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SJL - Posted - 02/21/2007: 22:42:48
I have seen a lot more Canadians on the Hangout lately. How about chiming in and saying where you are from, what style you play etc. I know some of the long time members, but let's all introduce ourselves.
I'll start. I live in Whitby, Ontario. I play three finger. My biggest influences are Ralph Stanley, Earl, Don Reno & J.D. Crowe. I am trying to hear some of the new players. I have recently started back taking lessons with Chris Quinn.
Maybe we need a separate "Hoser Pickers" section.
"If the woman is alive at the end of the song, it ain't Bluegrass".
Edited by - SJL on 02/21/2007 23:13:35
judoman - Posted - 02/21/2007: 22:48:19
Thunder Bay, Ontario on the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior.
Blue grass, three finger; but up for almost anything. Just startin' out. Taking lessons and doing okay by my book.
Any Canuck 'Copper' pickers as well?
scruss - Posted - 02/21/2007: 22:57:27
I frail miserably in Scarborough, ON (though for some inexplicable reason I find myself in Richmond, BC this week).
I like anything by Chris Coole -- which is good, 'cos he's also my teacher.
SJL - Posted - 02/21/2007: 23:08:45
Welcome to the Hangout Judoman and scruss.
Judoman, the person who got me started on the banjo is my uncle who is a retired copper.
scruss, I have heard and met Chris. He is a wonderful player and a nice guy. Quinn might have something to say about the nice guy part.
"If the woman is alive at the end of the song, it ain't Bluegrass".
Sarnia guy - Posted - 02/21/2007: 23:38:22
3 finger. I'm just starting out and live in Sarnia Ontario.
Started playing X-mas 2006
Deering Goodtime II
fescue - Posted - 02/21/2007: 23:45:57
Twin Butte, Alberta
Took a few clawhammer lessons from Barry Luft in Calgary a couple years ago.
No particular influences, I have Naiman, Coole and Quinn's cds and have watched some of the Boog's shows [ where did that fire hydrant come from? ]
Just saw Old Man Luedecke on the East Coast Music Awards, love his stuff.
Playing oldtyme while waiting for the calves to be born.
Derko - Posted - 02/22/2007: 01:16:28
Hey,
I actually just started playing this year. I got started after having a visit with my uncle, who is battling cancer.He played guitar and banjo. During my visit I asked him if he had played recently and how much I enjoyed hearing him play. He said that he hadn't had the energy in the past year or so to pick it up, he asked if I was interested in learning to play. I had never picked up an instrument before but enjoy all types of music.
So I am taking lessons from Wayne King in Orangeville, who just happened to work with my dad at 21 Division on the Metro Toronto Police Force over 30 years ago. What a small and pleasantly surprising world we ive in!!
Cheers
Derek
grassman - Posted - 02/22/2007: 01:42:52
I live on Vancouver Island, in B.C. Moved up here a year and a half ago from Virginia. I play banjo, mandolin, bass & guitar. Play Scruggs style banjo. Been playing about 14 yrs now. Try my best to play like Baucom, Mills, Crowe, Jason Davis, etc. on the banjo. Love the modern hard driving stuff. Also favs of mine are Bush, Tyminski, Rice, Bales, Crowe....just about picker or music that is good!
Jeff Ellis
CD's Now Available
http://www.myspace.com/rickyjeffellis
http://www.myspace.com/jeffellisbg
Edited by - grassman on 02/22/2007 01:44:29
BanjoCanuck - Posted - 02/22/2007: 04:40:56
Hi folks,
I'm in Kitchener Ont. Been playing 3 finger style for a couple of years and a bit, and I can honestly say without bragging that nobody sounds like I do (and you should all consider yourselves lucky). I've recently been trying my hand at some clawhammer but that nonsense is darn hard. I also play guitar poorly and piano not at all.
Steve
Proud BHO member since 2004!
Edited by - BanjoCanuck on 02/22/2007 04:41:41
joebiker - Posted - 02/22/2007: 07:41:31
Hi, I'm from Wheatley Ontario, (near Windsor) and try to play Scruggs style as well as some melodic....both quite poorly I might add...I'd love to find a slow jam in my area, but that doesn't seem to happen.
Somethings never change with time..there's nothing better than a lick...
Joebiker
axsis - Posted - 02/22/2007: 08:00:11
Hi all! Caledon On. here (just north of Toronto airport). Just got into playing in December after 20 years of rest.
