Harmonica Class with Rich Shear

2008 was the second year of popular harmonica lessons taught by Rich Shear. By day he's a mild mannered shoe store proprietor but in the evening Rich can wail on his harmonica with Steel Door.

Steel Door is the creation of left-handed guitarist Dwight Allen. Singing with the group are Dwight's wife Gail and daughter Lyndsey. Chris Dahill, Tom Kailbourn, Scott Grantier and sometimes Cort and Dan Dunham are also in the group. Rich not only spices the music with harmonica but also belts out mean Mick Jagger vocals.

Here are some photos of Rich in his newest-persona as harmonica teacher where he kept to the basics. He feels sure some of the kids will be hooked on the mouth harp and always play - just like him.

The Allegany Arts Association would like to publicly thank Rick Whitwood at the Music Alley for graciously hosting lessons in his store, gratis.

Photos by board member, Eleanor Cott.