Banjo Hangout - Other Banjo-Related Topics Forum Feed

The Grass Is Dead (Grateful Dead Bluegrass Conver Band)

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:10:07 CST

If you're in to the Grateful Dead at all, check out the band The Grass Is Dead. Just found out about this band today and I'm really digging them! They do some really cool bluegrass dead songs. Check out Brown Eyed Women. The You can listen to one of their live shows here...

http://www.archive.org/details/tgid2006-01-04.sbd.flac16

Spencer

Ultimate Bluegrass Experience: 2012 National SPBGMA Convention

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 11:54:22 CST

Link to The Ultimate Bluegrass Experience: 2012 National SPBGMA Convention

http://ultimatebluegrassexperience.blogspot.com/2012/02/2012-national-spbgma-convention.html

2012 Waldo Spring Bluegrass Festival - Feb. 23 - 26

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:06:35 CST

I've posted a preview of the 2012 Spring Bluegrass Festival to be held at the Dixieland Music Park in Waldo FL from February 23 - 26. Come on out and enjoy the fund. We noticed a red bud tree in bloom today as we were driving to Gainesville to do our laundry. Spring is arriving in North Florida. - Ted

http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2012/02/2012-waldo-spring-festival-february-23.html

"Gentle on My Mind" George Hickerson, Ronnie & Emily Collins, Shine Wilbour

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:40:40 CST

Miss you Ronnie. Get well soon!

Goin’ to see “Remington Ryde”!

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:27:43 CST

Here in my part of Ontario Canada we don’t get too many bluegrass bands coming into town, but Remington Ryde is coming. I’ve heard they are pretty good. Has anybody else here seen them? Are they good?

-Joe

Congress: Instruments allowed as airline carry-ons

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:11:27 CST

Click here for the article.

bluegrass jams

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 03:55:14 CST

I am looking for bluegrass jams to attend near Fayetteville, NC. I attend jams weekly but am looking for more. If you have any information for me, please reply or email me directly at: scottiebeardsley@yahoo.com

Will suppliers hold onto Snuffy Smith bridges or sell them?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 03:16:19 CST

I suspect there's already been a run on people buying up the remaining stock of SS bridges - or will the suppliers hang on to them? Any ideas?

I think Snuffy would want them to be sold to people wanting them. But I can see the suppliers wanting to hang on to them for a while at least. They sure were good bridges.

Local banjo friends?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 00:12:39 CST

How would I go about finding friends to learn how to play the banjo with, jam with, teach me, etc...

I've tried craigslist in the Platonic section a couple of times but had no luck. I'm very new to the instrument, only been at it for a month now, and it's my first instrument I've ever picked up, at the ripening age of 29. They say age makes things harder, and this may be so, I wouldn't be surprised if I'm picking it up slower than usual (but am enjoying my slow progress either way), but I digress...

Anyone have any helpful ideas for me? Maybe stroll through downtown with my banjo on a decently nice day & hope I run into someone else who's just beginning & wants to learn with me?

One of my best friends plays electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin & ukelele, we've hung out & played together a couple of times, but it's always just screwing around & I'm seriously trying hard to learn how to play & play right & play well, so that isn't helping me too much.

Any ideas? Any help?

Glad things are good at FQMS

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 18:01:48 CST

Folks:

I called FQMS today to order some strings, and was thinking of making a trek there to check out some V35s while on my vacations week. The guy I talked to said there are none there now to play, they cannot build them fast enough. So glad that someone is doing well in this difficult economy. This shows that people are willing to spend some bucks for quality.

What Does Everyone Think of Ray Goins?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:50:02 CST

I've not heard much of his playing, although I've heard alot about him. For the ones who have heard recordings of him, what songs contain his most "standout" banjo breaks?

Banjo Murders

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:42:37 CST

Someone recently posted a newspaper article on the BHO about the guy who killed his wife with two banjos. Its also been all over facebook and we were discussing it at the folk club last night.

A friend of mine writes songs. Murder ballads are his preferred genre, and I could feel his creative juices beginning to flow.

I thought it might be interesting to pool stories of murders and crimes involving banjos as weapons. I could let him have that material and see if a song comes out of it.

Your input (links, accounts etc) appreciated

Paul

PS: Some of the folk guitarists couldn't resist pointing out that simply playing the banjo constitutes an offensive act..... So I played the banjo!

