[Harp-L] Harp-L Digest, Vol 271, Issue 3

Sat Mar 28 16:47:05 EDT 2026

What does "SPAH" stand for?
Connie

On Sat, Mar 28, 2026 at 8:49 AM <harp-l-request at xxxxx> wrote:

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> Today's Topics:
>
>    1. Re: SPAH 2026 (Bflat Blues)
>    2. SPAH Youth Scholarship and Emerging Players Grant (Jerry Deall)
>    3. mailing address (Wayne Childress)
>    4. Re: SPAH 2026 (Jerry Deall)
>    5. Vibrato (David Fairweather)
>    6. Re: SPAH 2026 (JOSEPH LEONE)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:49:18 -0300
> From: Bflat Blues <kham27 at xxxxx>
> To: JOSEPH LEONE <3n037 at xxxxx>
> Cc: Greg Jones <Greg at xxxxx>, Harp-L
>         <harp-l at xxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 2026
> Message-ID:
>         <CAMCBGXgtowr=rzSXFXLLFCRr5t=HRxmBrPfWud32Oj9gCTF=
> vA at xxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> Its 100% true. I love the informal learning that happens in between
> sessions (not to take away from the sessions themselves). It also happens
> when jamming with folks.The cream on top is meeting others with the same
> passion and making life long friendships. Right foot in, right foot out,
> that's what its all about!
>
> Unfortunately its always too far for me which is why I've been organizing
> my own retreats.
>
> If SPAH could ever be hosted closer to east coast or a little more north
> like Chicago, New York, Philidelphia, Boston etc I'd be in. Seems to be
> always hosted in the midwest or south for whatever reason. Not complaining,
> just suggesting a slight geography shift!
>
> Cheers.
>
> Kevin
> My two cents.
>
> On Tue, 10 Mar 2026 at 21:36, JOSEPH LEONE via Harp-L <harp-l at xxxxx>
> wrote:
>
> > I can dig it. Yeah, face to face with Greg Jones. It don't get no better.
> > smo-joe
> >
> > > On 03/10/2026 9:10 AM EDT Greg Jones <greg at xxxxx>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > A big shout out to the SPAH team.
> > > They have done a great job streamlining registration and membership
> > matters
> > > on the web site.
> > >
> > > SPAH 2025 was amazing and I expect SPAH 2026 to be even better.
> > >
> > > If you haven't attended, strongly consider it.
> > >
> > > In our internet driven world, we deprive ourselves of 1-on-1 human
> > > interaction. Once you attend SPAH, you realize how nice it is to
> actually
> > > talk to friends fact-to-face about your passion.
> > >
> > > Hope to see you there!
> > >
> > > Greg
> > >
> > > *Greg Jones*
> > > *Seydel Sales & Service*
> > >
> > > Web Site <http://1623customharmonicas.com>
> > > Repairs
> > > <
> https://www.1623customharmonicas.com/seydel-diatonic--chromatic-repair>
> >
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:53:49 -0600
> From: Jerry Deall <jdeall at xxxxx>
> To: Harp-L <harp-l at xxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] SPAH Youth Scholarship and Emerging Players Grant
> Message-ID:
>         <CAGq8eGVPXBpZmtqmM4FVVYSL0N1OgtMCv0EgV0AhFNi=
> 8XROKw at xxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> Do you know of any young or emerging players?
> SPAH has two opportunities:
> The Rosebush Youth Scholarship and the new Steve Saylors Aspiring Young
> Artist Grant.
>
> Each year, the SPAH Youth Committee also awards several scholarships to
> suitable applicants to attend the annual SPAH convention. Awards will cover
> rooming costs at the SPAH convention hotel from Tuesday through Saturday
> nights. They will also include convention registration for each award
> recipient. Recipients also receive a complimentary SPAH membership starting
> at the Convention in August through December of the following year. This
> includes the Harmonica Happenings quarterly magazine and access to the
> membership content on the SPAH website.
