Featured Musicians
Back In Time.Listen to this talented band from the North Bay and forget
about today! This banjo based string
ensemble is tastefully blended with violin,
ukulele, guitar, bass and vocals. Clay is a
multi-talented musician: banjo, ukulele, guitar
and vocals. David is a voice-over artist and
radio host, adding rousting vocals along with
his banjo and violin. Jeff & Linda hail from the
notorious "Banjo Green's" gang, Jeff on his
plectrum banjo & guitar lending vocals to the
group and Linda on plectrum banjo, ukulele,
vocals and back-up bass. Rick is the tall,
quiet, handsome guy on the bass that helps
keep them all bouncing along. Their tunes
range from old sing-along standards and
ballads from the Great American Song Book
to dreamy tunes from the Hawaiian Islands.
So set your clock to go back in time.
Johnny Baier.Since he began his career as a professional banjo player in
1971 (just two weeks after he picked up the instrument), Johnny Baier has been
developing an admirable reputation as one of the world’s most ardent
performers on, and promoters of America’s only native musical instrument - the
banjo. From the beginning, playing banjo for the sing along crowd at the
Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Baier maintained a goal of
keeping his performances both musical and entertaining. The varied musical
influences he absorbed as a youngster (from jazz to polkas to classics),
coupled with inspiration, guidance and instruction from many great banjo artists
of the past, have resulted in a contemporary banjo artist with a unique sound
and style.
A Johnny Baier performance always demonstrates his eagerness to
attempt to add new textures and colors to the banjo’s perceived repertoire and
sound. Ragtime, Jazz, Bluegrass, Folk, Classics, Pop, and, of course,
traditional banjo favorites are all given Baier’s unique touch. A certain highlight
of his career came in 1983 when, after participating in a banjo competition held
in Ontario, Canada that featured some of the finest banjoists in North America,
Baier was named the North American Banjo
Champion. Following this success, he was
asked to represent a division of the Sara Lee
Corporation as a musical goodwill
ambassador. In this capacity, he had the
opportunity to travel throughout the United
States performing at trade shows, fairs,
parades and special events.
After three years of touring (accumulating
over 150,000 land and air miles per year),
Baier decided to settle down in Orlando,
Florida where, in 1988, he began an incredible
run at the world-famous Rosie O’Grady’s in
Church Street Station. In the years that
followed, combining masterful musicianship
with crowd pleasing entertainment skills,
Johnny performed over 15,000 solo shows.
In 2000, Baier become the Entertainment
Director and featured performer at Rock
Crusher Canyon - an entertainment attraction located on Florida's Gulf Coast.
In this position, he produced hundreds of shows including Willie Nelson, Glen
Campbell, Three Dog Night, Credence Clearwater Revival, and many more. In
addition to his own headline performances at RCC, Johnny opened shows for
legendary show business notables such as The Kingston Trio, Pat Boone,
Mickey Rooney and Roy Clark.
Always ready to take his act “on the road”, Baier has been a headline
performer in the showrooms aboard the luxury cruise ships of the Crystal,
Silversea, Radisson, Princess and Holland America lines. His ease with an
audience also makes him a favorite at community and corporate events as well
as musical festivals and concert venues throughout the world.
On the traditional jazz scene, in addition to leading his own popular "All
Star" Dixieland jazz band, Johnny, playing both banjo and guitar, appears in
clubs, festivals, concerts and on recordings with many notable classic jazz
groups including “Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band”, “Allan Vache and the New
Delta Steamers”, “Rosie O’Grady’s Goodtime Jazz Band”, “The Bob Crosby
Bob Cats”, and “The Walt Disney World Rhythm Rascals”.
Another recent highlight in Johnny's career came with his partnership with
fellow banjo master Buddy Wachter. Their destined to be historic recording
entitled Side By Side received rave reviews from both critics and banjo
enthusiasts from around the world, being hailed as "quite possibly the best
banjo recording ever!"
In addition to performing, Baier is a serious journalist and banjo historian as
well. He is internationally known as the editor of All Frets magazine - the official
publication of the Fretted Instrument Guild of America - an international
nonprofit musical organization. In addition to existing artist endorsement
relationships in place with both RICHELIEU BANJOS and GHS STRINGS,
Johnny has recently contracted with MEL BAY PUBLICATIONS to write, publish
and distribute two instructional publications for the tenor banjo to a world-wide
market.
As a further testimonial to his commitment to the music and heritage of the
banjo, in 2004 Baier was offered (and accepted) the position of Executive
Director of the American Banjo Museum. Recently relocated to a 21,000 square
foot state of the art facility in Oklahoma City, the Museum is home to the largest
collection of banjos on public display anywhere in the world.
The highest compliment a musical artist can hope to receive usually comes
from fellow musicians. When banjo players gather, they often refer to Johnny
Baier as “the best”. While such high praise is certainly a matter of personal
opinion, it is clear that his love for the banjo and the music it is capable of
creating has allowed Johnny Baier to evolve into exactly what he'd hoped to
become...THE BANJO MAN.
