A Conversation with Lee Oskar Ahead of His Bellevue Jazz Blues Music Series Performance

Lee Oskar will headline the Bellevue Downtown Association’s Jazz & Blues Music Series on October 10, showcasing his renowned harmonica skills. He shared in an interview that a harmonica gift at age six sparked his lifelong passion for music, leading him to view the instrument as a means of personal expression. Oskar emphasized that the harmonica is accessible to all, allowing for emotional storytelling without formal training. His time with the band War and saxophonist Charles Miller significantly shaped his musical style, teaching him to trust his instincts. Currently, he performs with Lee Oskar & Friends, a group that he believes has a strong musical chemistry.

Oskar is actively composing new music and collaborating with artists like Henry Kapono, with whom he has partnered on multiple projects. He has plans to release Hawaiian Harmonicas soon, further expanding his musical repertoire. Additionally, he collaborates with Kenny Neal, whose father appreciated Oskar's music during Kenny's formative years.