Todd Parrott
1003 posts
Aug 06, 2012
1:56 PM
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Just wondering who from the forum will be attending SPAH this year... I look forward to seeing you there!
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GMaj7
63 posts
Aug 06, 2012
2:46 PM
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Hey Todd,
I'll be there as an exhibitor.. sharing space with Blue Moon Harmonicas...
Really looking forward to meeting you and everyone else..
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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Brendan Power
250 posts
Aug 06, 2012
2:57 PM
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See you there Todd! I'm really looking forward to the laid-back vibe and lots of jamming.
However on the performance side SPAH will find it hard to compete with the razzmatazz of last night's final concert at the Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival in Kuala Lumpur.
The young Asian harmonica groups are doing some amazing stuff these days, incorporating slick dance moves and pop arrangements with brilliant ensemble harmonica playing. The spots by Malaysia's Fresco and Mastro groups had to be be seen to be believed. Fresco did a stunning ABBA arrangement with choreographed dancing, and teen heartthrob Keith Valentine of Mastro was Moonwalking while doing flashy baton twirls with a chord harmonica! The Judy's group of Taiwan were less showbiz but their triple-chromatic harmony playing plus bass and chord was really beautiful.
Probably the most original act was Chang Chu-Ting ???, an attractively buxom young lady from Taiwan, who incorporated some fabulous triple tremolo harmonica playing into a 6 minute seductive belly dance routine! Very brave of her in this conservative part of the world.
It's notable that the Asian scene has lots of very gifted and technically accomplished young players, and an even mix of the sexes. Quite different to the preponderance of middle-aged to older males at SPAH...
Chang Chu-Ting would certainly spice things up. Take note SPAH, book her immediately!:
http://worldofharmonica.blogspot.com/2011/10/chang-chu-ting.html
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SuzukiDaron
29 posts
Aug 06, 2012
3:34 PM
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As always, I will be there (along with my esteemed colleague, Mr. Power) at the Suzuki booth for the run of SPAH.
And yes, (shameless capitalist plug alert) we will have some of the new SUB 30 Ultrabend models there for you to try. (Ducks)
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-Daron Stinton
SUZUKI MUSIC USA
Got a question about a Suzuki Harp?
Call (800) 854-1594, or e-mail harmonicas@suzukicorp.com
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TheoBurke
58 posts
Aug 06, 2012
3:51 PM
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I would love to go to SPAH, but it's not in my budget. Maybe next year.
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Ted Burke
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-VPUDjK-ibQ&feature=relmfu
ted-burke.com
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Michael Rubin
642 posts
Aug 06, 2012
4:10 PM
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Going. I will teach the morning Blues jam and at Joe Filisko's Teach In. The Kalu James Band performs Friday at 4pm.
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RyanMortos
1328 posts
Aug 06, 2012
4:15 PM
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I will be there again this year. 3yrs in a row it may be a habit now, lol. Hope to catch up with everybody! This will bey first time in a plane since I was too young to remember. Excited!
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~Ryan
Advanced Intermediate: based on Adam's What Level Are You? guide.
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Steven Wright
See My Profile for contact info, etc.
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WinslowYerxa
249 posts
Aug 06, 2012
4:35 PM
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Of course I'll be there.
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Winslow
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ToddAllenGates
24 posts
Aug 06, 2012
4:31 PM
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This Todd is going too.
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superchucker77
410 posts
Aug 06, 2012
4:41 PM
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I will be there. I'm teaching a solo performance seminar as well as in the Filisko Teach-In.
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Brandon O. Bailey
Official Website of Superchucker
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Greg Heumann
1734 posts
Aug 06, 2012
6:27 PM
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I will be there - with a load of mics and goodies for sale in the vendor area. Looks like I'll be co-teaching an amps/mics/tone seminar with Randy Landry as well.
