Har monica happenings A quarterly publication of the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica The 2011 spah Convention Issue! Fall, 2011 Vol. 45 No. 4 Harmonica happenings In this issue: Vol. 45, No. 4, Fall 2011 ©2007, The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica. Cover photos by Danielle Bradley, Ernie Roberts and JP All rights reserved. No portion of this Pagán. publication may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from SPAH, Inc. Printed in U.S.A. Harmonica Happenings Contents: is published quarterly by SPAH, Inc., a nonprofit organization, incorporated in the State of Michigan on October 23, 1963. 6 SPAH 2011 THROUGH MY EYES & EARS— What SPAH is like... if you’re Charles Spranklin. SPAH correspondence should be sent to: SPAH, Inc. P.O. Box 865 12 CONVENTION CHATTER— Troy, MI 48099-0865 SPAH convention attendees tell their stories EDITOR & PUBLISHER JP Pagán ASSOC. EDITOR Jaine Rodack 15 SPAH 2011 IN PHOTOS— COPY EDITOR Danny Wilson SPAH BOARD OF DIRECTORS 26 THE STATE OF THE CHORD— Tom Stryker President Manfred Wewers covers the history of the chord harmonica. L.J. Atkison Vice President Eugene Hansen Treasurer Elizabeth Atkison Secretary 32 SECURING THE MAGIC CHORD— Roger Bale Membership Director The story of the chord that Al Fiore used to play “Peg O’ My JP Pagán Magazine Editor Heart.” Bob Cohen Webmaster Paul Metris Sergeant at Arms 34 CD Review Norm Dobson International Liaison Chris Bauer’s new album is just in time for the holidays. Danny Wilson SPAH Historian Paul Davies Advisor COMMITTEES Harmonicas & Health Terry Rand Chairman Entertainment Winslow Yerxa Chairman SPAH Advisory Committee L.J. Atkison Chairman Convention Committee Elizabeth Atkison Chairwoman SPAH FOUNDER Earl Collins 1924 -1988 SPAH MEMBERSHIPS All memberships are on a calendar Harmonica Events year basis, beginning Jan. 1. For the latest information on these events, see the Membership entitles each member Events page on the SPAH website: www.spah.org to receive a full year’s issues of Harmonica Happenings plus discounts at SPAH’s annual conventions. Garden State Harmonica Festival East Hanover, New Jersey, Nov 3-5 CHANGE OF ADDRESS www.gardenstateharmonicaclub.org To insure receiving your next copy, send both your old and new address to: or contact [email protected] or call: (914) 357-5374 Membership Director, SPAH, Inc. P.O. Box 865, Troy, MI 48099-0865 SPAH’S WEBSITE www.spah.org HARP-L INFORMATION www.harp-l.org 2011 - 2012 Corporate Sponsors The SPAH Corporate Sponsorship Program benefits SPAH, its members and the sponsors. The sponsors listed below have demonstrated their dedication to the preservation and advancement of the harmonica by actively participating in SPAH conventions and other activities and by financially supporting the organization. They deserve the thanks, recognition and support of SPAH members. Hohner, Inc. Andy Garrigue, Harmonica Marketing Manager 804-591-3741 www.hohnerusa.com Suzuki Musical Instruments Daron Stinton Harmonica/school Division Manager (800) 854-1594 www.suzukimusic.com/harmonicas Rupert Oysler (828) 262-1088 www.seydel1847.com President’s Letter BACK FROM THE BEACH o, hum… back to the Power. The Award of Special Merit normal routine with viv- went to Michael Polesky who has id memories of the 2011 been so instrumental in keeping the SPAH convention at Vir- harmonica community together. A Hginia Beach. Likely not so “ho hum” special “President’s Award” was for those who live there. Just think given to Paul Metris who has been of these momentous events: a SPAH a SPAH member since the beginning convention that was so good and so and served as master-at-arms for well attended that it may have set many years. records... an earthquake that rocked The vendors put on quite an ex- the city and then came Irene… How hibition and all were in one location much can this little city of Virginia again. This works so well for all. Beach stand? By all accounts, a lot Once again our corporate spon- and they are moving on. sors were there to support all of us. This year, we had over 400 reg- We are so thankful for their contri- istrants at the convention. That butions. does not account for those who How about the finding and pre- spurchased just day or event pass- sentation to Hohner of the chord Al es. Roger, Nancy, Dave and Rudy Fiore used for “Peg O’ My Heart”? worked feverishly at the registration Even a copy of the original 78 re- desk while the printer kept spitting cord. They certainly deserve a place out badges. of honor and Hohner will preserve Then there was Tom McCraig and them in their museum for future crew who really dug in to host us. generations. Also, the Holiday Inn staff was ex- I can go on and on, but look cellent: worked hard, cooperated are further in this issue of Harmonica responded to our needs immediately. Happenings and you will see what Entertainment? Well... fantastic! went on. From the