Banjo Busters.The Banjo Busters is a group of musicians who enjoy
playing music from
orchestrated arrangements.
Now a pick-up group, it was
started in 1957 in the Chicago
area by a group of local banjo
players, who kept it at a local
level until the mid 1990’s
when it expanded to include
members from ten states and
three countries. The group
now consists of about twelve
to fourteen members.
The majority of the
arrangements we use come
from the early 1900’s salon
type orchestra. These
arrangements would be
orchestrated for a whole array of instruments from oboe to cello and from
bassoon to French horn. We tend to use the first violin, clarinet or cornet, cello
or oboe, second violin and bass.
Each member plays a different part of the orchestral arrangement. The
lead banjo plays from a first violin part while the third banjo is playing a cello or
oboe part. Supportive harmony can be found in the clarinet and cornet parts.
Our second banjo plays from these parts. Great harmony, obbligato and
counterpoint is found in the cello and oboe (as well as the trombone) parts. This
is what forms the base for our third banjo. In these arrangements and
orchestras from that era the guitar was not used. Rhythm is created by the
piano and the second violin playing all double stops as partial chords. Our
fourth banjo plays from the second violin part playing full chords but maintaining
the original moving harmony lines.
For our bottom line we use either a string bass or tuba playing from the
original bass parts. These are not just simple lines, but add much to the rhythm,
harmony and composition.
When available we use a member to play the flute part. With the minimal
instrument voicing available in a group of banjos the high note music of the flute
or piccolo adds to the range of sound. Also, the flute tends to have nice
passages that fill in or lead to musical themes within the composition.
In the original Banjo Busters a piano was used. The piano part duplicates
much of the bass and chord rhythm already present, but it does offer a different
voice which adds to the full sound.
The players at this time are Glenn Peisker, Buddy Wachter, John Baier,
Joan Dickerson, Larry Rutan and Bob Alexius. Photo is of The original BANJO BUSTERS circa, 1970's.
Jack Convery. Born in 1954 in Wichita, Kansas, Jack spent his
childhood in Fresno, California. He learned how to play the banjo at the age of 12 and
he paid his dues by attending festivals and performing at pizza parlors. He was for many
years the musical director for the San Francisco 49ers. He won the 1973 award
fo the United Artist "Best Banjoist of Northern California." His success as an
entertainer has brought him into the entertainment booking business. Jack has
volunteered to help the Capital Kids, and Paul Doerner especially, in their quest
to master the banjo. Jack has just released his latest CD, "Beatles on the Banjo."
Vicki Cox & Meg Graf.Vicki Cox leads the Calamity Jazz Band,
plays with Oregon Jazz Band, and is a soughtafter
performer on the West Coast, frequently
appearing as a featured artist with big bands,
gospel choirs, and other ensembles.
Meg Graf plays with the Calamity Jazz Band
and several other ensembles. She is a member of
the Sacramento Banjo Band.
Bill Dendle and Eddie Erickson
with Shelley Burns
Bill Dendle and Eddie "Fast Eddie" Erikson began their entertainment careers at Capone's
Warehouse in Monterey , and went from there to Disneyland and DisneyWorld, where
they opened the Empress Lilly Showboat. Over the years, separately and together,
they have appeared at: Mickie Finn's, on USO tours, Dixieland and Jazz Festivals
all over the U.S., in Japan, France and Germany, at banjo shows, conventions,
private parties, jazz concerts and as guest artists with bands and noted jazz
performers such as Bob Crosby, Bob Haggart, Dave Frishberg, Dick Cary, Abe Most and others.
Shelley Burns—Shelley performs with a number of
Sacramento musical groups, the Shelley Burns Trio (or Quartet),
and with her band Shelley Burns and Avalon Swing at the
Sacramento Jazz Jubilee and at other jazz festivals around the
world. Shelley has an extensive knowledge of standard jazz
repertoire, having over thirty-five years of experience as a
professional jazz vocalist, working with world-class musicians.
Stephen Di Bonaventura. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, land of
Mummers and string bands featuring the banjo, Steve
was drawn to the instrument at the tender age of 13.
In the early days, Steve honed his skills playing with a
variety of local groups and bands, especially with the
string bands that march down Broad Street in the
world-famous Mummers Parade every New Year’s
Day. He strummed and marched with the Overbrook
and South Philadelphia units, and then began to
search far afield for other venues. He began to attend
the many rallies and conventions around the country,
became a regular performer at the annual Fretted
Instrument Guild of America conventions, a number of
Mid-America Banjo Enthusiasts rallies and has headlined at the Peninsula
Banjo Festival held in Palo Alto, CA and the international banjo festival held in
Düsseldorf Germany.
