Hi Everyone, goodness me, it’s July already!
So let me welcome you to another newsletter packed full of exciting and interesting gigs, events and information for you all to peruse at leisure. Grab your diaries and check out the Newsdesk website and our social media links.
We at Newsdesk are especially proud to announce a new album release from our very own ambassador Sam Spranger. His band are called The Bad Day and you can find links to order the album on our website. Another album release is from the brilliant Joe Powers which is also great; if you would like more information see our website.
I’m pleased to announce Argentina born Santiago Alvarez is doing another tour of Europe this summer, which is one not to miss.
New workshops, gigs and events are continuously being updated and added for your information, so keep looking as we would hate for you to miss out!
Finally, may I take this opportunity to mention what a fantastic time we all had at the HarmonicaUK Chromatic Weekend this year. Full of fun laughter and companionship. There are too many highlights to mention but I must say something that makes me giggle everytime I think of it is Patrick Byrne and his exploding harmonica!!* I think he is a magician!!
Until the next time,
Suzy
Suzy Colclough - Newsdesk Coordinator
* Editors note - for those not at the Chromatic Weekend, Patrick's 'easy to disassemble' Hohner Chromatic slid off a chair and fully disassembled itself during a workshop!
Hello Everyone,
The latest news to report is the success of our Chromatic Weekend. It was a real pleasure to finally meet up in person with so many friends. May I thank the chromatic planning team, Dave Hambley, Neil Warren and Hilvert Scheper for all of their hard work. Additionally my thanks go to Gene Myers for his amazing work in branding this event and help with our lighting and also for filming the concert with Roger Trobridge.
Our workshop leaders and artists did a fantastic job, and of course Paddy Byrne was a natural compere. We will be covering the weekend in detail in the next magazine, but in the meantime thanks to all of the teams.
Our festival plans continue at pace and shortly Newsdesk will be releasing our line up; I am sure that you will be pleased with our choices. As a reminder the dates are 21-23rd October again at Hillscourt near Birmingham.
A warm welcome to Louise Goodridge who has joined our Newsdesk team and will be looking after our social media.
I hope you all have a nice summer and I look forward to meeting up with many of you in October.
Happy Harping,
Pete
Pete Hewitt - Chair, HarmonicaUK
Newsdesk brings you a selection of items from the HarmonicaUK Newsdesk this month. Click "Read more..." to read the full news item.
Unique harmonica player Tommy Morgan dies aged 89
American harmonica player Tommy Morgan died recently aged 89. He has recorded thousands of pieces of music since he first worked with the Andrews Sisters in 1950. He is considered to be the most heard harmonica player in the world, recording on soundtracks for over 500 films including Cool Hand Luke, Dances with Wolves and City Slickers. Read more...
Jens Bunge video from the HarmonicaUK Chromatic Weekend
HarmonicaUK's Chromatic Weekend on 18th and 19th of June had many highlights. One of these was Saturday evenings Concert, with workshop tutors and other selected acts demonstrating their talents. Headlining the concert was legendary chromatic jazz player Jens Bunge. He was skillfully accompanied by Chris Collis on keyboards, Jadie Carey on her five string double bass and Steve Street played percussion. Read more & video link...
New album from Sam Spranger and his band - The Bad Day
HarmonicaUK ambassador Sam Spranger and his band the bad day have released an eponymous album. It is available on various streaming services and a limited-edition CD. Read more...
Vietnamese "Monster Masterpiece" passes after 70 year musical career
Vietnamese harmonica player Tong Son has passed away in Ho Chi Minh City aged 91. While little known in the West, he was a massive star in Vietnam. He was known as 'Monster Masterpiece' by his many fans. He made a living from playing the harmonica for over 70 years. He developed many unusual playing styles and was famed for playing while eating a banana or drinking beer. Read more...
Other News
SPAH announce online attendance registration for convention
Joe Powers and Stephane "El Turquito" Koch release new video
Second Tuesday Club Open Mic at Whitchurch Rugby Club
Santiago Alvarez European tour August to September 2022
Harmonica Lewinsky & Friends - Open Mic in Feltham
Read about these items and more...
And finally, do you have a spare hour to support the Harmonica Community?
HarmonicaUK would love to hear from you if you have as little as an hour a month to spare to help support your harmonica community. We are looking for people to help with:
• Newsdesk - writing articles etc
• Social Media
• Web site
• Events (online and in-person)
• or any other skills you have to offer
If you would like to get involved with the vibrant, friendly and fun group of folks behind your favourite harmonica charity then please get in touch with us by email to: [email protected]
Events this month - Read more and Zoom links on our Events Page
Friday Coffee Morning – 8th July 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Friday Coffee Morning – 15th July 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Friday Coffee Morning – 22nd July 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Friday Coffee Morning – 29th July 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Friday Coffee Morning – 5th August 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
HarmonicaUK October Festival
21-23 October 2022 - Save the date! Details to follow soon.
Have you got a harmonica story? Upcoming gigs? Single or album release?
Newsdesk can help spread the word for you with our members
Please contact us at [email protected]
HarmonicaUK - Registered Charity 1131484 (England & Wales)