youngsters who really put Preparation for the 2012 SPAH on a show to pros who performed convention is well under way. Ho- and socialized with all of us. Semi- tel contracts have been signed and nars abounded through the able the H.O.O.T. is getting ready to guidance of Manfred Wewers and put their muscle into making this this was only his first year of semi- a real spectacle. Irving, Texas (very nar management. close to the Dallas/Ft. Worth Air- The jazz jam was outstanding port) is the location for 2012 and if as was the open mic. Having them you know the H.O.O.T., stand by! both in conspicuous places really Dates are: August 14 – August 18, enhanced them. 2012. Mark your calendar—Char- The Pete Pedersen Lifetime lie Musselwhite has! Achievement Award went to Al As I close, thank you all for the Smith. Well deserved for his dedi- great event, especially the SPAH cation & achievements. The Ber- Staff and the Holiday Inn who nie Bray Award went to Brendan working so hard for our pleasure. jq Summer 2011 3 What is SPAH? SPAH is an organization whose objective is to preserve and respect the colorful past of the harmonica, while advancing its acceptance, in all its many forms, as a bona fide musical instrument. Among the mem- bership are individuals and entire families, accomplished musicians as well as beginners, and people of all ages. Many members have played or do play the harmonica professionally. Their music styles, ranging through Country, Blues, Popular, and Classical, can be enjoyed via recordings or live performances. The many benefits of SPAH will be available to you as a member. You are welcome to join SPAH regardless of playing ability or style. SPAH also welcomes members who just like to listen to harmonica music. You will be joining people from around the world to preserve and advance the harmonica. For more information on SPAH visit our website at www.spah.org. Join SPAH - The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica What SPAH does: * Sponsors an annual International Harmonica Convention featuring classes, entertainment by professional harmonica players, and camaraderie. * Distributes information on harmonicas and harmonica playing * Recognizes and honors those who preserve and advance the harmonica * Encourages the formation of local harmonica clubs * Supports groups organizing harmonica conventions * Maintains a website at www.spah.org * Sponsors an online harmonica discussion group and an online harmonica club news service Member benefits: * Subscription to Harmonica Happenings, our quarterly magazine with harmonica news from around the world including seminar and convention listings, articles on playing techniques, repairs, harmonica clubs and famous harmonica players and groups, and information on recently released recordings and harmonica products. * Discounts on SPAH’s annual International Harmonica Convention NEW MEMBER SPAH APPLICATION NAME ______________________________________________________________________ BIRTH DATE ___________________ ADDRESS __________________________________________________________ PHONE (______)_________________________ CITY ___________________________ STATE____________ ZIP ______________ E-MAIL _______________________________ COUNTRY (if other than USA) _____________________________ CLUB NAME ________________________________________________ CITY _________________________________ ST _____ I Play These Harmonicas: Other Harmonica-Related Activities: Diatonic Chromatic Chord Compose Arrange Bass Other: ______________ Teach Collect Harmonicas Enclose $45 for individual membership or $60 for Family. U.S. funds only, made payable to SPAH, Inc. Mail to: Membership Director, SPAH, Inc., P.O. Box 865, Troy, MI 48099-0865 If you prefer, you can fill out the membership form and pay your membership fee using a credit card by logging onto the SPAH website: www.spah.org. 4 Harmonica Happenings Editor’s Letter FAMILY REUNION his year’s SPAH was my people whose experience mirrored fourth convention, yet in my own, who felt that this year’s many ways I’m still just SPAH was somehow more about learning what SPAH— depth than breadth, who walked Tnot just the convention, but the en- away with new friends and a stron- tire organization—is all about. ger bond to old friends. I’ve read (and probably written) Myself, I got a little closer to my many times in these pages about brother-in-arms—mi compay—Bob how we are all a family, and how Cohen. I got to see a different side the true nature of SPAH is not about of Jay Gaunt, who floored everyone the playing of harmonicas, but the that heard him dedicate “Summer- Corrections: camarederie of its members. This time” to the late Chris Michalek, In the Summer year’s convention really proved that (who—along with several others issue, page 1, the cover photo was incorrectly to me, changing my perception of that could not be there—cast a long captioned. The photo is SPAH forever in the process.