Hideout Throws A Harmonica Hoedown

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 5, 2013 8:20PM

The harmonica holds a special spot in Chicago’s heart—it may have originated in Europe, but local legends like Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Walter Horton, Rice Miller and Howard Levy took revolutionary approaches to the instrument and used it to shape Chicago blues. Next weekend, the Hideout is commemorating the French harp and the musicians who are beholden to it with a harmonica hoedown.

The event, which is presented by Hohner, will bring together some of the biggest names in blues harmonica still active today: Joe Filisko, master of the diatonic harmonica and local performer/teacher; James Conway, multi-instrumentalist and member of Celtic trio The Boils; and Bob Kessler of The BlackWilloughbys. You can also expect some special guests throughout the night.

The hoedown goes down next Sunday, Feb. 17, and tickets are $10 (we foresee this one selling out). For now, here’s video of the finale from last year’s hoedown, featuring Filisko, Conway, Kessler, and friends:

The Hideout Harmonica Hoedown is Sunday, February 17 at the Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia, 7 p.m. $10, 21+