"Mama Don't allow no Banjo pickers around here"!
gkella - Posted - 02/22/2007: 08:09:26
I live in Toronto. I have been playing three finger style banjo for 30 years.
Sometimes it sounds like I have been playing for 30 minutes though.
It is always a challenge.
Maybe we should plan a Saturday get together with as many of us as possible.
I suggest The Brunswick House for obvious reason to anyone living in the GTA.
Glen
nancydrum - Posted - 02/22/2007: 08:10:20
Since I am married to joebiker, I am also from Wheatley, Ontario
I just started playing in January, and I am trying to learn clawhammer - there are no teachers (or even players) of this style in my area
My influences that made me want to learn this style, is all the players on the Sound Off section who play such beautiful clawhammer music. I had only heard Scruggs style, til I started reading this forum - once I started listening to the other styles, I knew I had to learn to play that way.
I promise - it's going to be a long time before anyone hears my bum-ditty! LOL
Nancy D
SJL - Posted - 02/22/2007: 08:22:29
Welcome to all the new posters. It's nice to see the banjo is so viable in Canada.
Okay, so this isn't exactly North Carolina or Kentucky, how did you get interested in the banjo? As I mentioned above, I have an uncle in the U.S. who plays. I came about it kind of backwards. I have always loved music, mostly Blues and Rock. Everyone else in my family plays something. My sister spent a few weeks visiting my uncle and when she came home she had to have a banjo. She tried it for a while, but then focussed on guitar. The banjo sat under her bed for years. When I decided that I wanted to play an instrument I figured I may as well use the banjo that was collecting dust. I figured that if I was going to play Bluegrass I should listen to some. I bought a few "Best Of" Cassettes. I quickly discovered that I really liked a lot of it. I would hear a song that I liked, check out who the artist was. It almost always ended up being Dr. Ralph, Flatt & Scruggs or Monroe. So I went out and got more of their stuff.
Glen, an afternoon at the Brunswick would be a good idea.
"If the woman is alive at the end of the song, it ain't Bluegrass".
Billy Bloodsurf - Posted - 02/22/2007: 08:27:40
I live in Toronto. I have been playing 3 finger for a little over 2.5 years. I've been dabbling with clawhammer for about 1 year. I'm trying to master the seamless melding of 3 finger / melodic / single string evident in players like Bela Fleck and Scott Vestal. Favourites include J.D. Crowe, Bill Emerson, Vic Jordan, Tom Adams, Don Reno, Allen Shelton, Eddie Adcock, Scott Vestal and Terry Baucom.
'When you want genuine music--music that will come right home to you like a bad quarter, suffuse your system like strychnine whisky, go right through you like Brandreth's pills, ramify your whole constitution like the measles, and break out on your hide like the pin-feather pimples on a picked goose,--when you want all this, just smash your piano, and invoke the glory-beaming banjo!'
Edited by - Billy Bloodsurf on 02/22/2007 08:29:17
mefloyd - Posted - 02/22/2007: 08:36:02
I've been playing for just about 3 years now and I live in Saint John, New Brunswick. I play 3-finger Scruggs style. My biggest influences are Jim Mills, Ron Block, Ron Stewart and Earl Scruggs. I own a Deering Deluxe and I've got a Huber Jim Mills model on order which I expect to see in approximately 6 weeks.
I run a weekly Bluegrass jam session on Monday evenings which I call Bluegrass Friends.
Michael Floyd
http://BluegrassFriends.com
I'm not ignorant or apathetic, but I don't know, and I just don't care!
Darcy - Posted - 02/22/2007: 09:49:16
Another banjo player from Edmonton, but originally from small town Didsbury, Alberta. Our neighbour brought a banjo and a guitar over to my dad's place when I was about 9 as she knew my sister and I were both into music. My sister got first choice so I learned banjo.
I used to be play pretty straight Scruggs stuff with minimal melodic. Now I guess I've introduced more single string stuff.
Biggest influences... my first banjo teacher, Jake Peters, Bill Emerson, Ben Eldridge, Herb Pederson, Don Reno, Earl Scruggs, etc... pretty much anyone I'm listening to influences me in some way.
Played in a band called Maple Creek and we played in quite a few places across Canada. I also played in a folk/rock band called The George Bushes, and I'm currently playing in a band called The Bix Mix Boys.
If you're ever in the area, contact me! I always like to meet more people, especially banjo players.
