| The 16th Annual North American Jew's Harp Festival will be held on August 1 and 2, 2008 at the Bay City Arts Center of Bay City, Oregon. The festival is the main activity of the Jew's Harp Guild. The festival began in July 1992 and was originally named the "Sumpter Valley Jew's Harp Festival". The current name was adopted in 1994. The festival's focus is the music, history and culture of the Jew's Harp, an ancient musical instrument found literally worldwide. From the start, the event has attracted players of other unusual or uncommon instruments. All types of musical styles are encouraged during the festival. Nearby camping, and no alcohol sales on the grounds have combined to make it a popular family event. The past attendees have included Tadagawa Leo, an authority of the instrument from Japan, Desiree Dyk, an aficionado from the Netherlands, Aron Szilagyi from Hungary and Roland Bades from Wimmer Maultrommel, Austria. The festival was part of the inspiration behind Wayland Harman's creation of the Clackamore. It also inspired Bill Gohring to create his own Jew's harp design and start hand-making them. So, the festival is effecting many of visitors in a wonderful way. The 2008 festival program includes workshops, harpists Hall of Fame, headliner performances, unusual instrument performances, jam sessions, vending booths and band scramble. The Jew’s Harp Guild annual meeting will be held after the festival in the morning of August 3. |
Larry Hanks at the North American Jew's Harp Festival 2007 |
Event: North American Jew's Harp Festival Date: August 1 (Friday) - 2 (Saturday), 2008 Location: Bay City Arts Center Bay City, Oregon USA |
| SOURCE: North American Jew's Harp Festival |
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