Among those who travel the banjo circuits, Steve may also be remembered
as one of Frank Palumbo’s “world-famous” Greasers. This ensemble has
entertained literally thousands over the years at various regional rallies. As a
result of their growing popularity, Steve and Frank, along with tubist Gil Corella,
were singled out for special honors by the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN. They
were assigned to play for the Peabody’s ducks, escorting them from their
penthouse, down the elevator and into the lobby.
While in Washington, D.C., Steve teamed up with tubist Gil Corella in
forming the tuba/banjo duo known as Crazy Rhythm. Together they played a
number of private and public engagements, including the Capitol. Steve was
also honored as special guest banjoist when the U.S. Air Force Dixieland Band
appeared at the White House.
Since returning to his hometown, Steve has been engaged to play with
several Dixieland bands and has performed at the Sands Casino, Trop World
and the Showboat in Atlantic City. He released a recording entitled “Unnatural
Ax” with Gil Corella, which features jazz, Latin and classical arrangements. The
editor of Jazz Banjo says, “There is one banjo player that I have enjoyed
listening to whose music really lives up to the name ‘Jazz Banjo,’ and that is
Stephen DiBonaventura. He has taken the tenor banjo and created an exciting
sound that is comparable to the music of some of the best jazz guitarists today.”
He is currently working on a new recording project with Steven Giordano, an
internationally renowned jazz guitarist. The recording is due for release in the
Spring 2010.
Paul Doerner Paul first strummed a Plectrum Banjo March 10, 2002. His teacher is Peggy Lewis of Sacramento, CA. He has also studied with Dave Marty & Kurt Abell of CA, Ralph & Dick Martin of Oregon and many other helpful Banjo players.
Paul has been a soloist at various Banjo conventions. He has performed at FIGA 04 Sacramento & 05 Providence RI, GLIBC 05, 06, 07, & 08 Dearborn MI, Guthrie Jazz Banjo Festival 05 Guthrie OK, Spring Fling 06, 07, & 08 Mansfield MA, Arizona Banjo Blast 06 Tucson, Peninsula Banjo Jubilee 05 San Jose, and the Sacramento Banjo Rama since 05.
Paul also attended Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society’s Jazz Camp for Young Musicians for 5 summers. He was a camp staff member & attended the Adult Jazz Camp in 2008.
Paul was the cover & feature story for Fretted Instrument Guild of America’s Jan/Feb 06 ALL FRETS international magazine. In April 2003, Paul was featured on CBS Radio on “The Osgood Files”.
Paul was a featured performer in the Banjo Concert at the 2007 Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. He also played in the closing ceremonies as part of a trio with Howard Alden & Eddie Erickson.
In 2006/2007, Paul played with the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society’s Youth Jazz High School Band “TNT”. He was their first Banjo Player!
Paul started playing with the Capital Kids Banjo Band at the age of 13.
He continues to plays with the Sacramento Banjo Band, Oregon Trail Banjo Band & Assorted Nuts Band.
Paul won a Superior Rating for his Banjo playing in the Fretted Instrument Guild of America’s (FIGA) Adjudication Program for Youth up to age 21.
Paul plays Plectrum Banjo, Mandolin, a 1946 Vega Tenor Guitar, & an Ovation Acoustic Guitar in the resident orchestra for Runaway Stage Production’s musical theatre in Sacramento. He has performed in “ANNIE”, “CHICAGO”, “OKLAHOMA”, “CABARET”, “THROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE”, “ANYTHING GOES”,
& “MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS”. He also played in the pit for Stephen Sondheim’s “ASSASSINS’ for Artistic Differences of Sacramento.
Free Badge Serenaders.The Freebadge Serenaders are Patrick
Skiffington on the washboard and Greg
Sabin on the banjo. These two young men
have traveled the world all the way from
Sutter Creek to San Francisco, playing
what they refer to as "discount jazz." They
would like to thank their mentors and idols
Bill Dendle, Eddie Erickson, Ralf Reynolds,
and countless others for all the right notes
they'll play today (taking full personal
responsibility for all the questionable notes
of course). This is hopefully the first of
many Banjo-Rama appearances for the
duo, and they're absolutely flattered and
honored to be here.
Norm Gary
Educated as an entomologist specializing in honey bees, Dr. Norm Gary found time during 32 years
as a professor and research scientist at UC Davis to have fun with music.
He led several bands and combos in Davis during the 70’s, then joined
the Dixieland Jazz circuit in Sacramento in 1979, performing with various bands.
He was leader of the Beez’ Kneez Jazz Band for 9 years and released two CDs.
He also plays clarinet in the Sacramento Banjo Band.
He is best known as a bee wrangler and TV entertainer, having trained bees to
perform in 18 movies (such as Fried Green Tomatoes), more than 50 TV shows
(including Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Merv Griffin), and 6 commercials.