It's been shipped!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:41:31 CST

4 days til it gets here. Anticipation is making me wait.... !

Newsletter, how often ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:22:37 CST

I paid for a years subscription to the Newsletter magazine about 3 weeks ago but havent received anything yet. Granted i am in the UK so it may take a while to get to me. How often should i receive it ?

My new banjo LED lights

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:15:03 CST

I build some new banjo lights you can find them on:

http://youtu.be/cjmslBrRxbE

hope you like them and looking forward to your feedback.

Don't say you weren't warned

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 12:44:50 CST

Town called Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:34:08 CST

"The Car Guys" saying, "There's a Greenfield in every state in the Union," got me wondering: does any state have a "Banjo?" (Banjo Falls, North Banjo, Banjo Corners, Banjeaux Parish, etc.)

World-Wise Banjo Music in California

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:17:03 CST

Hello, Everyone! I'm poised to head out on a three-week tour of California with some of my favorite musical omnivores. Expect traditional and classical music spanning several centuries, countries and cultures: crafty renditions of Bach, folk music from afar, lush and edgy originals, Malian melodies and of course, some good old-fashioned bluegrass barnburners. Please help spread the word to your friends and family in California and thank you for supporting independent music!

Jayme Stone's Room of Wonders
Jayme Stone (banjo) | Sandra Wong (nyckelharpa, fiddle) | Andrew Small (bass) | Nick Fraser (drums)

Website | Videos | Tablature | Facebook

Feb 29 UCSD Loft, San Diego, CA
Mar 1 SOHO, Santa Barbara, CA
Mar 2 SLOfolks Concert at Coalesce Books, Morro Bay, CA
Mar 3 SLOfolks Concert at Castoro Cellars, San Luis Obispo, CA
Mar 4 California Traditional Music Society, Encino, CA
Mar 6 National Steinbeck Center, Salinas, CA
Mar 7 Don Quixote's International Music Hall, Felton, CA
Mar 9 Petaluma Church Concerts, Petaluma, CA
Mar 10 Pacifica Performances, Pacifica, CA
Mar 11 CBS Concerts, Modesto, CA
Mar 12 Classical Revolution, San Francisco, CA
Mar 14 North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center, Nevada City, CA
Mar 15 1078 Gallery, Chico, CA
Mar 16 Firehouse Arts Center, Pleasanton, CA
Mar 17 Sutter Creek Theater, Sutter Creek, CA
Mar 18 Bach Dynamite & Dancing Society, Half Moon Bay, CA

"I take back what I said about Jayme Stone." - STEVE MARTIN

"This is what the future of the banjo sounds like." - SONGLINES

"The Yo-Yo Ma of the banjo." - GLOBE AND MAIL

Clearwater Florida Banjo Happenings?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:26:58 CST

Are there any Banjo happenings in the Clearwater, St Petes Florida area Feb 12-18?

My daughter's favorite banjo video

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 09:51:09 CST

This is my daughter's favorite banjo video. What do you do to encourage kids to enjoy listening to banjo music, or learning to play banjo?

Bird Likes Bluegrass - Video

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 09:28:15 CST

Pretty cool if you ask me, and I like how Josh Williams deals with the situation!

http://youtu.be/7vBo0ptYJNs

Embed link does not work for some reason.

Did Sonny write this?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 07:56:22 CST

Sledd Riddin', is that a Sonny Osborne original that he named for his bandmate, or did Dale Sledd originate it?

Thanks,

Milo

Tailpieces

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 07:13:50 CST

I am new at this forum so please excuse me if this has been covered before. I have had several banjos with what I will call the standard Gibson tailpiece. There are 5 hooks for the end of the strings, but only 4 grooves where the strings make an immediate turn. This means that two strings must share one of the grooves. Why are there not 5 grooves so that each string can have its own? Did Orville Gibson just screw up and everyone since has just "wanted to do it like Orville"?

On a different subject - I get tired of disposing of broken strings. I am working on a technique for butt-welding broken strings to save the environment. If there is anyone out there with venture capital, I'm open to investors. Read carefully before investing.

Tom

Playing Bluegrass 8-Week Class - Jupiter, FL (Begins This Week 2-8)

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 07:03:36 CST

Hello Everyone -

Once again, I will be holding an 8 week class for anyone interested in learning how to play bluegrass and acoustic music with others. For anyone in the Jupiter Florida area who may be interested in joining, the class starts tonight. The sessions are held in 8 week terms. All skill levels are invited to attend.

