Harmonica Revival! Virtuosos of the Harmonica Headed to Bloomington in August

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., July 15 / PR Newswire /US Newswire – Harmonica enthusiasts  from all over the globe, including many of the "best in the world," are meeting at the Ramada Inn-Mall of America as the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH) holds its 47th Anniversary Convention in Bloomington, MN from Tuesday, August 17th thru Saturday, August 21st, 2010.

Convention attendees enjoy a week full of workshops, seminars, concerts and jam sessions. Harmonica professionals from all genres of music share their talents throughout the days and nights. Wednesday night, August 18th, will feature a concert open to the public at no charge. Some of the biggest names in town for the event will be performing at this show. Local radio stations will be distributing tickets that entitle the first 100 ticket holders at the door to a free harmonica, compliments of Suzuki Musical Instruments.

Notable attendees this year include: Howard Levy, Joe Filisko, Dick Gardner, Clint Hoover, Andy Just, Susan Sauter, Bart Leczycki, Thiago Cerveira, Steve Baker, RJ Mischo, Rob Paparozzi, Brendan Power, PT Gazell, Dennis Gruenling, Chris Michalek, Dave Barrett, Grant Dormandy, Winslow Yerxa, Kirk "Jellyroll" Johnson, James Conway, Michael Peloquin, Will Scarlett and many others.

Hohner, Seydel and Suzuki are harmonica manufacturers that will be exhibiting their instruments during the week.  A number of boutique companies will also be on hand to cater to the harmonica players' needs and desires.

The Twin-City Harmonica Society is hosting this international convention at a time when the harmonica has been experiencing a recent revival in popularity here in the U.S. This year a number of American Idol and America's Got Talent contestants moved ahead in the competition with harmonica in mouth! Bloomberg Businessweek selected Harrison Harmonicas, the first 100% made in the USA harmonica manufacturer in decades, as one of America's most promising startups of 2010. Pop star Cyndi Lauper recently released "Memphis Blues," her new CD, featuring harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite and it debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts.

Early registration is recommended.  Entire event and single day tickets will be available at the door. Local media is encouraged to cover the festivities.

SPAH is an international non-profit organization with approximately 1,000 members. For more information and convention registration, please visit www.spah.org.

Media Contact: Warren "Bee" Bachman: [email protected], 631-521-0472

SOURCE Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica