This year it was decided after 25 years to move Harpin’ Help to a new location, Salty’s Beach Bar. Sandy Mack, who has put the lineup together since day one, has been using this venue for his Sunday Jamily events since shortly after the old Paul’s Tavern was sold and renovated. After the success of Sunday’s inaugural event there, we will be back next year.
Sandy again put together a stellar lineup, highlighted by Marc Ribler on guitar, Big John Perry on bass, Dave Moore on drums and Sandy on harp doing a tribute to the late Dickey Betts. Sharon Lasher had her full band with special guests Jeff Levine on keys, Tommy Meares on Trombone and Tim Nolan on harp. JSJBF member band Jump Back played some classic blues mixed in with cuts from their soon to be released CD. Over on the acoustic stage Stu Coogan took time out from his DJ duties at 90.5 the Night to play some guitar and sing with Donny Jams adding harp and mandolin, while our own Gary Neuwirth sat in with the most interesting combination of the day, Niki Arrowsmith & Gaia Raga who had a Sitar, melodica, Sax and keyboards on stage. Stringbean, Jon Barone and James Dalton were Harpin’ Helpers who blew harp during the day while Chuck Lambert closed the electric stage with his long-time accompanist, and only female harmonica player present, Sue Haugenes.
2024 Harpin Help Photos
Here are just a few of the many photos take by John Posada!
We also had a substantial amount of nonperishable food items donated which were split between the Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry and the Reformation Food Pantry.
Harpin’ Help is an annual event put together by local musician Sandy Mack, a harp player, to benefit the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation and local food banks. The event first began around 1996! Now it has become a much-anticipated event.