Harmonica FEN Festival 2026 @ PANDA platforma. Day 2
Harmonica FEN Festival 2026
From 29 to 31 May 2026, Kulturbrauerei hosts the Harmonica FEN Festival for the third time. Musicians from around the world will gather on the stages of the Kesselhaus and Maschinenhaus at Kulturbrauerei to showcase the full range of the harmonica: jazz from the Netherlands, old-time music from the USA and Finnish folk, Brazilian music, country and Chicago blues, oriental jazz and Indian ragas. A highlight of the festival is the Free Reeds All Star Ensemble concert featuring internationally renowned sheng master Wu Wei, patron of the festival’s musical programme.
PANDA platforma and PANDAoben (the seminar room above PANDA) are happy to host the festival’s masterclasses and workshops.
Tickets are available via the festival website and on site, subject to availability.
SUNDAY, 31 MAY
10:00–11:30 | PANDA platforma
Pre-war harmonica history, styles and techniques — masterclass with Seth Shumate
25 € (advance) / 30 € (on the door)
An introduction to the harmonica masters recorded before the 1940s — from string band straight harp to fox chase and train songs. Audio examples, technique and biographical insights included. G, A, Bf, C and D harps welcome.
11:45–13:15 | PANDA platforma
The fun of live-looping — masterclass with Steven De bruyn
25 € (advance) / 30 € (on the door)
A looper pedal can be great fun — and it will make you a better player. Steven De bruyn covers different types of loopers, common pitfalls, and creative techniques for integrating a looper into your playing and performance. Bring your instrument and, if possible, a microphone.
13:30–15:00 | PANDA platforma
The 4T’s of Music: Tone, Timing, Theory, Technique — workshop with Steven Troch
15 € (advance) / 20 € (on the door)
The four core pillars for every musician. Suitable for beginner and intermediate players. You will need a diatonic harmonica in C and A.
Kindern und Jugendlichen unter 18 Jahren ist der Zutritt zu Veranstaltungen in PANDA platforma nur in Begleitung einer erziehungsbeauftragten oder personensorgeberechtigten Person in Verbindung mit jeweils einer gültigen Eintrittskarte gestattet. Grundlage: §5 JuSchG