Bart Veerman - Posted - 02/22/2007: 10:01:37
Thirty years or so, yeah, that's about where I'm at too Glen. Seems forever ago since I started... I did most of my time in the clawhammer ward but three finger keeps luring me back. Too many players to mention, I've borrowed licks from most of them 
Bart,
Hamilton (Ancaster), Ontario.
*may your moments of need be met by moments of compassion*
free tabs: http://haruteq.com
free MP3's http://BanjoAddiction.com
Erbus - Posted - 02/22/2007: 11:20:38
Hi fellow canucks
I live down in the SW corner of Saskatchewan, Maple Creek to be exact. I've been musical all my life, played an autoharp at a very young age with my gospel playing uncles. When I was a kid I thought it was normal to have company come over on Sunday bring instruments and start playing.
I also play piano, guitar and fiddle, none of them well.
I've always loved bluegrass for as long as I can remember. I had this old broken banjo for years and years just laying there. Then about 2 years ago I decided to get it fixed, started playing it, bought a new Goldstar and now I am totally addicted to playing the dang thing.
I've got my dad's mandolin under the bed, maybe I'll give that a go next.
Terry from the "Creek", just on the edge of the middle of nowhere.
banjoguts - Posted - 02/22/2007: 11:34:15
Hoser in Ottawa here. Been playing off and on for 10 years. New family has put me off it again. Influenced by anything I hear that has a hook.
Look me up if you're in my neck of the woods.
Je reviens
Jazzy Al - Posted - 02/22/2007: 12:01:00
I live in Peterborough Ontario and play guitar, dobro, pedal steel guitar, and banjo. I play banjo, three-finger style and enjoy playing a mix of folk, jazz, blues, classical, and bluegrass music. I regularly work with Zeke Mazurek (fiddle) and Jim Yates (guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica) in a trio that explores the boundaries of acoustic music. I still play the odd bluegrass gig and recently had a chance to be associated with a couple of Canada’s best banjo players. Hangout members Chris Quinn and Dave Jack played on the CD “North To Ontario”, which was named bluegrass CD of the year at the 2006 Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards. I also played banjo on the CD and feel privileged to be invited to participate in such a project. .
lazyarcher - Posted - 02/22/2007: 12:16:34
I'm hiding in Union Ontario, which is somewhere between London and Lake Erie..if you drive into the lake, you missed Union. Go back.
I've been playing around for 30 something years. Love Scruggs, Crowe, Ingram, Shelor. Played full time...part time...no time... got back into it a few years ago after an extended sabbatical, and am busy playing with Hard Ryde...pretty stright ahead bluegrass. We've been trying to put a face to Canada-grass across the border as much as we can. After being away, I'm simply amazed at the quality of music that is coming out of Canada (and the US). What a great time to be around the bluegrass scene.
When I'm not playing, I'm working full time as a Pediatric RN, husband and father of a 7yr old daughter, hunt, fish, try to maintain a couple of acres of rural bliss, mess with old banjos. I have been secretly stalking Chris Quinn and the FHBs, but they have yet to catch on....hehehe
Dave Jack
Miles - Posted - 02/22/2007: 12:23:13
Do you folks have to play everything in "ey"? ....sorry, couldn't resist
snakeherd - Posted - 02/22/2007: 12:57:47
I'm in Edmonton, Alberta.
I've been playing 3-finger Scruggs style and melodic for 2 years.
I've never listened to that much banjo music to be influenced much by any individual. I just find it a fun instrument to play.
Scott
Northern Southpaw - Posted - 02/22/2007: 14:56:26
Hello ! from Nova Scotia !
Been playing lefty banjo for about 4 years, and I play every night, for an hour or so. Scruggs, and a bit of melodic, love 'em both.
Play guitar as well and a little bit of upside-down mandolin. Cause I leave it strung right handed for other people to use .
I'm complety hooked on banjo and am happy with my progress so far. Banjo gives me a great excuse to stay up late and drink beer on Wednesday nights ! Thats Jam night at my place.
Jeff
picker1 - Posted - 02/22/2007: 17:10:06
Hi
I am in Cornwall Ontario and have just recently started trying to play. I'm going slow but having fun.Using the Murphy Method at this time to learn.
Wayne
I know someday I'll learn to play these the way they should be played.
