NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Trumpet-maker Jason
Harrelson says he's donating one of the best trumpets he's ever made to
benefit a festival
honoring the artist who sparked his passion for the instrument —
Louis Armstrong.
Harrelson's specially made brass "Satchmo" trumpet has a fleur-de-lis mouthpiece and transcription of the musical score for
Armstrong's trumpet solo in the song "A Kiss to Build a Dream On." It also has a tuning slide mounted with a small replica
of a New Orleans water meter cover.
The trumpet hits the auction block Saturday
with proceeds benefiting Satchmo Summerfest, the free three-day French
Quarter
festival held each year in August. Harrelson, Louisiana native,
now lives in New Brighton, Minn. His custom instruments often
sell for between $10,000 and $15,000. There is no minimum bid for
the "Satchmo' trumpet.