Harpin' By The Sea 2024

Event Information

Harpin’ by the Sea is where harmonica players of all abilities enjoy instruction, music making and headline performances. HBTS presents established artists, promotes new talent, encourages first timers, welcomes junior players and supports local charities. This year HBTS will once again open with its free Harmonicas for Health Friday afternoon sessions and evening Open Mic.

WORKSHOPS
Our workshop team comprises harmonica expert tutors Ed Hopwood (UK), Marta Suñé (Spain), Eddie Martin (UK), Vanessa Thomas (UK), Chris Startup (UK), Quim Roca (Spain) and Mattias Bogefors (Sweden).

Beginners
Join us on a journey of discovery from opening the box, learning key skills and repertoire, all the way to your first bends. Our workshops are led by Ed Hopwood. Beginners will need a 10 hole harmonica in the key of C. These are available to purchase on the day. Full information on the event website. The Beginners schedule runs throughout the day.

Intermediates / Advanced
This year’s workshops are geared towards improving performance skills and confidence. Eddie Martin will share his extensive performance experience, both as a front man and a solo guitar/rack-harmonica specialist. Marta Suñé will share her highly acclaimed blues harmonica skills and performance knowledge. The harmonica content will be tailored to the two respective ability levels. After lunch, players can join John Cook for his technical workshop, or Vanessa Thomas and Richard Taylor to combine vocals and harmonica playing.

Further activities
Late afternoon options include a panel discussion with guest artists Mark Feltham, Marta Suñé and Eddie Martin, or a Harmonica Tuning workshop with our technical experts John Cook and Gene Myers.

Children
Sunday morning is dedicated to younger players of all abilities, 5-14 years. Our exciting programme is led by Richard Taylor, Director of Harp Academy, the UK’s leading schools harmonica teaching service. Richard’s team provides two hours of music making and repertoire learning, culminating in a live performance on stage. A harmonica in the key of C is included in the ticket price and everyone takes home a goody bag. Grown-ups should remain on site and can relax with free Wi-Fi and refreshments in The Brunswick’s bar area.

Evening Concert
Our star studded evening show features the following special guest artists:

Mark Feltham & Dennis Greaves Duo (UK)
Harpin’ By The Sea is immensely proud to welcome the powerhouse frontmen from Nine Below Zero performing as a fabulous duo. Prepare to be dazzled!

Sweet Marta (Spain)
Marta is a passionate blues musician. Blowing the harp and stomping the stage, she delivers fearless, bold chops and delights audiences throughout Europe. Marta will be supported by the highly acclaimed Blues Deluxe Band. Arriba!

Eddie Martin (UK)
Eddie is regarded as one of the world’s best contemporary blues players and is celebrated as an innovator for his guitar and rack-harmonica skills. Tonight Eddie shares his one-man-band performance with us. Hang on tight!

PROGRAMME
Fri 2nd Feb 2024 - Harmonicas for Health Workshops 1.00-5.00 / Pre-Registration and Open Mic Party 7.00-11.00. [Today’s Programme is Free Entry]
Sat 3rd Feb 2024 - Registration 9.00 / Workshops 10.00-5.00 / Evening Show 7.30-11.00. [Today’s Programme is Tickets Only]
Sun 4th Feb 2024 - Children’s Workshop 10.30-1.00 [Tickets Only] / Electric Blues Jam 2.00-5.00 [Free Entry]

Harmonica Information
We teach 10-hole diatonic harmonica. Beginners bring key of C. Intermediate and Advanced players bring a selection of keys. Harmonicas are available to buy on the day. Further kit, FAQs and information is available on the event website.

TICKETS – Early Booking Recommended
Workshop Tickets or Combined Workshops & Show Packages are on sale until 1st Jan 2024. Any remaining Show Tickets are released on 2nd Jan 2024 if available.
Workshops £55.00 Adv (£65.00 on day if available) / Show Tickets £25.00 Adv (£30.00 on day if available)
Children’s Workshop £12.50 Adv (£15.00 on day if available)

CONTACT: harpinbythesea@hotmail.co.uk / Richard Taylor 07525 256954
www.harpinbythesea.com