Workshop - Introduction to Blues Harmonica

Introduction to Blues Harmonica

Alabama-based “Radiator” Rick Asherson will lead a one-hour “Introduction to the Blues Harmonica” workshop. This is a fun and exciting opportunity to have a hands-on, interactive learning experience that will introduce you to the joys of playing blues harmonica. The program is a family event, appropriate for participants from 7 years on up! There will be suitable beginner harmonicas available at the event for £5, but please feel free to bring your own 10-hole harmonica in the key of C.

Rick is appearing Friday October 17th from 8pm -10:30pm at the Ventnor Arts Club with blues partner Debbie Bond, as part of their 2025 "Blues Without Borders" tour.

Radiator Rick BioRick first heard the blues in his native city of London, England, where he began to play the harmonica, guitar and piano in the '60s. Fast forward to 2001 and Rick was exploring the back roads of the blues trail through Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama when he connected with veteran bluesman Willie King, at King’s Freedom Creek Festival in rural Pickens County, Alabama. Rick soon joined Willie’s band, playing keyboards and harmonica.

As his association with King deepened, he also arranged, and played with Willie King, on three European tours, co-produced King's last two CDs, and helped run the annual Freedom Creek Festival. It was through Willie King that Rick met blues woman Debbie Bond, and their relationship soon developed into a romantic and musical partnership. Willie King died too soon in 2009, leaving a rich legacy of blues recordings.

Since moving to Alabama in 2001, Rick has performed with many other Alabama blues greats, including Little Jimmy Reed, Shar Baby, B. J. Miller, Carroline Shines and Eddie Kirkland.

Rick is a multi-instrumentalist and a mean harp player. Known for his honky-tonk piano with hints of Louisiana swamp, he also sings and co-wrote with Debbie Bond on all their tunes. The pair are regulars on the Southern US and European blues club and festival circuit. Their recordings have received international critical acclaim, most recently being nominated for the UK Blues Federation “Best International Blues Act for 2023”.