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"Celebrating the Harmonica: Blues Music in Vermont"
In this program, participants will learn how the introduction of slaves into American society influenced the variety of music that people enjoy today. Out of this unique musical tradition, came the blues and we will focus specifically on the harmonica--one of the most profound, versatile and widely-used instruments in the genre. The harmonica is affordable and relatively easy to play (yet hard to master).
The program includes an overview of great harmonica players like Deford Bailey, Jaybird Coleman, Sonny Boy Williamson, Sonny Terry, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter Jacobs. After delving into the history of the origin of this music, each participant receives a harmonica of their own and learns the basic foundation of how to play the instrument. The grand finale would be a “mini-concert” with all participants.
The program is designed to be a workshop that would last approximately two hours. It could be expanded to approximately four hours, if the hands-on component of learning to play a harmonica is desired.
Bob Stannard – Blues singer; harmonica player. Bob is an 8th generational Vermonter whose ancestors fought in the Civil War. He has been playing the harmonica since 1969 and has been performing for over 25 years.
Twelve and older.
$550 (plus travel costs). Add $20 per attendee if harmonicas are provided
The Blues were born in the fields of the deep south by men and women who were not allowed to talk to each other as they worked. They were, however, allowed to sing and it was through lyrics and song that they developed a method to communicate without being subjected to punishment. The chanting evolved over time to a progression that is unmistakable today.
Mr. Stannard first got involved in the Blues at the age of fourteen. He would sneak out of his house at night in summer of 1965 and peddle his bike three miles to the servants' quarters at the Equinox Hotel in Manchester, Vermont where he mingled with the African Americans who came up from the south to work at the hotel.
During the day, these folks were dressed in uniforms to do their jobs. But when the sun went down, they would return to their living quarters and pass a bottle around the room sharing freely amongst themselves and their timid, white guest. One or two would play guitars and one man played a harmonica while the others sang. The harmonica was of particular interest to Stannard despite the fact that he was currently playing the drums. It wasn’t until he went to college in 1969 that he took up the harmonica and never played drums again.
The Blues may not have been born in Vermont, but they migrated here over time. Vermont has played host to many great Blues musicians, including the late Big Joe Burrell, Sandra Wright, Duane Carlton, Rick Redington, Paul Aspel to name a few.
In 2004, Stannard met Jerry Portnoy, harmonica player for Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton, among others. Mr. Portnoy agreed to work with Stannard to improve upon his “chops”. His influence has made Mr. Stannard a much better player today.
Bob Stannard - Blues Singer/Harp Player
117 Sleepy Hollow Dr.
Manchester Center, Vt. 05255
802-362-3658 phone/fax
bob@bobstannard.com
www.bobstannard.com
http://www.myspace.com/bobstannard