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Harmonica Saints: A flashback to the past

By Grace Pecci - Staff Writer | Jan 23, 2019

Bill Sturgeon, from left, Andy Morneau and Will Landry perform with their harmonicas as part of the Harmonica Saint’s performance, which took place recently at the Benchmark Senior Living at Nashua Crossings.

NASHUA – The Harmonica Saints, a group whose members have who have been performing for more than 10 years for audiences across New Hampshire and Massachusetts, consists of harmonica players, as well as vocalists and musicians playing the accordion, the piano and even a musical saw.

The band currently consists of 10 members: vocalist and harmonica player Nancy Charron, harmonica player Leo Coutermarsh, harmonica player Hildegard Gillette, melodica player Diana Deschenes, harmonica player Mary Horan, harmonica player Will Landry, harmonica player Andy Morneau, accordion and harmonica player Kauno Rauhala, harmonica player and vocalist Bill Sturgeon and piano player Dick Leombruno.

The group recently performed at the Benchmark Senior Living at Nashua Crossings.

The band performs in various function settings, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Landry, who’s been part of the group for about eight years, said the group enjoys all types of music, including music that dates back to the 1940s and 1950s. Members also prefer to tell funny stories and jokes during their performances to encourage audience participation.

“It’s just been a fun thing. We enjoy each other,” Landry said. “We have a really good time practicing. We have a lot of laughs in our practices.”

Finland native Kauno Rauhala plays a musical saw during the Harmonica Saints’ recent performance at the Benchmark Senior Living at Nashua Crossings. Rauhala also plays the accordion and harmonica.

“It keeps everyone young,” Landry added.

Performing also gives members an outlet to use musical talent. Landry said he has been playing the harmonica for more than 60 years.

“I started (playing the harmonica) in grammar school,” Landry said. “Over the years, I would get it out once a year and play a couple of tunes.”

When he met the Harmonica Saints, he said he was almost immediately welcomed in the group.

“As a result, I have become an accomplished harmonica player, and become very proficient over time,” Landry said.

Will Landry, left, and Hildegard Gillette, two members of the local group Harmonica Saints, perform a solo during the group’s recent show at the Benchmark Senior Living at Nashua Crossings. Twenty-five times a year, the Harmonica Saints travel to different function settings, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Landry said all are welcome to see the group rehearse. Members practice at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Nashua Senior Activity Center.

Landry added the group is always looking for new members to join. Those who are interested may contact him at 603-888-0435 or willlandry@comcast.net.

“When we perform, we have fun performing – and the people we perform for really enjoy having us,” he said.

When the group visited Nashua Crossings, members played for an hour and performed a variety of well-known songs, such as “When the Saints go Marching In” and “What a Wonderful World.”

The programs have been rewarding for both the performers and the attendees. Cathy Barrett, activities director at Nashua Senior Activity Center, said, “Both groups tell me good things. Not only does it bring the performers joy, it’s entertaining, and it also brings the residents joy to participate.”

Grace Pecci may be contacted at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashautelegraph.com.

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