Girls Girls Girls.Girls! Girls! Girls! is a banjo group consisting of the
female members of the
Sacramento Banjo Band
and visiting women from
other banjo groups.
Joining the banjoists will
be ukulele, fiddle and
washboard players, gut
bucketers and even a
spoon player. You might
even hear a red-hot
vocalist or two! In
keeping with our unusual
orchestration, we're
planning a program of
country-western musicwith
maybe a hint of the
Ozarks. We're secretly in it for the Fun! Fun! Fun!
Dr. Jeff Grosser.Born and raised in New York City, Jeff was a
professional accordionist who had
already performed at Carnegie Hall
when he started playing plectrum
banjo in 1968. He was leader of the
Rush Street Band for 13 years and
was a regular banjoist at the famed
Red Onion in Manhattan. He played
at other metropolitan New York area
clubs including the Banjo Inn,
Chester's, the Golden Banjo, The
Bourbon Barrel, Calamity Jane's, and
played with many other groups including The New Orleans Nighthawks, and
The Smith Street Society, he did road work for Your Father’s Mustache and was
the regular partner with the late great stride pianist George Holmes. He worked
for superstars Ed Sullivan, Jerry Lewis, and Sammy Davis Jr. in the banjo busy
70's. He now leads Razcals Jazz Band and the Ragtime Razcals of New
England. He has worked with many groups in New England including Doc’s
Banjo Band, the State Street Traditional Jazz Band, the Clam Flat Five, the
Classic Jazz Band, The Bath Municipal Swing Band, and the Ambassadors Big
Band. He is the regular banjoist with the very well respected Royal River
Philharmonic Jazz Band. He performs regularly throughout the northeast and
the Phoenix area. He has completed projects with the Phoenix Symphony,
Public and Commercial Television and Radio, and the Portland Conservatory of
Music, The Deertrees Theater, and the Rockland Opera House, and his
concerts and performances have appeared on many TV specials in the New
England area. He attends as many jazz and banjo conventions throughout the
country as his schedule will allow doing performances and giving workshops.
Besides his banjo work, he continues to perform with his accordion, piano and
guitar as well as maintaining a Dental Practice in Wiscasset Maine where he
now lives.
Half-Caff Combo
The Half-Caff Combo has been serving up a hot cup
of rhythm and joy for literally dozens of
fans (perhaps even more). Their
musical fare is served hot, but not too
bold and not too bland.
You will find the eclectic blend of
the old and new is simply satisfying,
with just the punch needed to send
you rocking down the road with a
bounce in your step.
Banjo Baristas Jeff Green
(Sonoma) and Eric Johnson (Modesto)
are backed up on Bass by the
inimitable Bill Sharp from Modesto.
Eric Johnson is a part time real-estate
tycoon, Surf Banjo Legend and inventor of the “Big Johnson” banjo Pick. Jeff
Green invests his time as director for a non-profit corporation that provides a 13
step program for compulsive workaholics. (Unfortunately, most of his
beneficiaries can not leave work to attend meetings, but neither can Jeff) Bill is
a retired math educator and a busy musician who supplements his income
dabbling in the grey market of ancient quotations, (a few of these quips should
stay buried for a few more centuries.)
Hendricks Bros. Monte and Allen Hendricks are both natives of the
great state of Wisconsin. They are
Hendricks Banjos in Pollock Pines, CA,
building banjos along with repair and
restoration of all banjos. Allen started
out working with Henry Lea in Fair
Oaks and Larry Lew in Lodi, CA, both
well known banjo makers and
repairmen. Monte, living in Wisconsin,
was hired by C. C. Richelieu and
became the head craftsman at
Richelieu Banjos until the end of 1976.
At that time, Monte and Allen decided
to join forces and build their own
banjos in the foothills east of
Sacramento.
Monte and Allen are both excellent five string banjo players, with finger
picks in the style of bluegrass. Monte played with a couple bands in Wisconsin
in the 1970’s. He now prefers to make banjos and spend time with his wife and
friends in the mountains of the Western US. Allen has been a noted
professional musician since 1970. He has played in most of the western states
and England and Europe. He currently performs with Wild Creek out of Reno,
NV. Monte used to perform with C. C. Richelieu from time to time where he
added some good Dixieland tunes to his repertory. Allen has played with
several Dixieland players (including three of the Sacramento Jazz Festivals).
As brothers/banjo makers/performers/friends, these two have mastered
something that is seldom seen or heard in the 5-string banjo world: two 5-string
banjos played in harmony. These two brothers live and breathe banjos!
Cary (Corny) Hobbs.Cary grew up (physically) in Lubbock Texas as a
teenage DJ while Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, Mac Davis,
Ralna English and a few other musical legends who were
also trying to get Lubbock in the rear view mirror. He’s lived
all over the US, England and Australia, and now raises
chickens (7) in the Heber Valley of Utah, a sleepy little
western resort area south of Park City. Cary plays keyboard,
guitar, bass or banjo in several local bands playing mostly
Cowboy music for tourists (dudes), and does a daily radio
show on the local station, KTMP 1340 in Heber City.