>
> Apply here (copy & paste these into your browser):
>
> Rosebush Youth Scholarship:
> Applicants must be no older than 21 years of age at the time the
> application is submitted.
> chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/
>
> https://spah.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Youth-Scholarship-applicationFINAL1.pdf
>
> Saylors Grant:
> Applicants must be between the ages of 22 to 27 years of age at the time
> the application is submitted
> chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/
>
> https://spah.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Steve-Saylors-Young-Artist-Grant-Application-FINAL5.pdf
>
> --
> Regards Jerry
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:23:50 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Wayne Childress <wchildress6112 at xxxxx>
> To: "harp-l at xxxxx" <harp-l at xxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] mailing address
> Message-ID: <467644586.1317808.1773746630526 at xxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Wayne Childress141 Ledford CircleHigh Point, NC? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?27265
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:44:18 -0600
> From: Jerry Deall <jdeall at xxxxx>
> To: Bflat Blues <kham27 at xxxxx>
> Cc: JOSEPH LEONE <3n037 at xxxxx>,   Greg Jones
>         <Greg at xxxxx>, Harp-L <harp-l at xxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 2026
> Message-ID:
>         <
> CAGq8eGV6TTXx6YZ29kJZ1Qqbwyo2k-ZwKH6w0R-xsfeyyZG5fw at xxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> Folks,
> This is one of my favorite topics: where to hold the SPAH convention. Let
> me tell you it is not that simple
> Here's the short list:
> 1. Find a Host Club or blues society and provide a point person
>   Solicit and manage the Convention Volunteer pool
>   Typically about 30-35 volunteers worked, many of whom worked multiple
> four-hour shifts. Some only worked half a day or an evening.
>   Organize and host 2 Tours scheduled for Thursday and Friday
>   Host the SPAH Hospitality Room
> 2. Identify host hotels for SPAH to consider for the convention
>   We need close to 300 rooms and 16,000 square feet of convention space
>   Rooms less than $200 (not easy to find these days, and discounted staff
> rooms
>   Ball room for 400 was too small; last year's venue in San Antonio was
> inadequate.
>   Reasonably priced dining nearby.
>   Easy airport access.
>   Reasonable F&B (Food & Beverage) minimums (more on this below).
>
> Some may remember that when COVID hit, we were supposed to be in Charlotte,
> but that was, of course, cancelled.
> When we went back to rebook for a later year management had changed.
> Previously they required a $15,000?$20,000 F&B minimum, which we can
> handle. Now Charlotte and many other hotels require an $80,000 to $100,000
> F&B minimum.
>
> That being said we (I) welcome all suggestions for new locations. Just let
> me know.
>
> Regards,  Jerry Deall, SPAH President,
> Put August 11-15, 2026 on your calendar for SPAH 2026 at the Sheraton
> Westport Chalet in St. Louis MO
> .
>
>
>
> On Mon, Mar 16, 2026 at 7:08?AM Bflat Blues <kham27 at xxxxx> wrote:
>
> > Its 100% true. I love the informal learning that happens in between
> > sessions (not to take away from the sessions themselves). It also happens
> > when jamming with folks.The cream on top is meeting others with the same
> > passion and making life long friendships. Right foot in, right foot out,
> > that's what its all about!
> >
> > Unfortunately its always too far for me which is why I've been organizing
> > my own retreats.
> >
> > If SPAH could ever be hosted closer to east coast or a little more north
> > like Chicago, New York, Philidelphia, Boston etc I'd be in. Seems to be
> > always hosted in the midwest or south for whatever reason. Not
> complaining,
> > just suggesting a slight geography shift!
> >
> > Cheers.
> >
> > Kevin
> > My two cents.
> >
> > On Tue, 10 Mar 2026 at 21:36, JOSEPH LEONE via Harp-L <harp-l at xxxxx
> >
> > wrote:
> >
> > > I can dig it. Yeah, face to face with Greg Jones. It don't get no
> better.
