Spring Harp Festival

David Stoeber
2019 Unknown Players Jam Winner

Have you heard of our world-famous Unknown Player's Jam? To many of us, its the highlight of our Spring Harp Fest, especially when we've got the kids involved. And you know, the kids usually win if they can play.

Anyone can participate, you don't have to be a resident of La Mesa, or San Diego, or even California. This fun competition is open to everyone and it is just $20 donation to participate. Best of all, the winner gets a trophy.

So brush up on your best harmonica blues and come on out to the next Spring Harp Fest which is every year during Easter weekend in La Mesa, California at Harry Griffen Park.

David Lewis
San Diego, CA

David was born into a music family. His dad, David Lewis Sr., played piano, drums, and saxophone in a swing band. Sr. once shared the stage with Jack Teagarden, who later played with Louis Armstrong. David’s dad was always playing music and would leave home around 6pm, and wouldn’t be seen until breakfast the next morning.

After two decades as photographers and receiving many awards; published in Popular Photography & Petersen Photographic & various brochures; exhibits in AZ, NM, & CA, my wife, Mary, and I are reinventing and redefining ourselves within the music community.

The Blues is here to stay. David has been an avid student online with a variety of harmonica players like Jason Ricci and Adam Gassaw, not limiting himself to just the blues, but to other genre, including jazz. His influences include Paul Butterfield, Little Walter, and Sonny Boy Williamson. David continues to listen and learn all he can from the blues musicians around San Diego like Chet Cannon, Billy Watson, and the bass guitar player, Kevin Cooper. As Junior Wells says, “Somebody done unhoodoo the hoodoo men.”

James "Loose" Reed Mojo
San Diego, CA

Starting at the age of thirteen, James Reed perfected his skills in harp and vocals, plus a patient family who encouraged him despite many hours of practice. It was up hill from there bringing Mojo Madness to incredible heights to those who were searching for a bit of Mojo in their life. As we know...we all need some Mojo!

The Mojo Man did his stint as a resident in the South lands of America. His music was greatly influenced through living and working in places such as Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. This is where the music matured and became what it is today.

Over this 10-year span, James Reed has shared the stage with such greats as Taj Mahl, Edgar Winters, Billy Branch, Jimmy Witherspoon, Johnny Nitro and Joan Baez. He also had the privilege to perform on stage at the White House, Washington, DC.

Chet and the Committee
San Diego, CA

San Diego's favorite Swingin' Good Time Blues an Rockin' Boogie Band. Ten years live experience, three CDs and four SDMA Nominations here now, All Pro Gear and we are ready to Party with you tonight. . . baby!

Chet & the Committee frontman Chet Cannon is a self-described “terminal blues fan” who once attended 26 blues concerts in 29 days.

This year Chet and the Committee will be backing our Unknown Players Jam, which gives unknown harp players a chance to strut their stuff.

Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas
San Diego, CA

Mix one part New Riders Of The Purple Sage, one-part Chieftains, three parts Dropkick Murphy’s, and a pinch of Mojo Nixon. Shake vigorously. Add a pitcher of the house Micro-brew, chased by a flask of Jameson Irish Whiskey, and stir. Voila! You have The Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas!

If you throw in a tavern audience, the chemical reaction is magic. The APWF are a crowd-pleasing band, taking requests, as they banter with their fans.

They blend Irish Folk with Country-Rock to foot stomping perfection. Their blend of Guitars, Mandolin, Banjo, Tin Whistle, Fiddle, Accordion, Upright Bass, and Harmonica, supported by thumping percussion that keeps any place energized.

Harmonica John
San Diego, CA

I come from a very musical family. My mom and her sisters all sang, and mom wanted to play the drums, but it was considered unladylike, so she was happy to see that I liked to bang on things. My dad and his brothers all played instruments as well as his mom and dad.

I love to express emotions in my song that people listening can relate to.

Grandma Frazer was quite skilled at playing the organ, and we would all gather in the living room. I remember hearing everyone playing Al Hirt's "Java"when it first came out.Grandpa Frazer played banjo and harmonica, mostly and I first played one of his harmonicas when I was quite young- however, being unskilled, I was told to take it outside away from the family jam session.

Billy Watson
San Diego, CA

Billy is an entertainer extraordinaire, capable of throwing down a blues show that can be infectiously hilarious and convincingly nasty. His energy as a frontman is relentless, his vocals inspiring, and his harp work musically outstanding.

Billy's repertoire ranges from creepy grooves, grinding shuffles, to fast boogies and swings

Blues music was created by people looking for a way to forget their "blues" by telling their stories through song. Billy's show reminds modern audiences that blues music can be lowdown, but that in the end it's all about having some fun, dancing, and forgetting about your worries.

Phil Berkowitz
Bay Area, CA

Phil Berkowitz, San Francisco based blues harmonica player & vocalist, has brought his unique & energetic musical style to audiences for over 20 years. Phil demonstrates creativity & a powerful drive to entertain audiences of all ages with his dynamic vocals & blues-soaked harmonica riffs.

Phil is now half of San Francisco's finest male/female duet fronted band, The Lucky Losers.

New Jersey native, Phil Berkowitz, "has earned renown as one of the West Coast’s most distinctive harp players, as well as for his sharp, resonant tenor" (Living Blues/ 2018).

Troy Sandow
San Diego, CA

Troy Sandow has honed his skills by listening and learning first hand from the masters. As a Bass player he has backed some of the best blues musicians and singers in the world.

As a Harmonica player and Singer he is a student of Tone, Timing, Phrasing, and Feel. He plays with passion and always puts in what the song needs.

His vocals are sincere and honest with laid back phrasing and an ernest approach. He is committed to his craft and honoring the greats, while still having his own sound, voice, and artistic vision.

About the Harp Fest

2020 Line Up

Artists

David Stoeber

David Lewis

James "Loose" Reed Mojo

Chet and the Committee

Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas

Harmonica John

Billy Watson

Phil Berkowitz

Troy Sandow

Unknown Players Jam

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