: his loving wife of 63 years, Arlynne (Mastrangelo), 8 children, 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and brother: John W. Yore. Frank attended St. Mel’s High School, Chicago, mainly worked in insurance and tax preparation and was a member of the Batavia Moose Lodge. Quite proficient with the chromatic harp, Frank always loved a great jam session. Published by Chicago Tribune from Jan. 25 to Jan. 26, 2023. Please let your members and interested parties know for me and our family. Thank you and God bless. Here is the Funeral information:   Wake: Friday, January 27, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00 PM Brewer and Sons Funeral Home 1190 S. Broad St., Brooksville FL, 34601   Funeral: Saturday, January 28, 2023, 11:00 AM Most Holy Trinity Seminary Queen of All Saints Chapel 1000 Spring Lake Hwy., Brooksville, FL 34602   Cemetery: Saturday, January 28, 2023, 2:00 PM Calvary Catholic Cemetery 5233 118th Avenue N. Clearwater, FL. 33760 ~Margaret Thompson

In 2019, Paul Davies and Michael D’Eath spent time with noted Harmonica Happenings contributor Jaine Rodack. Jaine wrote a blog post on Harmonica.com about SPAH’s history. Worth a read!

WCOM just had harmonica legend Paul Messinger on their radio show / podcast recently.

We spent a good bit of time chatting about your convention this week, where he just played. It’s a really nice plug for your event.

Here’s the show: https://youtu.be/WS72S5DPuGE

Please share as you see fit. I think the timing is really good for your crowd.

Slainte, Chris Amsbary / WCOM