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November 6, 2009

Here is a new web site for the Spanish speaking community. I don't know much about it since I know very little Spanish. The English translation of the Blog name is "Everything on the Banjo from Argentina."

The web site is hosted by Juan J Pettoruti and he reports on information about both the four string banjo and the 5-string banjo. There are articles on how to play, the history of the banjo and even a question and answer section.

Link: http://www.todobanjo.blogspot.com/

Submitted by Juan J. Pettoruti

November 1, 2009

PBS Documentary; "The Barefoot Musicologist"
KVIE-6 Broadcast date~ November, 18 and 22, 2009

-------------------~o~-----------------

Here's a Four-minute Demo for PBS Program Directors ...and you:

Stream the video live from the following web address.

http://www.box.net/shared/static/id0ppmp5y2.mov

Or you can stream it from www.kvie.org at anytime after that date.

Submitted by Gordy Ohliger

The American Banjo Museum Begins Banjo Youth Program

October 20, 2009

Museum Education Director, Douglas Back, will begin group lessons starting December 12, 2009. He will be conducting classes for both Jazz Banjo and Bluegrass Banjo. In addition to the lessons, students will have the opportunity to participate in a youth Jazz Banjo Band or a Youth Bluegrass Band.

Douglas Back is an award teacher and musician. He was twice awarded the "Teacher of the Year" by the Montgomery County School District and in 2003 he was named "Teacher of the Year" by the International Network of Performing Arts Schools. Please see the two flyer links for more information:

Letter Poster

Submitted by John Mumford

October 6, 2009

Banjo Legend Earl Scruggs is Among the Guests at the Opening of the American Banjo Museum located in the Bricktown district of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The American Banjo Museum opened on September 10th, 2009 and one of the guests to appear was the 5-string banjo legend Earl Scruggs. Other guests that appeared were: Roy Clark, John McEuen, Bud Wachter, Byron Berline, Georgette Twain, Debbie Schreyer, Doug Beck and the Young Family Bluegrass Band

Below is an excerpt from a recent press release announcing the opening of the museum:

        The American Banjo Museum is a $5 million, world-class 21,000 square foot facility honoring the rich history, vibrant spirit and unlimited future of the banjo. The museum contains more than 300 instruments, the largest collection on public display in the world. Examples include replicas of primitive banjos developed by African slaves in the Old South, Minstrel Age instruments from 19th century, post WWII instruments used in bluegrass, folk and world music, and museum’s core collection of ornately decorated banjos made in America during the Jazz Age of the 1920’s and 30s.
        “When you hear a banjo, you can’t help but smile,” noted Johnny Baier, American Banjo Museum Executive Director. “Museum guests will be transported to a whole new world of sound and history as they walk through the doors of the magnificently renovated Bricktown warehouse. The banjo truly is America’s instrument.”
        "The banjo plays the happiest notes in the world. And now, with the American Banjo Museum open, this remarkable and truly American instrument is finally getting its due recognition," said John McEuen, noted banjo performer and founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. "As an entertainer I've witnessed the incredible wide appeal of the banjo. When I pick up the banjo to play, the audience always applauds the instrument before a single note is played!"
        “The music and instruments on display at the American Banjo Museum are unique treasures, and Oklahoma is honored to add a collection of this caliber to our state,” said Lt. Governor Jari Askins. “Fans of all music will be drawn to the museum. It is a major win for Bricktown and Oklahoma.”The banjo was born in the African slave culture and endured for 200 years in America. Replicas of several of these ancient instruments are on display as visitors enter the museum. As the museum experience continues, visitors will see examples of banjos made during the late 19th century during the so-called Minstrel Age of music when the banjo moved from the plantation to the stage and concert hall gaining broad public interest.
        For the bluegrass music fan the name Gibson is synonymous with quality banjos. A special gallery in the museum will spotlight a large collection of Gibson “Mastertone” banjos manufactured during the company’s golden years of the 1920s and 30s, including an extremely rare, pre-war Gibson five-string banjo valued at more than $175,000.00.
        The second floor will be home to the museum’s centerpiece collection of more than 200 four-string banjos from the Jazz Era of banjo music. “These magnificent instruments are in superb condition, with ornate designs and tonal sound qualities which are literally frozen in time. Many of the raw materials and metallurgic processes used in casting the metals for these instruments can no longer be duplicated,” continued Baier. “Each banjo in this exclusive collection is a work of art, with layers of designs, engravings and carvings that give each one a very distinctive look.”

Learn more about the new "American Banjo Museum" at: www.banjomuseum.com

Note: The American Banjo Museum website is currently under construction.

Submitted by John Mumford

October 4, 2009

Eddy Davis Brings Banjo Video Library to You Tube

Davis began playing the banjo in 1958 while he was a senior in high school. His music career has been a continuous stream of performances and appearances. He also has an incredible knowledge and repertoire of songs. Be sure to check out his library of banjo videos on You Tube.

You can also read about his career at his website: www.theeddydavis.com

Submitted by John Mumford

September 3, 2009

Banjos for All Occasions and Holidays

Searching the web this morning I found some interesting banjos available for purchase. With Halloween not far away 5-string players may want to check out the "Pumpkin Banjo" over at Eldery Instruments.

John Bernunzio has the equivalent of the Autoharp Banjo. It is called the "Key Chord" banjo and it is made by Stromberg Voisenett. All you have to do is push down one of the 22 buttons and it holds down a chord. This might be the original banjo for "Banjo - Guitar Hero."

If you want to get something for Christmas try the limited edition banjo being produced by Gibson. Only 12 will be made. Just like the 12 days of Christmas.