For more information, go to www.fretmentor.com.

Here is a link to the online advertising flyer:

http://www.fretmentor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35:bluegrass-performance-class&catid=49:music-classes-and-workshops&Itemid=16

I look forward to seeing many of you tonight.

Banjo on Charlie Cline's Albums?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 05:58:01 CST

Does anyone know who played banjo on Charlie Cline's album "The Guitar of" or "And His Guitar"?........or any of his albums for that matter, I've never heard any of them.

Mike Munford

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 03:52:24 CST

If you like Mike's picking here is a great video from the Anchorage Folk Festival.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ChMbWDuEe0&feature=colike

Burned out....ever feel that way

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 21:14:25 CST

Lately things have just been wide open. I got fired up last year ,learned a lot of new material, wrote some stuff, started picking regularly with a group of guys in a band. I still have the same great passion for the music and the instrument but I feel as though my picking has suffered. I don't get in regular practice time like I used to. I find myself too tired to bother and when I do I fumble through a few songs or new licks and wind up stashing the jo back in its case somewhat disgusted with myself. I know a lot of it has to do with work. Since mid December its been non stop. I swapped shifts (I work 2 on 3 off, 3 on 2 off) to be on the same schedule with some family members employed there and in the same department. Both shifts are shorthanded and for the shift I left I was the only person trained to work and enter into a certain area (aseptic pharmaceutical filling) so I've been working both shifts pretty much with a random day here or there to recoop. Just wore slam out. Not to mention a 2 1/2 yo and 7 month old that demand a lot of time and the wifey whose been understanding but not necessarily happy about it. Things just need to slow down so life can get back to normal. The Possom is pooped. I need a vaction...ain't it bout time for festival season?!?! Yea come on festivals I feel the urge to spend 3 days of splendor eating unhealthy food, keeping unhealthy hours and unsanitary hygene habits all for the love of this beautiful thing called Bluegrass. Sorry for the long ramble but I figure somebody else feels the same way sometime.

Picking Up My New Banjo Tomorrow!

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 18:19:31 CST

I'm sorry - please don't take this as bragging. I just need to tell a group of people about this that will understand!

I'm going to buy a brand new Bishline Heirloom tomorrow - with my wife's blessing!! I'm so excited I may just wet my britches!!!

Sure Hope this guy wasn't a member of the Hangout

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:45:24 CST

Hi All,

A friend sent me this clipping out of a news paper, and asked me if my bridges were on them, and if so, I might be a co- conspiecer.

I checked my records and thank goodness didn't find his name on my customer list, so I think I'm safe for now.

It's not funny, but I guess it's true.

Is this guy a hangout member?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:24:31 CST

Could this be a Hangout member?

JD Crowe's best tunes

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:39:04 CST

What are your favorite tunes of his. I love how he plays Sally Goodin.

St Clair Shores, MI Jam

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 10:37:26 CST

Sunday, Feb 12 from 2 to 4+, regular monthly jam held at Shelest Music (22410-A Harper Ave, St Clair Shores, MI). Located diagonally across from Gilberts Lodge between 8 and 9 mile on East side of Harper (parking behind shop). Open to all levels of banjo players and all acoustic instruments. If a newbie, come and listen but bring your instrument; if enough newer players, I will conduct a small jam class in another room. Come play and perhaps enjoy food/drink afterwards at Gilberts. Donation of roughly $5 to help keep the jam going.

Run C W

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 10:29:02 CST

I've been listening to this band for a couple of months now.I Can't get enough..

Wayne

Jeff Scroggins Colorado

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 10:25:03 CST

I heard them at SPBGMA and bought their C.D.Really Great. This will be in the line up until I learn some the great tunes.

Wayne

Foggy mtn Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 06:36:51 CST

I have told my student, that he should get a copy of F&S FMB. He informed me ,amazon had 4 copies, around $129 ea!. i guess it must be out of print. I did see it on one site called oldies records , or something like that for $12.95, but were sold out. I also used to own album, don't know where it is, but is worn out.. I believe, for the banjo player, wanting Scruggs style, this to be absolutely essential. Is it out of print? I do not require an original , or anything like that, but I do need a copy. Thanks

New super hero. Banjo Man!

