I am happy to announce the birth of my newest project: THE LIBRARIAN AND THE BANJO, a one-hour documentary on Dena Epstein's monumental work to uncover the African roots of the banjo.

It premiered in Madison April 14, 2013 to a sold-out crowd, and the film is now available on DVD. Details about the movie, clips and reviews, and ordering instructions are on my Web site. www.jimcarrier.com/librarian.

This work was a labor of love. Independent filmmaking is about as lucrative as playing the banjo! I was fortunate to receive $6,700 in grants, which covered half of what I spent on travel and expenses.

Deering has generously donated a Goodtime banjo to help underwrite the film. The Carolina Chocolate Drops will sign the head, and we will hold a drawing on June 15 for one lucky player. It's a terrific US-made banjo.

For $25 you are entered into the drawing, and receive a DVD of the movie that contains bonus chapters on minstrel banjo playing with Bob Winans, the poignant Scott Didlake - Pete Ross gourd banjo story, and a wonderful "mini-movie" about one woman's effort to introduce the banjo to kids of color in Oakland, California.

If you have any questions, check out the Web site, or email me.

Jim