rubicon - Posted - 06/09/2011:  16:48:06

I gotta be close now lol      Jason Burns Genius - .Kevin Enoch Perfectionist  -,Will Fielding wood worker, -Greg galbreath romantacist ,_Lo Gordon tinkerer _. Jim Hartel sculptor, Chuck lee Renegade-, Jeff Menzie academic-,Bart Reiter Buisnessman-,Mike Ramsey Johnny appleseed,_Bill Rickard altruist,- Pete Ross paleontologist -,Doug Unger artist -,Wundelich historian

frailin - Posted - 06/09/2011:  19:27:11

Ok.  New rule.  Only 1 entry allowed a day.  Your next guess is now scheduled for SUNDAY.   

Rubicon #3:  9 Correct  = 64%

Yep.  Chuck Lee is The "Renegade"  

----------

'Nuther minor change.  The "Altruist" is probably better named The "Naturalist"  (since he characterizes both).  That might make it a bit easier to identify him. 

Edited by - frailin on 06/09/2011 19:34:35

Bisbonian - Posted - 06/09/2011:  23:12:24

Hey Craig, I'm late to the party, but this is a fantastic thing you are doing.  I know it's a heck of a lot of fun for you, but this is just huge for the future people interested in the banjo.  This will be a legacy on a par with the likes of Alan Lomax.  Count me in for a set.  How do you do that...is there a sign-up, down payment sort of arrangement?

Loved the interview with Will Fielding!  I build a few banjos...not full time, not for a living, mostly for people I know.  I learned a lot in that interview, and I know I will in each one of your series.  That alone would be worth the price, but then Will dropped the gem about why he makes banjos, and it nearly brought tears to my eyes.  Thanks, to both of you.

plunknplinkntwang - Posted - 06/10/2011:  02:48:48

quote:

---

Originally posted by frailin



'Nuther minor change.  The "Altruist" is probably better named The "Naturalist"  (since he characterizes both).  That might make it a bit easier to identify him. 

---

 Did a double take on this one - thought it read Naturist  Yikes!!  An entirely different context to open back banjo makers & players

cgdat50 - Posted - 06/10/2011:  03:29:40

quote:

---

Originally posted by plunknplinkntwang

quote:

---

Originally posted by frailin



'Nuther minor change.  The "Altruist" is probably better named The "Naturalist"  (since he characterizes both).  That might make it a bit easier to identify him. 

---

 Did a double take on this one - thought it read Naturist  Yikes!!  An entirely different context to open back banjo makers & players

 

 

 

 

---

Very droll

pammiec - Posted - 06/10/2011:  04:25:22

here's my stab at it:      1. Wunderlich: the Historian   2. Gordon: the Tinkerer   3. Rickard: the Romanticist

                                    4. Menzies: the Academic    5. Unger: the Artist   6.Fielding: the Sculptor

                                    7.Lee: the Renegade  8.Galbreath: the Altruist   9.Burns: the Genius

                                   10.Ramsey: Johnny Appleseed   11. Ross: the Paleontologist   12. Hartel: the Woodworker

                                   13. Enoch: the Perfectionist   14. Reiter: the Businessman 

Bisbonian - Posted - 06/10/2011:  05:41:58

quote:

---

Originally posted by plunknplinkntwang

quote:

---

Originally posted by frailin



'Nuther minor change.  The "Altruist" is probably better named The "Naturalist"  (since he characterizes both).  That might make it a bit easier to identify him. 

---

 Did a double take on this one - thought it read Naturist  Yikes!!  An entirely different context to open back banjo makers & players

 

 

 

 

---

Obviously you don't have Dan's "Barenaked Banjos" album. ;)

frailin - Posted - 06/10/2011:  06:00:14

Pammiec:  8 Correct = 57%

There are two Sculptors (actually 3 if you include Doug Unger).  But one has been a teacher in a school system.  

Helix - Posted - 06/10/2011:  06:33:37

Happy Birthday, you twerp.

