On October 2, 2015 I brought my Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to 20 participants at the DeNier Youth Services Center; a correctional facility in Durango, Colorado. It was my fifth visit to this full-lockdown facility providing a nurturing environment designed to rehabilitate troubled youth detained by court order. It has become among my favorite facilities to provide Harmonikids services. Sadly, most of these teens are there ultimately as a result of abandonment, neglect, abuse, or violent childhood environments.

On September 26th and 27th Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was held on the beautiful rolling hills of a 230-acre farm just 20 minutes south of Nashville in Franklin, TN. The festival featured a diverse and renowned lineup of rock and roll, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel, roots and blues with headline artists such as Willie Nelson, Wilco, Cheryl Crow, Steven Tyler, Dr. John and more. There were six stages including one in a very special family-friendly children's area; Hohner’s Lil' Pilgrim Family Stage.

On September 10, 2015 I provided a Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session at the Center for Discovery for "developmentally-disabled" athletes, during the national non-profit World T.E.A.M. Sports’ Adventure Team Challenge at New York’s Frost Valley YMCA resort. The wonderful event provides the opportunity for individuals with formidable physical and mental challenges to participate in outdoor sports on land and water in the beautiful Catskill mountains, many for the first time.

This issue features interviews with Hohner endorsees Mickey Raphael, Jim Hoke and Ronnie Shellist, the "Ringmaster" of the Hohner Travelling Roadshow. In addition we've also got Tech notes on setting up a responsive harmonica, our review of Jelly Roll Johnson's latest CD, and much more.

By Gary Allegretto

On August 15, 2015 I provided a Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) in Denver Colorado at the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of Harmonica (SPAH) Convention. In the session 20 participants were entertained then gifted harmonicas and taught to play four songs. It was a rousing success and all of the kids (along with their big brothers and big sisters) were very enthusiastic and proud of their newly discovered musical ability.