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/Greg
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Harptime
31 posts
Aug 06, 2012
6:29 PM
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This will be the first one I have missed in the last 9 years. Looks to be a great convention. The Texas folks really know how to rally the troops. My first was Dallas in '03 and it was life changing.
Safe travels and happy jamming to those making the trip!
WB
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Warren Bee
Marketing & Harmonica Raconteur
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GMaj7
64 posts
Aug 06, 2012
7:39 PM
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I'm not sure who the "middle aged to older males" .. Mr. Powers is referring to, but I will be the the very young 47 year old milling about..
Have a beautiful new case that fits perfectly on my walker..
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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Todd Parrott
1006 posts
Aug 07, 2012
7:20 AM
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This is going to be a great convention. Mike Caldwell will also be there. He's an amazing player as well.
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HarveyHarp
362 posts
Aug 07, 2012
7:30 AM
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I am going for the first time since 1999. For me it was life changing, since I ordered my first three custom MBs from Jimmy Gordon there.
I have no idea where I will be, though I imagine that it will be near some custom harmonica activity, and of course, If like usual, at a jam session where I will be so intimidated that I just sit there listening and learning.
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HarveyHarp
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eharp
1929 posts
Aug 07, 2012
8:13 AM
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suzukidaron has a sense of humor!
(not that i thought he DIDNT!)
well played, sir!
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harpwrench
607 posts
Aug 07, 2012
9:38 AM
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I'll be there Thursday!
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Spiers Harmonicas
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dougharps
248 posts
Aug 07, 2012
9:56 AM
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I had hoped to come this year, but due to budget, I can't.
I absolutely plan on being in St. Louis for SPAH in 2013!
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Doug S.
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HarpNinja
2608 posts
Aug 07, 2012
10:21 AM
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Yes...
I have two seminars on customizing (beginner and intermediate). I think they're Friday/Saturday? I am also performing at the Hohner booth on Friday at 4pm.
I am talking with SPAH and Boomerang Music to hopefully get a room set up to demo their gear like the Boomerang Phrase Sampler I use for looping.
I will have at least a partial pedal board with me, enough tech tools to do any reed work (I am not bringing things to tap Marine Bands for screws, but can do anything from sanding to full overbend setup otherwise), a couple of Marine Bands set-up for blues players, and a few Golden Melody harps set up for overbend players.
I will also have a couple Sjoeberg Golden Melody combs for sale and a belt buckle or two.
Depending on availability, I am up for doing basic harmonica set-ups on Hohner harps, but due to the fact tuning is involved and it is only part of week, I am going to limit the extremes of what I am willing to do. This will range from $25 to $75 depending on what you want done.
Finally, I am willing to work on your harp and teach you what I am doing for $50 an hour. This is more hands on and specific to your needs than the intermediate seminar. I will be giving about 80% of "it" away for free there, about 10% extra for those paying for lessons and keep the last 10% or so to myself. ;)
I am up for bartering for things too. I don't really *need* anything, but will entertain offers.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Mods
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas - When it needs to come from the soul...
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HarpNinja
2609 posts
Aug 07, 2012
10:23 AM
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If we can find a spot with amplification of some sort, I'd really like to also share some looping info with Brandon for the public. We tried to line up a seminar, but the time slot was the same time as I was getting to TX.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Mods
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas - When it needs to come from the soul...
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HarpNinja
2612 posts
Aug 07, 2012
11:25 AM
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Sweet! Just got a call from SPAH...
Friday 10:30am - 12 Harmonica Customizing Part 1
Friday 3:30pm - 5pm Looping Seminar with Brandon Bailey***Just Added***
Saturday 8:30am - 10am Harmonica Customizing Part 2
Saturday 4pm - 5pm Performance at Hohner Booth
I fly out Saturday night, so I am hoping to move my Hohner performance up an hour or two.
Looping seminar will cover advanced looper options like the Boomerang III and Loopy HD and different routing options to create more complex arrangements and separate tracks, etc. Hoping to get Brandon on board with this as well...I'd imagine a lot of loopers out there are wanting to get cuts recorded, etc.