John Huntsberger. I first picked up the banjo in 1950
in Portland where I had moved from Santa
Monica, California and met Sid Wagner in
September who loaned me a Bacon and
Day No. 1 Silver Bell. We shared our
mutual enthusiasm for the banjo and the
music and he taught me many, many songs
over the years we played together - 1950 to
52, then again from 1956 to 58 when I
moved from Portland to Corvallis to begin
teaching at Philomath Elementary School.
Our friendship continued until his death.
In 1967 I quit teaching and took a job with McGraw-Hill Book Company as
a science consultant for the ten western states. This job required that I travel
weekly, and on different occasions, to various cities in Washington, Idaho, Utah,
Nevada, California, Arizona, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii. During these travels I
visited Shakey’s Pizza Parlors and any other place I could find a banjoist and
met and played with many of them. However, in the early fall of 1968 a piano
playing friend of mine told me he heard of a group of banjo players somewhere
in the Sacramento, California who were going to have a show or rally. I inquired
further and found that around Thanksgiving of 1968 the Sacramento Banjo
Band was indeed having a show. I made arrangements to attend that show and
thus changed my entire life forever. It was a happening that I have recalled
many times with fond memories of music and people.
During the two or three days I was at the show I was so excited, so
emotionally involved, so hyped by all that I heard, the people I met, and the
jamming I did, at times I just sat and cried from the
elation and was almost in a state of psychological
exhaustion and euphoria. It was perhaps the most
exhilarating banjo moment in my life.
George Knoblauch. George Knoblauch, circa
1959. Photo taken at Del Webb’s Hiway Inn,
Phoenix, Arizona, built in 1958 with many meeting
and party rooms, bars, restaurants and a marvelous
miniature train to shuttle guests around the complex.
George has been involved with jazz bands for
more than forty years and will present a program of
pop jazz tunes for tonight’s show.
Bill Lowrey. Bill Lowrey began studying the Tenor banjo from Charlie
Tagawa at the age of 14. Bill joined Charlie's Junior
Banjo Band and quickly progressed in both chord
and melody techniques. He studied Plectrum banjo
from Kevin McCabe at the age of 17 and fell in love
with the styles of Perry Bechtel and Eddie Peabody.
Bill has spent countless hours studying and
mimicking great musicians such as Chet Atkins, Les
Paul, David Grisman and many others to create a
style of banjo playing as diverse as music itself. Bill
has recently undertaken the task of mastering the
works of the Tenor great, Harry Reser, on the
Plectrum banjo. Bill loves to play all types of jazz
from traditional to modern and particularly loves to
immerse himself in the works of George Gershwin.
Bill feels the banjo, as life, is to be constantly
explored and expanded to encompass new ideas. Bill works as a software
consultant to the healthcare industry, is actively involved as a Boy Scout
volunteer and is the father of two wonderful pianists: Katie and Laura.
Jerry Mackenzie & Jan Southerland
Martin and Martin
John Martin.
John started playing the banjo about the age of 13. His father, Ralph Martin, first picked up a banjo while they were living in Alaska back in 1961. John was playing the guitar but when he picked up the banjo for the first time and played “C”, “F”, and “G7” Ralph thought that he should play the banjo instead. John took lessons from many good banjoists, including Paul Martin (no relation) and Don Van Palthe. Playing in the Southern California Banjo Band, Fantasy on Parade at Disneyland, a couple of TV gigs, and many pizza houses he gradually became more proficient. Alas, he had to start working for a living and after a stint as a longshoreman he became a pilot for the airlines. He pretty much hung up the banjo while progressing in the airlines. Currently, he is waiting retirement with Delta Airlines as a Boeing 757 Captain which will transpire at the end of April 2010. John recently decided to dedicate himself to relearning the banjo and hopefully dust the cobwebs off the old fret board. Thanks to his younger brother, Dick Martin, for keeping the banjo going in the family.
Dick Martin. Dick began playing the plectrum banjo in January 1968, when his father started the Southern California Banjo Band. Dick took lessons for about a year and soon afterwards began playing professionally in the Los Angeles area. Playing experiences include engagements at pizza parlors such as Shakey’s and Straw Hat, night clubs, Disneyland and various other venues. He participated in recordings by the Southern California Banjo Band, the Peninsula Banjo Band, the Sacramento Banjo Band and most recently, the Northwest Banjo Band. Dick has performed regularly at many of the Banjo Conventions including: circle the Wagons Banjo Gatherin’ in Caldwell, Idaho, The Oregon Trail Banjo Bash, Peninsula Banjo Band’s Jubilee, Sacramento Banjo Band’s Banjo-Rama, the Great Lakes International Banjo Convention, Dearborn, Michigan, as well as the New Orleans Banjo RendezVous. Nation Banjo conventions include F.I.G.A and the Mid America Banjo Rally.