> > > smo-joe
> > >
> > > > On 03/10/2026 9:10 AM EDT Greg Jones <greg at xxxxx>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > A big shout out to the SPAH team.
> > > > They have done a great job streamlining registration and membership
> > > matters
> > > > on the web site.
> > > >
> > > > SPAH 2025 was amazing and I expect SPAH 2026 to be even better.
> > > >
> > > > If you haven't attended, strongly consider it.
> > > >
> > > > In our internet driven world, we deprive ourselves of 1-on-1 human
> > > > interaction. Once you attend SPAH, you realize how nice it is to
> > actually
> > > > talk to friends fact-to-face about your passion.
> > > >
> > > > Hope to see you there!
> > > >
> > > > Greg
> > > >
> > > > *Greg Jones*
> > > > *Seydel Sales & Service*
> > > >
> > > > Web Site <http://1623customharmonicas.com>
> > > > Repairs
> > > > <
> > https://www.1623customharmonicas.com/seydel-diatonic--chromatic-repair>
> > >
> >
>
>
> --
> Regards Jerry
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:49 -0700
> From: David Fairweather <dmf273 at xxxxx>
> To: harp-l at xxxxx
> Subject: [Harp-L] Vibrato
> Message-ID:
>         <
> CAHZ5whaCk45dFVPAMb2-+x6wKYNxAMANxWfn7TQq5hOyAE+Sfg at xxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> All my life I've used what you might call "throat vibrato".  One day I was
> talking to Jason Ricci about Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson's perfectly timed
> vibrato and Jason surprised me by opining that Wilson used "tongue"
> vibrato, just tapping his tongue on or near the roof of his mouth. Who am I
> to disagree with Jason but I'm still not sure he's right. Tongue vibrato
> certainly is easier to time, but to my ears it's a less smooth sound
> interrupting the airflow more. Or maybe I just haven't mastered it. But
> what do you guys use?
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:56:52 -0400 (EDT)
> From: JOSEPH LEONE <3n037 at xxxxx>
> To: Bflat Blues <kham27 at xxxxx>, Jerry Deall <jdeall at xxxxx>
> Cc: Greg Jones <Greg at xxxxx>, Harp-L
>         <harp-l at xxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 2026
> Message-ID: <1959549204.359882.1774655812136 at xxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> They would want you to cover the 'underage'. Which is a ridiculous figure.
> Why? Because IF the hotel had decent food at less than Taj Mahal price,
> they wouldn't have to sweat it. As it twere, a ton of attendees want other
> choices in food. Not everyone can eat at Ruth-Chris prices. Tulsa wasn't
> good as far as food prep. and the service was not only slow but
> unattentive. Fortunately there were other choices nearby.
>
> The Westport Chalet (fortunately) isn't one of those questionable places.
> They aren't too bad.
> Been there a few times. I liked the entire experience. If the wife wasn't
> in the home, I would go.
>
> As for drinks, some hotels have hassled people walking around with a drink
> in hand. Questioning as to whether it came from their bar? Romulus Mich.
> was good for that one.
>
> Attendees number? Probably between 330 and 430.
>
> Ok, my opinion only. One would think that some of these areas, which
> aren't exactly rolling in dough from the NON plethora of visitors they
> don't get, and in a slow economy, they would be a bit more amenable to
> 'let's make a deal'.
>
> smo-joe (Chuck Noris tried his best to knock me out of #1 position.
> Unfortunately he ran out of time.)
>
> > On 03/27/2026 7:27 PM EDT Bflat Blues <kham27 at xxxxx> wrote:
> >
> >
> > $80,000 food and beverage deal. Is that a guarantee that they will sell
> $80,000 in food that you have to front if they don't? How many people
> attend usually?
> >
> > Kevin
> >
> > On Mon, 16 Mar 2026 at 16:44, Jerry Deall <jdeall at xxxxx mailto:
> jdeall at xxxxx> wrote:
> >
> > > Folks,
> > > This is one of my favorite topics: where to hold the SPAH convention.