My specialty is definitely routing and effects...
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Mods
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas - When it needs to come from the soul...
Last Edited by on Aug 07, 2012 11:54 AM
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Adam Hamil
45 posts
Aug 07, 2012
11:53 AM
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I'll be at the Hohner booth all week, doing free repairs on Hohner instruments. Also, I'm doing a seminar about the Hohner Instant Workshop toolkit on Friday afternoon.
I'm looking forward to seeing some good friends, making some new ones, and jammin' until the sun comes up.
See you all there!!!!
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C. Adam Hamil
HOHNER CERTIFIED Free Reed Instrument Technician
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HarpNinja
2613 posts
Aug 07, 2012
11:53 AM
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The worst part, for me, is figuring out how to get all my damn harps there. I don't want to lug a big case, so some high keys may stay home for the low ones.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Mods
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas - When it needs to come from the soul...
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scojo
321 posts
Aug 07, 2012
12:00 PM
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I'll be there... my first SPAH. I am extremely excited.
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Adam Hamil
46 posts
Aug 07, 2012
1:35 PM
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@Harpninja I was having the same problem lol. That's part of the reason we're driving and not flying. I'll prob have about 30 harps with me.
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C. Adam Hamil
HOHNER CERTIFIED Free Reed Instrument Technician
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florida-trader
172 posts
Aug 07, 2012
2:36 PM
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My first SPAH too. I will have plenty of goodies on hand - come see us in the vendor's area. I will arrive Tuesday about 6:30 PM. I plan on going to the pre-convention blowoff. Really looking forward to the entire experience.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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Todd Parrott
1007 posts
Aug 07, 2012
5:49 PM
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Tom, I'll look for you on Tuesday....
I'll be doing the overblow seminar again with TJ Klay this year, as well as a country & gospel seminar with TJ and Mike Caldwell. Mike's also doing his own seminar on country harmonica, so if you're interested in learning more about Charlie McCoy style playing, accompaniment playing, and more, you don't wanna miss Mike's seminar. He's pretty phenomenal.
I'll also be playing on Saturday for the Gospel, Blues & Beyond show with Phil Duncan, TJ Klay, Steve Baker, Jimi Lee and Mike Caldwell.... and jamming from 1:00 - 2:00 on Wednesday & Friday at the Hohner booth with Derek Crowder from Hohner. He's an amazing guitarist.
See you all there!
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Gnarly
307 posts
Aug 08, 2012
12:03 AM
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Looks like I am going to be there--look for me at the Suzuki booth.
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waltertore
2464 posts
Aug 08, 2012
6:24 AM
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I have not been to a SPAH and have no real idea what it all about. From what I read here it seems like there are a ton of instructors. Are you all paid and get accomodations at the hotel? How many people attend that are not instructing/performing? When I was playing full time I never heard of SPAH. It has come to me via this forum and harp-l. Anyway, the ex-full time player in me wonders......... Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Aug 08, 2012 7:40 AM
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Todd Parrott
1008 posts
Aug 08, 2012
7:03 AM
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Walter,
I can't speak for anyone else, but my contributions to SPAH this year are on a volunteer basis. There is no assistance with accommodations, registration, etc. I believe this is different if you're one of the featured performers (last year as a performer my registration fee was waived). This makes SPAH a very expensive event for me, but I'm happy to share with my friends in the harmonica community and help make SPAH a better event.
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waltertore
2465 posts
Aug 08, 2012
7:41 AM
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Hi Todd: Thanks for the response. It is cool you have found a place that inspires you to share your talents. Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Aug 08, 2012 7:42 AM
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robdee
62 posts
Aug 08, 2012
2:12 PM
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URGENT Room Share Needed!! for SPAH 2012
I need to find someone to who wants to share their room and split the costs. I missed the convention deal at $85 and they want double now. Anybody who can help me out? Suggestions for nearby hotels? Thanks!!
misteretrain@gmail.com - Robert
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WinslowYerxa
250 posts
Aug 08, 2012
2:19 PM
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@robdee - I suggest you also ask on harp-l. Spah.org has a room share and room ride board, but nobody seems to be using them.