This is the first time Dick and John have performed together in more than 25 years. A real treat for Banjo-Rama 2010.
Gil O'Gawa. "As a child in Hawaii, I learned the ukulele. It was not till
1963 that I bought my 1st Tenor Banjo, and began
to learn the movable chord method from the McNeil
book.
Upon returning from the Navy, in 1965, a
neighbor, Dick Funk, bought and sold banjos, and
introduced me to how they could be set up for
better sound and playability. I eagerly learned
these principles from him and several others,
culminating in learning from Buddy Wachter. Upon
retirement from Ophthalmology in 1997, I became
a Sales & Service Dealer for the Ome Banjo Co.,
for which I drive 30,000 miles to 10 banjo
conventions each year. My interest in eye surgery
was replaced by “banjo surgery”, doing my best to
implement the Banjo Setup Principles that I had learned from my teachers. Jim
Farquhar became a close friend of mine, and we collaborate on giving Banjo
Setup workshops at many of the conventions. He also encouraged me to start
building the banjo Stable Stands.
Our desire is to pass on to others our knowledge of Banjo Setup Principles,
so as many as possible can enjoy the best sound and playability of their
instruments.”
Jim Pollock .Jim Pollock began playing the banjo at Menlo School and
Stanford in the 1950’s. His early mentor was Don van
Palta and his recent mentor is Bud Wachter. He and
Bud recorded a CD a few years ago which includes
duets of the two of them playing Granada, Alabamy
Bound, Dueling Banjos, Sunnyside of the Street,
Mame and Carolina in the Morning, among other
tunes. It also features former Stanford University
singer Shanee Nelson (nee Williams).
After graduation from Stanford, Jim traveled with
Freddy Finn (nee Soetje) and played at Shakeys at
47th Street in Sacramento, The Honey Bucket in San
Francisco, the Red Garter in San Francisco, Ye Olde
Pizza Joynt in Hayward, the Swing Door in San
Mateo and Homewood Lodge at Lake Tahoe. He also played with Wally Rose
at Gold Street in San Francisco.
During his travels to Vail, Colorado and his favorite Sonoma County men’s
club, he has played for Presidents Eisenhower, Ford, Bush, Bush, Jr., Reagan
and Nixon. A few years ago, he also played at the Supreme Court in
Washington DC for his friends Sandra Day O’Conner and Tony Kennedy.
7th Inning Stretchers.This Band is a conglomerate of banjo people
from various backgrounds
who just happened to get
together a few years ago in
Hemet, CA., and have been
playing together ever since.
Jan Sutherland and Jerry
MacKenzie’s background
are from Custer’s Last Band
and now, Prime Time. Jerry
plays reeds and also plays a
great plectrum banjo. Jan is
the vocalist. Leo is formerly
a member of Peninsula
Banjo Band and Strum and
Thump. Mike Meldrum has
been a part of the Southern California Banjo Band as well as the Oregon Trail
Banjo Band. Judy is an original member and now leader of the Southern
California Banjo Band. Bob and Joyce Pinckney are full time RV’rs. and visit our
area several months of the year which adds just the perfect blend to have a
great sound and fun.
Charlie & Nori Tagawa and friends. In 2005, Charlie was inducted into the National
Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame. He began playing banjo and guitar at age
20 in Tokyo. He was a favorite with the Americans who heard him with the
Dixieland Dukes at Tokyo's Gaslight Club. A Bay Area restaurant owner convinced
him to come to the U.S in 1964 to entertain. He eventually became the
music director of the Peninsula Banjo Band, organizer of a great youth band,
and an outstanding performer at almost every Banjo-Rama in recent times. He is
joined today by his son, Nori, who plays an outstanding banjo, and with
Mary Horn on washtub bass. Get ready to hear everything from honky tonk to the classics.
Triple Creek. Triple Creek is a trio featuring 3 of the finest bluegrass
musicians on the west coast. Robert Bowden, Kathy
Barwick and Keith Little have played bluegrass
music a combined total of 110 years. It’s not the
years, it’s the miles that makes this group sound so
good. Each member, a multi instrumentalist, with
great chops and enthusiasm, has traveled the road
to bluegrass by way of a few hard knocks, late nights
and stage experience with some of the best.
There’ll be plenty of great 5-string banjo pickin’
when these three take to the stage but don’t be
surprised to hear some fine guitar, mandolin fiddle
and maybe even a Dobro as the performance takes
shape. Sit back and enjoy and if you’re wearing a
hat....hold on to it.