Gold Star GF100-FE
Alvarez 4294 Silver Belle
chief3 - Posted - 02/22/2007: 17:18:22
Sudbury Ont. home of the nickel used to plate prewar banjos and probably most of the banjos since.. Play in a band "Lilly Creek".
Contristo - Posted - 02/22/2007: 17:39:22
I'm up in Ottawa (Kanata, really) and have just started playing what, hopefully, someday, will be a recognizable 3-finger style. I like anything bluegrass but my first inkling that actual mortals can play the banjo came from a friend in high school who played well and a teacher in our school who played banjo as part of "Bart Snarf and the Peanut Butter Crackers". Ok, you kind of had to be there. Anyway, they played well and I figured, why not me! And look! A mere 30 years later, I've started!
By they way, I noticed a fellow from Kitchener earlier in this thread. That's my original home and where Bart Snarf and the aforementioned Peanut Butter Crackers played (at Eastwood). Howdy, Kitchener Guy!
Contristo.
Contristo - Posted - 02/22/2007: 17:40:46
I realize this is off-topic but - WHOO HOO!!! - I just noticed that my last entry moved me out of the "Forum Newbie" category. I'm now, officially, "Rollin' Forward". Yay me!!
Contristo
mainejohn - Posted - 02/22/2007: 18:56:27
I'm from Scarborough, West New Brunswick (aka Maine)..OK...I'm cheating a bit, but I spend alot of time in the maritimes. Just returned 2 days ago from a winter road trip to NB, NS, and PEI. My favorite pub in the world is The Old Triangle in Halifax. They had a great band there last Fri.."Lazy Jacks" from PEI. I also get to Newfoundland every couple of years. Heard Ron Kelly (Middle Tickle) and Dermot O'Reilly playing in pubs on George St one Wed nite there...unbelievable talent. I've spent a honeymoon in Banff and have been in all ten provinces! My girlfiend is an ex-patriot from Quebec. Not bad for a Yankee, eh?
Cheers,
John
Scarborough, Maine
Edited by - mainejohn on 02/22/2007 19:06:59
Cbanjo - Posted - 02/22/2007: 19:33:10
toronto here, been playing for 3 years probably, not too seriously though. i also like to some chet/merle. I got interested in banjo randomly and for no real reason....
SJL - Posted - 02/22/2007: 19:52:27
mainejohn,
As you know, I grew up in Scarborough, Ontario. You certainly qualify as an honourable Canuck and a Scarberian.
"If the woman is alive at the end of the song, it ain't Bluegrass".
Edited by - SJL on 02/22/2007 19:52:59
fixdent - Posted - 02/22/2007: 21:50:56
Howdy from Northwestern Ontario....Red Lake
Half way between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg MB, and a little north.
Been playing my new Goldstar for 3 years...no teachers around here...actually nobody that plays a banjo. I jam with a few country guys....having a ton of fun.
--
Gordon
leodeluxe - Posted - 02/23/2007: 02:47:27
I'm from St.Andrews,NB.
I've been playing banjo since 1979, and took lessons from the great Russell Sawler.
I love 3-fingerstyle,but have been messing around with minstrel,classical, clawhammer/frailing and 2-finger styles.
Just got off an ECMA roadtrip to Halifax with my good friend Adam (A.G.) Olmstead.
LOADS of fun!
Peace and love
Allen
http://www.myspace.com/nervouswhitefolk
Goldstar - Posted - 02/23/2007: 07:16:43
Gee.. I must have missed this thread....anyways, I'm living about an hour north of Toronto. I've been picking Scruggs style for 20+ years, nothing fancy or cute...'cept it's all hard drivin'. Always looking for some folks to jam with, and the Brunswick House thing sounds good.
Peter
Hard Drivin' Bluegrass Music...
joebiker - Posted - 02/23/2007: 08:09:36
quote:
Originally posted by Miles
Do you folks have to play everything in "ey"? ....sorry, couldn't resist
That's eh, not ey...Ey is from Maine, Eh is proper Canuckian hoser.  Somethings never change with time..there's nothing better than a lick... Joebiker
barbour - Posted - 02/23/2007: 08:35:33
Miles...uhhh My guess is "yes"! Hahaha
I am Paul Barbour from Moncton(Stilesville)NewBrunswick. If you've heard of MagneticHill, I am on the backside of that mountain, not so magnetic, or the reverse polarity side.
