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