Georgette Twain & Cecilia Yale
Georgette Twain comes from a 'show biz' family. Both parents were professional actors and musicians as well. Her father, a banjo soloist, started her out on his Tuba-phone banjo. She became an aspiring operatic singer, until Polio stepped in and took away her singing voice. Eddie Peabody coached her for 5 years and started her on her new career. The banjo has taken her world wide, C.B.S. television, recordings, and the Nevada circuit. She was inducted into the American Banjo Hall of fame and Museum in 2007, which is now located in Oklahoma city . Her daughter Cecilia Yale, herself a seasoned professional violinist, has joined her mother as a duo.
Cecilia Yale started off playing banjo and appeared at the age of 12 on the Bill Rase T.V. show (KCRA) playing plectrum banjo with her mother, Georgette Twain. She later studied the violin and has since been a professional violinist. She performed with the Danny Yale "Regency Strings" at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Francisco for 7 years. Also during that period she played in shows and private affairs. In Nevada , she helped found the Carson Valley Pop's Orchestra and was concert-master for ten years. For 13 years she played every Sunday brunch at the Silver Legacy Casino in Reno . She is now concentrating on playing music with her mother, Georgette Twain.
Buddy Wachter
Since 1990 Buddy has performed and lectured
internationally as a musical ambassador for the U.S.
Department of State. Combining music tours with a
love for hiking and adventure travel, Buddy and his
banjo have crossed the deserts, rafted the rivers, and
hiked the mountain ranges of six continents -- uniting
the world banjo community and has introduced the
instrument to some of the remotest parts of the world.
Buddy also appears regularly as a soloist with
symphony orchestras. Since his Carnegie Hall debut
with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops in 1992,
he has been guest soloist with over a hundred orchestras, worldwide. Highlights
of recent symphonic appearances include the Boston Pops in their nationally
broadcast New Year’s Eve concert special, and a current PBS television special
“Stars and Stripes Forever” with the Charlotte Philharmonic.
John Wilder Professional entertainer and musician and show producer, he has performed
throughout the United States, internationally and on cruise ships. Recently, John performed in the Red
Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat, Israel. John writes arrangements (charts) for entertainers - mostly
those working on cruise ships. He formerly leased and ran the Gaslight Theatre in Folsom, CA where John produced musical revue-style shows.
Currently John produces similar shows for conventions, parties and corporate events.
Masters and Mistress of Ceremonies
Carol Spiker. Let’s start with my introduction to the
Sacramento Banjo Band! My best friend, Marilyn Peterson,
had been bugging me forever to get a banjo-mandolin and
join. She said “Aggie” was the only one who could break
me in, and was getting on in years. Since I played the
fiddle (a.k.a. violin) it would be an easy transition. So I
joined in 1990. Marilyn had just met Norm! She had
disappeared! So I was on my own with my new banjomandolin.
Long story short...Bob Funk was tuning us all up
at Peninsula! He said to me, “You’re a real musician! Why are you playing this
toy?” That was the same day that I found an instrument that was tuned the
same as my viola, called a “tenor banjo”. (By the way, easier to play than a
banjo-mandolin!) Retired from 34 years in Special Education, I started my own
band, “Assorted Nuts”. Five of the 8 member of the band are members of SBB.
I MC because I love our audiences, and I love being at the microphone!
Phil Cain. Dr. Phil Cain (“Dr Phil” with hair) has been involved in the Banjo world for many years. After serving in the army as a doctor during the Vietnam era, he inherited an old Vega Tubaphone from his father and found a Mecca of Banjo enthusiasts in the Springfield Banjo Club. He was an Eddy Peabody devotee and tried to learn his style. He eventually acquired enough skill to become a lead player and after several years became their director.
To add variety to the club he brought in other instrumentation, evolving the club into a Banjo/Dixieland organization, which met with some success. This required a name change, to the “Springfield Banjos N’ Brass”.
He has MC’d a number of Banjo events over the years and has hosted the Mid-Winter Banjorama in Springfield, Ohio for the past 26.
L. J. Brown. L. J. Brown was born and raised in New
Orleans. He is a veteran of WWII, having enlisted at the
age of 17. He graduated from Tulane University and was
an independent insurance agent until he retired. As Past
President of F.I.G.A., L.J. hosted 4 annual FIGA
conventions, 2 in New Orleans and 2 in Ft. Mitchell. He has
been leader of a New Orleans Jazz Band consisting of 12
musicians for 25 years. He is blessed by four children, 9
grandkids and 10 great grandkids.
Cary (Corny) Hobbs. Cary grew up (physically) in
Lubbock Texas as a teenage DJ while Buddy Holly,
Waylon Jennings, Mac Davis, Ralna English and a few
other musical legends who were also trying to get Lubbock
in the rear view mirror. He’s lived all over the US, England
and Australia, and now raises chickens (7) in the Heber
Valley of Utah, a sleepy little western resort area south of
Park City. Cary plays keyboard, guitar, bass or banjo in
several local bands playing mostly Cowboy music for
tourists (dudes), and does a daily radio show on the local
station, KTMP 1340 in Heber City.
