Phil Wiggins

NEW Maryland Traditions in the Schools* Artist

Phil Wiggins of Takoma Park is a blues harmonica virtuoso whose masterful, expressive playing is acclaimed worldwide.  Raised in the Washington, D.C. area, and heir to the region's Piedmont blues traditions, Phil has performed throughout the world and has explored the origins of the harmonica, from China to Eastern Europe to America.  In the hands of African Americans, the harmonica - which was affordable and portable - was transformed from a European "mouth organ" into a master mimic of voices, animals and train whistles.   One of its foremost practitioners shares the soulful sounds and rich history of blues harmonica.

*A new program from the Maryland State Arts Council'sMaryland Traditions program, in partnership with the National Council for the Tradtional Arts (NCTA) and Class Acts Arts. This program is available for grades 6-12 in Montgomery County schools, both public and private.