> Let me tell you it is not that simple
> > > Here's the short list:
> > > 1. Find a Host Club or blues society and provide a point person
> > >   Solicit and manage the Convention Volunteer pool
> > >   Typically about 30-35 volunteers worked, many of whom worked
> multiple four-hour shifts. Some only worked half a day or an evening.
> > >   Organize and host 2 Tours scheduled for Thursday and Friday
> > >   Host the SPAH Hospitality Room
> > > 2. Identify host hotels for SPAH to consider for the convention
> > >   We need close to 300 rooms and 16,000 square feet of convention space
> > >   Rooms less than $200 (not easy to find these days, and discounted
> staff rooms
> > >   Ball room for 400 was too small; last year's venue in San Antonio
> was inadequate.
> > >   Reasonably priced dining nearby.
> > >   Easy airport access.
> > >   Reasonable F&B (Food & Beverage) minimums (more on this below).
> > >
> > > Some may remember that when COVID hit, we were supposed to be in
> Charlotte, but that was, of course, cancelled.
> > > When we went back to rebook for a later year management had changed.
> Previously they required a $15,000?$20,000 F&B minimum, which we can
> handle. Now Charlotte and many other hotels require an $80,000 to $100,000
> F&B minimum.
> > >
> > > That being said we (I) welcome all suggestions for new locations. Just
> let me know.
> > >
> > > Regards,  Jerry Deall, SPAH President,
> > > Put August 11-15, 2026 on your calendar for SPAH 2026 at the Sheraton
> Westport Chalet in St. Louis MO
> > > .
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Mon, Mar 16, 2026 at 7:08?AM Bflat Blues <kham27 at xxxxx mailto:
> kham27 at xxxxx> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Its 100% true. I love the informal learning that happens in between
> > > > sessions (not to take away from the sessions themselves). It also
> happens
> > > > when jamming with folks.The cream on top is meeting others with the
> same
> > > > passion and making life long friendships. Right foot in, right foot
> out,
> > > > that's what its all about!
> > > >
> > > > Unfortunately its always too far for me which is why I've been
> organizing
> > > > my own retreats.
> > > >
> > > > If SPAH could ever be hosted closer to east coast or a little more
> north
> > > > like Chicago, New York, Philidelphia, Boston etc I'd be in. Seems to
> be
> > > > always hosted in the midwest or south for whatever reason. Not
> complaining,
> > > > just suggesting a slight geography shift!
> > > >
> > > > Cheers.
> > > >
> > > > Kevin
> > > > My two cents.
> > > >
> > > > On Tue, 10 Mar 2026 at 21:36, JOSEPH LEONE via Harp-L <
> harp-l at xxxxx mailto:harp-l at xxxxx>
> > > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > I can dig it. Yeah, face to face with Greg Jones. It don't get no
> better.
> > > > > smo-joe
> > > > >
> > > > > > On 03/10/2026 9:10 AM EDT Greg Jones <
> greg at xxxxx mailto:greg at xxxxx>
> > > > > wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > A big shout out to the SPAH team.
> > > > > > They have done a great job streamlining registration and
> membership
> > > > > matters
> > > > > > on the web site.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > SPAH 2025 was amazing and I expect SPAH 2026 to be even better.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > If you haven't attended, strongly consider it.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > In our internet driven world, we deprive ourselves of 1-on-1
> human
> > > > > > interaction. Once you attend SPAH, you realize how nice it is to
> actually
> > > > > > talk to friends fact-to-face about your passion.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Hope to see you there!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Greg
> > > > > >
> > > > > > *Greg Jones*
> > > > > > *Seydel Sales & Service*
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Web Site <http://1623customharmonicas.com>
> > > > > > Repairs
> > > > > > <
> https://www.1623customharmonicas.com/seydel-diatonic--chromatic-repair>
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Regards Jerry
> > >
> >
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Harp-L Digest, Vol 271, Issue 3
> **************************************
>