Romolo Chocolates Presents Renowned Harmonicist Hendrik Meurkins
Hendrik Meurkins to show his skills on the harmonic at Romolos.
For a long, glorious time beginning in the mid '50s, one man from Belgium enjoyed acclaim and fame as the only person playing jazz harmonica.
Yes, Jean "Toots" Thielemans blew harmonica. At 83 he remains the man – although he no longer has the harmonica to himself. Ranking high among other harmonicists is German-born Hendrik Meurkens, who returns July 18 from last year's triumph at Romolo's Sweet Summer Season.
As a rare dual instrumentalist, Meurkens actually first was and remains a capable vibraphonist, but at 19, he heard "Toots" and fell under his spell. The excellent band joining Meurkens consists of Misha Tsiganov, piano; Gustavo Amarante, bass; and Adriano Santos, drums. – Bob Protzman
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 18 // Romolo Chocolates, 1525 W. Eighth St. // romolochocolates.com
