.png)
The Canberra Blues Society (CBS) is conducting workshops for interested musicians, performers (beginners to intermediate standard) and for anyone, CBS members, family and friends, who would like to learn more about “The Blues”.
The workshops will be held over two hours on Saturday afternoons, with the first one scheduled for Saturday 11 April 2026, from 2pm - 4pm in the Keller Bar at the Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah.
Participants at all workshops will be given a history of “The Blues” from its beginnings to where it has developed to today. It will highlight the instrument or vocal style being conducted at the particular workshop.
The first Workshop is being conducted by James Hoogstad and Steve Hartnett on the Harmonica.
If attending the workshop, please bring your Harmonicas in C, A & D. Please also bring a harp microphone and cable suitable for a guitar amp (if you have them).
About our Presenters:
James Hoogstad – Blues Harmonica and Tenor Saxophone
Started playing blues harp at school age too long ago. Cut his musical teeth in Adelaide blues outfit ‘Too Many Cats’, with other blues soul and rock bands following.Moving to Canberra, worked in local rhythm & blues bands including, ‘Naked Soul,’ ‘Judi Pearce and the Arrangement’ ‘Minglewood Blues Band’, ’The Jukes’ ‘The Turnaround’ ‘Dean Edgecombe and the Seventh Sons”, and ‘The Blooz”. Blues harp has been there for the whole ride!
Steve Hartnett - Harmonica and Vocals
Steve has been a mainstay of Canberra's blues music scene for decades, both as a player and as a long-serving member of the CBS committee (he is currently Vice-President). He has appeared with a veritable "who's who" of Canberra blues band and brings a distinctive and melodic voice to his instrument.
