Hello everyone and a warm welcome to our May newsletter
April was a busy month for Newsdesk and we are hoping May will be the same, with almost daily gig lists, tutorials and information coming through for us all to enjoy and peruse at leisure.
Check out Matt Walklate and Alex Haynes' second video in a series of three, My Turn (Read more...)
For information on registering for the 2022 SPAH Convention, read more...
How about attending a gig by Peter Golding, “Cafe Django” on the 14th of May? (Read more...)
Of course, if you are waiting for your very own time in the spotlight and moment to shine then don’t miss HarmonicaUK's open mic session on Saturday 7th May at 5 pm UK time. Come along to this friendly supportive and entertaining session where all levels of ability are welcome. If you don’t fancy playing then just come along and listen it’s great fun! (Read more...)
And if you have any harmonica news of your own, please get in touch with [email protected]
Last but certainly not least is our weekly coffee mornings on Fridays, 11 am UK time. Grab a cuppa and join us in this friendly and relaxed chat with fellow HarmonicaUK members. Until the next time, I’m banking on you enjoying all the holidays in May! Watch out for low flying Morris dancers and maypole incidents!
Suzy
Suzy Colclough, Newsdesk Coordinator
A message from the Chair
Hello Everyone,
May I start by being completely self-indulgent; last Friday I had the joy of attending Antonio Serrano’s gig in Soho as he celebrated what would have been Toots Thieleman’s centenary birthday. The evening was a masterclass not only to the wonderful legacy of Toots, but to Antonio as he demonstrated, with ease, what it is like to be a world-class player. After the show I was able to catch up with Antonio and Sam Spranger (HarmonicaUK Ambassador) to hear about their news. It was a night to remember.
The news closer to home is our live chromatic weekend is only next month. I know that there are other members who will also be staying there from Friday until Monday. I hope that we get to see many of our members there on 17-19th June.
Our October Festival has been set 21-23rd October at Hillscourt in Birmingham, so please save the date.
Finally, RockSchool is planning to launch their long awaited harmonica syllabus this Autumn. Ben Hewlett Vice-President of HarmonicaUK is heading up this project on our behalf. The plan is to have debut to grade 3 available in the first phase for tremolo, diatonic and chromatic - watch this space!
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.
Cafe Django appearing 14th May in Chelsea
Gypsy Jazz and hot harmonica swing! Saturday 14th May 2022 8:00PM The Pheasantry 152 Kings Road, London SW3 4UT. Doors open 6:30PM Read more...
Liam Ward Free Lesson on 13 questions about Harmonicas
Liam Ward's latest free lesson is on the top 13 questions that he gets asked about harmonicas and harp playing. Read more...
Aiden Sheehan's 'Whiskey River' Quartet
Gigs during May and June - Read more...
Aiden Sheehan's Rack harmonica and guitar workshop
Saturday 11th June 2022 10:00AM - 4:00PM The Bristol Folk House 40a Park Street, Bristol - Read more...
Adam Glasser to give Lecture in Brussels 9th May
Adam Glasser has been invited to contribute a lecture as part of a 3-day conference in Brussels: "Toots Thielemans (1922-2016). A Century of Music across Europe and America"
International Conference, Brussels, KBR, 9-11 May 2022. Read 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 on our events page
Friday Coffee Morning – 6th May 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Use the Zoom Link, or Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Saturday Session - May Open Mic - 7th May 5pm
This is your opportunity to attend our open mic! Whether you're new to playing harmonica or a seasoned performer, you are very welcome. You can also come and just listen in too. Hosted by Sammy Boy Wilkinson. Use the Zoom Link, or Meeting ID: 935 1770 9842 and Passcode: 123666
Friday Coffee Morning – 13th May 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Use the Zoom Link, or Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Friday Coffee Morning – 20th May 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more! Read more...
Use the Zoom Link, or Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Friday Coffee Morning – 27th May 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more! Read more...
Use the Zoom Link, or Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Friday Coffee Morning – 3rd June 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more! Read more...
Use the Zoom Link, or Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Chromatic Weekend 2022 – 18-19th June 2022
You can now book your place on our Chromatic Weekend event page, we look forward to seeing you there!
Book your place today!
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)