Feature Friday -- 'Bringing Back the Blues'

When Eugene Hammond plays the harmonica, he says it, “brings back a little of what I think is missing – which is the blues.” Hammond has played the harmonica for almost as long as he’s worked at L+M, which is 32 years, but he’s rarely been as excited about playing a gig as he is about an upcoming event at Mohegan Sun. Hammond, who also works part-time as a dealer at the casino, will perform in the Mohegan Sun employee talent show at 7:30 p.m. on April 17 in the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena! First prize is $1,000, and since audience applause plays a role in who wins, Hammond would love to see some of his L+M friends “stacking the deck” by packing the seats. “I’d like to invite all my L+M friends to come out to see the show, and maybe have dinner beforehand,” Hammond says. “It could be fun for the whole family.” The show is open to the public and tickets will be available at the door for $5. Hammond expects to compete for the top prize against about 14 other performers. “I want people to see what I can do and what I’m made of,” Hammond says. Then he flashes his classic smile and laughs: “I’m not getting any younger. This is make it or break it!”