By the way, Charlie Musselwhite will be at SPAH, not as a performer, just hanging out. He'll probably spend some time at the Seydel booth.
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Winslow
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GMaj7
66 posts
Aug 08, 2012
2:15 PM
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If you haven't done so yet, call the hotel directly... and speak w/reservations.. we ran into the same problem and got it worked out..
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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robdee
63 posts
Aug 08, 2012
2:43 PM
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Re Room Share - RESOLVED. Thanks for the replies and especially Greg - I followed your advice and they came through. Feeling stoked now. Robert Davis
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robbert
113 posts
Aug 08, 2012
3:11 PM
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Guys(and Gals?),
The only SPAH I've attended was in Sacramento, (2009-I think) and that's because it was occurring only 90 min. or so from where I live in Northern California's foothill country.
Every day after work, I'd drive in to attend for a few hours before returning home that night. I was tired and unable to attend much of what was happening, including jams, workshops, etc., but it was so totally worth it to go. I attended some great workshops, saw some great performances, got to visit vendor booths, and the exposure was very inspiring.
I saw Brendan, Todd Parrot, Winslow, Jason, Chris and many, many others there...really so many of today's great players...the confluence of all that knowledge, skill, experience... it was really fun to experience all that.
So, anyway, to all you who are going...have a great time! Maybe one day I'll be able to go to a SPAH again and have the chance to meet many of you in person...now that would be fun!
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robdee
64 posts
Aug 09, 2012
1:00 PM
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@winslow - Re the Ride/Room share board - I think it's not working as I tried to register twice and never received the confirmation email in order to get access. If this is true, would explain low use. I would post a room share now that I have one to share! Best.
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jplpagan
3 posts
Aug 10, 2012
7:16 PM
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Just a quick reply regarding the ride/roomshare board, there was an issue with the registration but it should be working fine now.
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HarpNinja
2617 posts
Aug 10, 2012
9:18 PM
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I wrapped up four overbend harps for SPAH - GM's in C, Bb, and D as well as a SP20 in A!
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Mods
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas - When it needs to come from the soul...
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Brendan Power
251 posts
Aug 11, 2012
12:45 AM
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I'm arriving Monday night, leaving Frday lunchtime for gigs in the UK.
I will be at the Suzuki stand most of the time with Filip Jers. I'll be demonstrating the HRT-10 Reed Replacement tool for welded reeds, and of course we'll be showing off the new SUB-30 UltraBend. It's available to test, and a limited number will be on sale.
I'm doing a seminar on the UltraBend on Wednesday 10.30-11.30am, and a looping seminar featuring my new TC Helicon Voicelive Touch looper on Friday 8.30-9.30am.
Both seminars are in the Lecture Hall. Playing in the Blues Blowoff too. See you there!
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WinslowYerxa
252 posts
Aug 11, 2012
7:14 PM
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James Cotton and Charlie Musselwhite will both be there hanging out in the last few days of the convention.
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Winslow
Last Edited by on Aug 11, 2012 7:14 PM
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florida-trader
173 posts
Aug 13, 2012
12:41 PM
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This is a long shot, but it might work out for a couple of us.
I am having a hard time keeping Golden Melody cover plates in stock. They are not as plentiful as are Marine Bands, SP20's etc. If anyone has some GM covers that they are willing to part with, I would like to buy them or, if you would rather, we could work out a trade. I have lots and lots of goodies.
If the stars align and you happen to have some spare covers and are going to SPAH, bring them with you and it will save us both the cost of shipping and we can do our horse trading in person.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by on Aug 13, 2012 12:42 PM
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