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 05:22:14 CST

I thought you all might like this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfhCa5UehMs&feature=related

Great Alison Brown Interview

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 05:08:01 CST

Not sure if this was posted before, but a nice interview with Alison Brown.

Sanctus Real: Name that banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 04:31:57 CST

I'm not quick enough or well-versed enough to know, but can anyone identify the banjo used in this Sanctus Real video? You get a good look at it at 3:15.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZVjKrmvYYQ

Thanks for satisifying my curiousity, as I know someone will recognize it.

What was your favorite banjo at Spgma?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 19:53:05 CST

Just got to thinking of how many excellent banjos I had the chance to play this weekend. I know out of all them my favorite was a bowtie that was just incredible! Far beyond the normal bowtie. Also had the chance to play some amazing prewar flatheads. But there not even close to my budget. So what was your fav?

As if we didn't have enough problems . . . .

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 18:50:01 CST

The last line is the topper:

http://morbidholiday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/BanjoMurderArticle.png

Clawgrass/Clawhammer banjo goes commercial!

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 17:26:56 CST

Clawgrass/Clawhammer banjo goes commercial!

Here is the new 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan TV Commercial that was released in Mid December 2011 for the holidays and 2012. There using my solo banjo version of "Down to the River to Pray" as background music.

Check out the link!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl9agEYctgg&feature=share

Mark Johnson

Funny banjo cartoon

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 16:03:49 CST

Can you think of a funnier caption: like-- Hold the Gibson I'll go back for the Stelling?

banjo poem

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:52:47 CST

The Grain of Sound
by Robert Morgan

A banjo maker in the mountains,
when looking out for wood to carve
an instrument, will walk among
the trees and knock on trunks. He'll hit
the bark and listen for a note.
A hickory makes the brightest sound;
the poplar has a mellow ease.
But only straightest grain will keep
the purity of tone, the sought-
for depth that makes the licks sparkle.
A banjo has a shining shiver.
Its twangs will glitter like the light
on splashing water, even though
its face is just a drum of hide
of cow, or cat, or even skunk.
The hide will magnify the note,
the sad of honest pain, the chill
blood-song, lament, confession, haunt,
as tree will sing again from root
and vein and sap and twig in wind
and cat will moan as hand plucks nerve,
picks bone and skin and gut and pricks
the heart as blood will answer blood
and love begins to knock along the grain.

New Liberty and Great Lakes groups!

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:45:15 CST

http://www.banjohangout.org/group/libertybanjoco

http://www.banjohangout.org/group/greatlakesbanjoco

Join up ... share the love!

Dick Smith

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:16:06 CST

Does anyone out there have a contact email or phone number to reach Dick Smith.

I am looking for some pre war parts and he might have them.

Thanks

Bill Kemp

congrats to BIG K on his hall of honor award

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:42:49 CST

way to go kenny,, can't think of anyone who deserves it more then you !!!!!

terry m

Wintergrass

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:17:18 CST

I first met Tom at Wintergrass, and so it is always a special festival to me. We are very pleased to be a sponsor, and someone is going to get a very cool custom banjo from the raffle this year.

Take a look: http://www.nechville.com/wintergrass2012.php

midwest bluegrass or folk shows??

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:02:06 CST

I'm from MN and I love going to live shows but I'm fairly new to the scene so I don't know that many good bands in the area. I'm willing to drive pretty far for a good show. Does anyone know of any good upcoming bluegrass/folk shows in the midwest? Or perhaps just very good bands you know?

Thanks!

Clone

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 08:48:27 CST

A very common term these days to describe any banjo that has the same specs as a Gibson,but isn't a Gibson.

I just think of all banjos as "banjos".Calling the banjos that aren't Gibsons "clones" seems almost like a judgment against them.

Are all fiddles that aren't original Strads called clones?Aren't they all just fiddles?

Trischka Banjo Workshop from 2011 Joe Val Fest

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 07:28:27 CST

Tony Trischka isn’t just an inventive and adventurous banjo player; he’s a natural teacher. In a video based on a workshop at the 2011 Joe Val Bluegrass Festival, we catch Trischka in full professorial mode. Features his version of an almost forgotten musical form— the foxchase! Also features Prof. Trischka’s tips on playing standards like “Sally Goodin” and “Roanoke.” You can check it out by clicking on this link, or by visiting www.secondcousincurly.com.