Harmonica lessons usually aren't given at parties, but Billy Gibson gave some harp tips to guests at the Beale Street Caravan fundraiser Thursday night at Ground Zero Blues Club.

About 200 harmonicas were passed out at the benefit for the locally produced roots radio program, which airs on WEVL, WUMR and WYPL. Billy taught guests the "train chug and whistle." He told them to repeatedly draw in their breath and then blow out. "Now, don't pass out," he said.

After the crowd successfully mimicked the sounds of a train, Billy said, "Now right here's a good time to take a sip of beer."

The weekly one-hour, commercial-free radio program featuring live recordings of acts performing Memphis music and its derivative forms is syndicated on 302 radio stations in the United States and also can be heard in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, said executive producer Sid Selvidge. It's heard each week by an estimated worldwide audience of 2.5 million listeners.

In addition to live music, the Beale Street Caravan fundraiser featured an open bar and live and silent auctions. Joe Birch was auctioneer for the live auction.

Guests got to keep their harmonicas.

Blues on the Bluff honors late 'Cap'n Pete'

After of moment of silence for the late Dee "Cap'n Pete" Henderson, the Bo-Keys played "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" at the WEVL-FM 89.9 Blues on the Bluff fundraiser Saturday evening on the grounds of the National Ornamental Metal Museum.

The 72-year-old Henderson, who served for 26 years as host of WEVL's "Blues Cruise" blues show, was found fatally shot Wednesday.

Family and friends sat in a special section near the front of the Riverbluff Pavilion, where the musicians performed. Henderson was slated to serve as an emcee.

This was the 20th anniversary of the event. In addition to barbecue and other eats and drinks, guests could buy the 20th Anniversary Blues on the Bluff poster and T-shirt designed by volunteer artist Anthony Biggers.

Love flows at SRVS benefit performance

Another curtain was lifted before the curtain went up Sunday afternoon at the Shelby Residential & Vocational Services (SRVS) benefit performance of "The Producers" at Playhouse on the Square; Lori Butler's 10th annual Spirit of SRVS commemorative painting was unveiled.

SRVS is a nonprofit organization devoted to people with developmental disabilities.

Lori was inspired after meeting people in SRVS programs and noticing "the happiness and innocence they possess."

She titled her work "Let the Sincerity of Your Love Flow."

Her painting will be auctioned at the Spirit of SRVS benefit Aug. 23 at the Hilton Memphis.

To see party videos and more party pictures, go to gomemphis.com. Contact Michael Donahue at 529-2797 or e-mail donahue@commercialappeal.com