Re: [Harp-L] Harmonica Club in Pittsburgh

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Apr 5, 2009, at 1:13 PM, John Hegedus wrote:

> To Sam Blancato in Pittsburgh,  I love your enthusiasm about the  
> harp. Myself and many others in the 'Burgh would love it if you  
> would start something like that to help us novice players. Think  
> about it............        
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I tried a harmonica club in Pgh. It didn't go over back then. I was  
based in Sharpsburg at the time and that sort of scared away the more  
well to do players. There was a guy in Fox Chapel (Dr. Henry Bahnson)  
who tried also, and he didn't have any success with the more well to  
do players. We came to the conclusion that there WERE no harmonica  
players in Pgh. Then there was the old guy (chromo) vs young guy  
(diatonic) aspect. Clubs seem to attract only those who have the time  
to go to a club. Most working people have a problem here or there  
scheduling. Especially those with children.

I (personally) only knew one chromo player at the time. His name was  
Jack Allison. His family had a real estate business. Jack was the  
best player in 3 states but wasn't interested. His attitude was that  
these clubs all wind up the same. A bunch of old guys social club  
with everyone sitting around playing hymns and ancient songs that  
even they were too young to remember.

Then in 1991, I met Herb Eck (current SPAH vice president). It turns  
out that HE played Bass & Lead had been in a group WITH Allison and  
another fellow on chord. They had opened at Kennywood Amusement Park  
for the Harmonicats. Then I started going to the Youngstown club,  
Buckeye & SPAH. That opened up a whole n'other world.

I sincerely hope you do have success with starting this club because  
as it turns out, there ARE harp players in the Burg. They are just  
bashful and hard to find.

smokey joe & the Cafe s