Adventures To The Largest Harmonica Convention On The Planet!
Last August, I attended the largest Harmonica convention on the planet, known as SPAH, Society for the Preservation & Advancement of the Harmonica, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For several years I have been the SPAH organization Treasurer and I drove up from Dallas. This was our first "in-person" convention since 2019 when we were at the same location. This was our 59th annual convention and our 60th will be next August in St. Louis, MO.
What were some highlights of the trip?
The highlights of the trip center around the coming together of over 200 devotees of the harmonica in all its shapes, forms & sizes. We have all the large harmonica manufacturers present like Hohner, Seydel, EastTop, Kongsheng, Suzuki, etc. World-class performers on the harmonica like Howard Levy, Peter "Madcat" Ruth, Buddy Greene, "Joliet Joe" Filisko, Don Caesar, Charlie Musselwhite, and Rachelle Plas (from France) intermingled with our attendees and gave outstanding performances.
What were some highlights of the trip?
The highlights of the trip center around the coming together of over 200 devotees of the harmonica in all its shapes, forms & sizes. We have all the large harmonica manufacturers present like Hohner, Seydel, EastTop, Kongsheng, Suzuki, etc. World-class performers on the harmonica like Howard Levy, Peter "Madcat" Ruth, Buddy Greene, "Joliet Joe" Filisko, Don Caesar, Charlie Musselwhite, and Rachelle Plas (from France) intermingled with our attendees and gave outstanding performances.
Promoting the Harmonica to Youth is an important part of our mission and we sponsored nine young people from all over the world to be in attendance. The week ends too soon and then the planning began for what will be a "blowout" celebration of our 60th year in St. Louis. See www.spah.org for more info or contact me for more info at bruce.dunai@gmail.com.
Where did you stay?
The Hyatt Regency Hotel - Downtown Tulsa was glad to welcome us back in person and provided a very lucrative convention rate and package to have us back.
What were a few of your favorite places to eat/drink?
Downtown Tulsa has an excellent Arts & Entertainment area and there are many unique dining options. Of course a visit wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Hurts Donut store for their gourmet 24/7 bakery service.
Any recommendations for others interested in taking a similar trip?
Downtown Tulsa is known for its very good restaurants, arts & entertainment. Cain's Ballroom where Bob Will's entertained for years is very popular, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is there, along with the Bob Dylan Center which is a new venue since 2019, along with the Woody Guthrie Center in close proximity, which I visited last time.
Downtown Tulsa has an excellent Arts & Entertainment area and there are many unique dining options. Of course a visit wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Hurts Donut store for their gourmet 24/7 bakery service.
Any recommendations for others interested in taking a similar trip?
Downtown Tulsa is known for its very good restaurants, arts & entertainment. Cain's Ballroom where Bob Will's entertained for years is very popular, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is there, along with the Bob Dylan Center which is a new venue since 2019, along with the Woody Guthrie Center in close proximity, which I visited last time.
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Did You Know that April 18th is National Harmonica Day?