I have never played an instrument in my life and always had a love and desire to play banjo. My Mom's side of the family played every-thing but banjo. Any time I heard a recording with banjo included I would always perk right-up. Took a couple of lessons, right handed, a few years ago and just felt soooo wrong. Finally rechecked the scene out and lo and behold, left handed banjos do exist. Went out with $500.oo in mind to spend and after searching and browsing and talking to any-one who'd stand long 'nuff to listen, ended-up talking with Mr.Clancy Mullins in Tennessee who said he'd build me one if that's what I'd like. Did some more shopping and inquiring and am now waiting for my Maple Mullins called the "Barberry" to arrive.
Wish me luck and my family patience. Maybe I'll take it to the firehouse and drive my crew nuts fer a spell!!
p.s. uhhh ended up spending more than $500 too, but keep that quiet!! If any-one ever passes thru here and doesn't contact me, well I'd be hurt!!
Like to have a Banjo as Pretty as my wife and Loyal as my dog,but can only afford the opposite!!
Edited by - barbour on 02/23/2007 08:44:36
judoman - Posted - 02/23/2007: 08:36:26
No, that's the the Key of 'Ey'!
corcoran - Posted - 02/23/2007: 10:18:05
I am in Saskatoon, SK, one of the nicest cities I have lived in -- and that's saying a lot, because I moved here after 19 years in Victoria, BC. Banjo has been a focus of my life since I was perhaps 16 years old, a long time ago. I have taught bluegrass banjo in Vancouver, Victoria, and Saskatoon, and have been in several bands over the years.
One occasionally hears of a banjo player who gives it all up and stops playing. I can't imagine doing that. I'll probably be clutching a banjo in my "cold dead hands" as they lower me into the ground.
Michael
spikes@sask.usask.ca
androo - Posted - 02/23/2007: 11:49:39
Hi!
I'm in Moncton, New Brunswick.
I play in The Douthwrights. We are booked for 10 festivals this year.
I've been playing for 10 years. I play Scruggs/Melodic styles and take a monthly lesson from Ian Perry.
Andrew Conde
Banjo Monkey
http://www.thedouthwrights.com
Jim Yates - Posted - 02/23/2007: 13:54:45
Hey Miles, You're obviously not a Canuck. That's spelled "eh?".
I'm from Port Hope, Ontario and play clawhammer banjo, guitar, mandolin, Autoharp, mouth harp... If I'd stuck to any one thing, I'd probably be really good, but as it is, I want to learn almost every instrument I see. My wife says,"The concept of 'enough' hasn't gotten through to Jim."
Jazzy Al has already mentioned most of my musical activities, so I won't repeat.
Edited by - Jim Yates on 11/06/2007 17:44:46
mainejohn - Posted - 02/23/2007: 15:45:44
Jeez...two guys from Moncton on this thread! I just came thru there on Monday...snow and wind to beat the band! Do you guys know Bob White? He's about 92, makes banjos and gives lessons. He lives on Deepwood just off Prom. McLaughlin. BTW...in Maine it's not "ey", it's "ayuh!"
Cheers,
John
Scarborough, Maine
Edited by - mainejohn on 02/23/2007 15:47:04
barbour - Posted - 02/23/2007: 16:24:11
Mainejohn, we were having a conversation about Bob White just the other day. Well, 2 of my buddies were discussing him and I was listening and laughing at some stories. Sounds like a nice fella and a heck of a wheeler dealer to boot. Next time don't pass thru without you stopping in or calling for a coffee meeting. Androo, tell Dennis he got me hooked and my banjo is coming hopefully next week. Dennis Douthwright is a friend of mine from some years ago and one super fella and mandolin player. You fellas are the opening act for Ricky Skaggs and the boys this May I hear. Look forward to that for sure.
Like to have a Banjo as Pretty as my wife and Loyal as my dog,but can only afford the opposite!!
androo - Posted - 02/23/2007: 17:36:02
We're having a party/jam next weekend (Sat. March 3) at Dennis' place. You should come over. We're opening for Skaggs on the May 20. Good news on your banjo! I'm saving up for my next one. Not sure yet but I'm looking hard at Sullivan and Ome.
Andrew Conde
Banjo Monkey
http://www.thedouthwrights.com
Edited by - androo on 02/23/2007 17:37:16
Pickin in the Yukon - Posted - 02/23/2007: 17:37:33
Whitehorse here, playing 3 finger style for just over a year. From Alberta originally, got into it because I love the banjo and have for quite a few years.
Looking forward to going to a few festivals/workshops this year
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