Jammu Harmonica Club to host 11th edition of National Indian Mouth Organ Players’ Meet on Sept 21, 22
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Jammu Harmonica Club is excited to host the 11th edition of the National Indian Mouth Organ Players’ Meet (IMP MEET) on September 21st and 22nd, 2024 at the Radisson Blu in Jammu.
“Since its establishment in 2015, the Jammu Harmonica Club has been dedicated to fostering a love for the harmonica, also known as the Mouth Organ, a unique instrument renowned for its sweet and captivating sound,” club members said.
“The harmonica holds a special place in Indian music history. It has been featured prominently in Bollywood films, adding a distinctive charm to the soundtracks. Notable examples include the iconic tune from ‘Sholay’, especially the song ‘Yeh Dosti hum nahi todenge’, and the melodious pieces from ‘Ek Duje Ke Liye’ and ‘Solva Saal’, where the song ‘Hai Apna Dil to Awara’ is revered as a harmonica anthem.” they said adding that despite the instrument’s decline in popularity in the film industry following the deaths of legendary players such as Late Phiroze Damri, Late Milon Gupta, and Late R.D. Burman, the harmonica’s appeal endures.
Modern technology and social media have played a significant role in reviving interest in this melodious instrument, with numerous harmonica clubs and associations now active across India, they added.
“The IMP Meet 2024 promises to be a grand gathering, drawing around 150 delegates from various walks of life, including students, professionals, and hobbyists. Participants range from children to seasoned veterans, showcasing a broad spectrum of talent and experience. The event will feature performances across diverse musical genres, including Bollywood hits, Hindustani Classical, Carnatic Music, Folk, Religious songs, Western music, and regional film scores. This diversity reflects the harmonica’s versatility and its ability to adapt to different musical styles.” they informed.
The primary goals of this year’s meet are multi-faceted.
Firstly, the event aims to promote greater awareness of the harmonica as a complete and versatile musical instrument capable of performing a wide array of musical scores.
Secondly, it provides a platform for sharing knowledge about music and various techniques for mastering the harmonica. Thirdly, the meet encourages players to perform on stage, boosting their confidence and honing their skills. Additionally, the event highlights the harmonica’s health benefits, particularly its role in providing significant lung exercises. Finally, the meet seeks to foster a sense of unity and camaraderie among harmonica enthusiasts from different regions and backgrounds, celebrating the instrument’s role in bringing people together through music.
“We invite all harmonica players, music enthusiasts, and the broader community to join us for this special event. The Indian Mouth Organ Players’ Meet 2024 offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the harmonica, connect with fellow musicians, and experience the beauty of this remarkable instrument. For more information and to register, please visit the Jammu Harmonica Club’s official page or contact us directly,” they said.