The Bands
East Bay Banjo Club. Here are some of our good neighbors from the
Bay Area, who have been featured at all of our Banjo-Ramas. They have been
playing in the Diablo Valley since 1963, and under the leadership of Bill Cooper
since 1978. In September of 2005, the club was invited to the Czech Republic by the
Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation where they presented traditional American
Jazz before large, enthusiastic crowds at an annual Medieval Festival. Each year
they donate their earnings from play outs to the Las Trampas School for
Developmentally Delayed Adults, to the Barbara Milliff Center, to the Bay Area
Crisis Nursery, and to the Capitol Kids Banjo Band. Visitors and new members are
always welcome at their Tuesday night practice at 7:30pm at the Round Table
Pizza Parlor,3 1938 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill.
Northwest Banjo Band.
The Northwest Banjo Band comes to Banjo-Rama from the Willamette
Valley area of Oregon. NWBB was founded in 1969 by John Huntsberger
who was inspired to do so after attending Banjo-Rama in 1969.
Currently with 35 playing members, NWBB is blessed with well known
expert professional and amateur players, intermediates and beginners,
all of whom love the banjo and the friendships that develop. The NWBB
performs monthly at Papa’s Pizza in Corvallis, Oregon to a packed
house every time.
Oregon Trail Banjo Band. Ralph Martin has had a wonderful
influence on banjo playing. In 2003, he was honored and
inducted into the National Four-string Banjo Hall of Fame. He started the
Southern California Banjo Band many years ago. This band started in Oregon with his annual camp, inviting all his friends from the "good old days."
No doubt you will see some outstanding banjo playrs, and they will
have some special suprises and great arrangements.
Orphan Banjo Band. The Orphan Banjo Band is composed each year of "orphan" banjo players (not playing in another band) or banjo players who wish to be orphans.
Peninsula Banjo Band. This band organized in 1963 to preserve the
four-string banjo and its music. They have up to 70 members including
plectrum and tenor banjos, as well as the washtub bass players. They have
played for numerous functions in the Bay Area including Candlestick Park, the
50th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Black and White Ball, the
Tech Museum in Oakland, and the Mayors' Convention in San Francisco where
Mayor Willie Brown directed the band. They have raised over $200,000 for
charities such as the Research Institute of S.F., the Stanford Hospital,
Hospice of the Valley and the Ronald McDonald House. Charlie Tagawa is
their music director. They meet Wednesdays 7:00 PM at
Cabrito's Mexican Bistro 685 E. El Camino Real
Sunnyvale. They hold a wonderful Banjo
Jubilee each September with great banjo performers and bands.
Sacramento Banjo Band. This band has grown to over 50 playing members and about 60 Friends of the Band. They have been performing each year at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee in May. On the first and third Sundays of the month, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., they fill the Straw Hat Pizza Parlor on Mather Field Road with happy players, fans, and music. Last summer they performed a concert for the Tahoe Music Festival at Squaw Valley. In 2005 they donated over $12,400 to children's charities, including Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Make A Wish Foundation, W.E.A.V.E., Sacramento Children's Home, Red Cross, Salvation Army and other deserving charities.
San Francisco Banjo Band. The San Francisco Banjo Band is in its 40th year of entertaining in the Bay
Area. The band has played at San Francisco Giants festivities, civic events,
celebrations of all sorts, stage shows and for just good time sing-alongs.
The band is known for playing the first Saturday of each month at the
Historic Molloys Tavern located at 1655 Mission Road in Colma from 7:30 pm.-
10:00 pm. and at the Oyster Point Yacht Club at 911 Marina Boulevard, South
San Francisco, the third Friday of each month from 7:00-9:30 pm.
Anyone interested in membership can contact the band and we will help
you along on your learning process be it from the beginning or improving your
level of play. However if your interest or expertise is playing the zither, musical
saw or juggling and tap dancing at the same time, it is certainly worth the call.
We would like to thank the Sacramento Banjo Band for the invitation of playing
at your 2010 Banjo-Rama.
To contact the band, please call Bill Portman at 650-333-4720, or email
sfbanjoband@yahoo.com.
Wineland Banjo Band.
The WineLand Banjo Band started playing in the Sacramento Banjo Band Banjo-
Rama in 2007. The Band consists of musicians from many locations in Northern
California, including the Livermore Valley, Sonoma Valley, Gold Country,
Shenandoah Valley, and San Jose areas. Some of the members drive long
distances just to attend our weekly get together in Livermore, California.
Instruments include 4-string plectrum banjos, bass guitar, washboards, and
various percussion devices.
We play nostalgic songs of yesterday composed from the gay-90’s through
the 40’s. Seniors are delighted to hear familiar sing-a-long tunes. Younger people
are excited because this style of music is novel to them. Enthusiastic toe tapping
and singing characterize our audiences.