[Harp-L] REASONS NOT TO GO TO SPAH

[Randy Singer <Randy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

 I cannot think of any reasons NOT TO GO TO SPAH!!!

Can you think of any reasons not to attend at least one spah?

Let me put it this way, going to SPAH for the last 18 years has helped  
propel my harmonica playing, introduced me to some of the finest  
individuals on the planet and helped me to dedicate my life to the  
harmonica. Meeting people like Pete, Dick Gardner, Blackie, Bonfiglio,  
Paparozzi, Howard, etc is priceless and life changing.

Let me hear from you.......if you have any stories how you overcame  
adversity to attend SPAH, please feel free to post them.

Here is one story, totally true from me (as good as how the harmonica  
saved me from a mugging in Paris a few years ago--True).

Back when I was living in Nashville in the early "80's, Pete Pedersen  
decided to throw a Harmonica Convention in Memphis ( I do not recall  
the exact year). It was to be a spectacular event with Howard Levy  
(whom I had just started a learning experience personally with him) as  
well as other harmonica illuminaries.

I had approximately zero dollars at the time, so I finagled a  
way.....i bartered with Pete to get in to the convention by  
volunteering....hmmmmm
but I had no money for a hotel room.

So, I drove to Memphis and slept in my car.....not just any car, but  
one of those cars you do not want to sleep in. I slept in my Nissan  
300zx. You know the one--- the two seater with the long exposed trunk  
that gives you a few inches over your head when you lay down in it.  
Kind of like sleeping in a coffin. Here is a photo of that prized tiny  
car, my harmoniCar.

 www.dragtimes.com/ Nissan-300ZX-Timeslip-10495...

Plus, it was freezing!!!!!!!!!!!! I slept fitfully every night in the  
back of the car in the parking lot in a sleeping bag.

Thankfully i was able to steal a shower or too. This convention was  
incredible and it changed my life. Forever glad I went.

So, damn the torpedoes, spah is full speed ahead.

I hope to see everyone there, the economy just needs more harmonica  
players....):):

Best,

randy singer



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