The New River Blues Society, in their goal to inspire more youth to pick up an instrument and play, is giving away one guitar and one chromatic harmonica.
Additionally, both instruments come with three free lessons.
Thor Hanes, director of the Blues Initiative program and harmonica player and instructor said, “We’ve given out 351 harmonicas since Juneteenth of 2023.”
“That’s a lot of harmonicas, and almost all of them have come with an hour or so lessons, and with a lifetime of opportunities.”
The harmonicas, selected as a cost efficient yet versatile and easy-to-play beginner’s model, are purchased from Fret Mill Music in Roanoke, Virginia. It is through the fundraising of the New River Blues Society and other individual donors that this program has been successful.
In almost two years since the program began, Hanes along with other members of the New River Blues Society have presented free harmonicas, along with an initial lesson around the New River Valley and the surrounding region. Roanoke College, St. Newman’s Catholic School, all the libraries in the region, and the Christiansburg Institute are just some of the locations the organization have visited so far.
As part of the presentation, two pages of lesson sheets are provided “full of wonderful stuff” Hanes said. He also shared a bit of history about the small instrument with a big sound.
“German immigrants brought many harmonicas to the United States…calling it ‘A band in a box.'”
Others may also have heard the small, pocket-size instrument referred to as a harp or a ‘mouth harp’. The size of the instrument is another benefit to learning to play it, as it can easily fit in a pocket. It is also very easy to pick up and quickly learn to play something from the start, Hanes said. Within 20-30 minutes into a presentation, Hanes often has youngsters playing the harmonica alongside other musicians in accompaniment.
The beginner’s level acoustic guitar for the giveaway was donated by Phil Hysell, along with some other incredible donated instruments to aid in the youth program. The three guitar lessons that will be received by a lucky winner are given by Stacie Hanes.
Harmonica lessons will be given by Thor Hanes, a member of the Blues and Rock band, Bunco.
Bunco is a local and regional band that brings listeners to their feet, and their toes tapping with their lively blend of Blues, Rock, Funk, and Soul, according to their Facebook page. They have most recently played and performed at the Taubman Museum in Roanoke and the Montgomery Museum of Art and History. Their recent album release titled “Rodeo Clown” was recorded at the historical Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee.
Beale Street in Memphis was also the location for the International Blues Challenge in January 2025. The New River Blues Society has taken interested youth along to this event to witness unbelievable traditional and modern Blues players from all over the world play and compete.
The application deadline to enter the drawing is May 15, 2025, with winners selected by June 1, 2025. Anyone 12 years of age and older can complete the form to win the harmonica and lessons, so adults can apply. The free beginner’s guitar is recommended for a child aged eight to approximately 12 years of age.
To complete your submission for a chance to win, visit New River Blues Society’s Facebook page, or at #BluesInitiative.