Stay away from here, don't bother me unless you bring CD's, you can sweep up, I mean it, did you ever use a broom when blindfolded?? Well, you're in proprietary county now, will there be a soundtrack album? I'd hurry up, 2012 is so unpredictable.   

frailin - Posted - 06/10/2011:  06:36:26

Quote:  "Hey Craig, I'm late to the party, but this is a fantastic thing you are doing.  I know it's a heck of a lot of fun for you, but this is just huge for the future people interested in the banjo.  This will be a legacy on a par with the likes of Alan Lomax.  Count me in for a set.  How do you do that...is there a sign-up, down payment sort of arrangement?" - Bisbonian

Thanks for the vote of support, Bisbee!  Folks interested in buying the DVD series are registering here (on this thread).  I'll use that for the list.  

And if Will Fielding's reason for building banjos brought a tear to your eye (and I understand why), wait until you hear Bill Rickard's.  

These are amazing individuals.  

Craig

frailin - Posted - 06/10/2011:  08:37:08

OH MY!  Wheeeee!

This amazing, fun ride just got better... and more meaningful.   

I opened up today's mail today to find a $125 contribution to the Banjo Builder Documentary series.  No expectations, just a solid vote of confidence in the cause by a BHO friend who coincidentally is also turning 60.  This touches me beyond words.  

He gave me permission to quote the following from his note:

----------------

"In line with my desire to support your project, please accept the enclosed check as a token of my appreciation for what you are doing.  In one of the prologues to your effort you mentioned that you thought banjo builders might have something in common with a few other groups of folks, among them clergy-people.  As a clergy-person, I could not agree more.  What these folk provide is a means of changing a person's life.  Though I teach at a denominational school just now, I still maintain my orders as a UMC ordinand.  And I get asked to do the occasional wedding for my students.  The monies I receive in that capacity are put into a discretionary fund, used simply "for good ends."  I cannot image a better end that to support your project in this small way.  

I simply love banjo music.  And I fervently wish that what I recently told members of the The Freight Hoppers could be true.  Their music and music like it (The Eelpouts music included) should be in every doctor's and minister's and counselor's office in the country.  You just can't be depressed if you listen to that."

-----------------

I thank you folks that want to contribute to this project.  I'm confident that the Minnesota Grant Committee with see the long-term value of this effort (i.e. Bisbonian's Alan Lomax comparison).  I think THE BEST way you can help insure that is to order DVDs here, in this thread (they'll see that as support).  

Wow.  My day has been made.     Thank you, friends.  

rubicon - Posted - 06/10/2011:  11:44:43

quote:I apologize for excessive entrys You stated  1 week I got a little carried away 

---

Originally posted by frailin

Ok.  New rule.  Only 1 entry allowed a day.  Your next guess is now scheduled for SUNDAY.   

Rubicon #3:  9 Correct  = 64%

Yep.  Chuck Lee is The "Renegade"  

----------

'Nuther minor change.  The "Altruist" is probably better named The "Naturalist"  (since he characterizes both).  That might make it a bit easier to identify him. 

---

frailin - Posted - 06/10/2011:  11:49:52

You didn't get carried away... you were gettin' too close.  

I was hoping to make the contest last a week and the way you were goin', you'd have solved it in 24 hours.  

Pine Cone - Posted - 06/10/2011:  13:41:50

Here's my guesses

Fun to do some research on the net about these folks...

BURNS - The Altruist/Naturalist

ENOCH - The Perfectionist

FIELDING - The Sculptor

GALBREATH - The Paleontologist

GORDON - The Tinkerer

HARTEL - The Academic

LEE - The Renegade

MENZIES - The Johnny Appleseed

RAMSEY - The Woodworker

REITER - The Businessman

RICKARD - The Romanticist

ROSS - The Genius

UNGER - The Artist

WUNDERLICH - The Historian

 

frailin - Posted - 06/10/2011:  13:45:35

Pine Cone:  7 Correct = 50%

Several weeks ago, I called The "Genius" a Romantic.  I've since revised his gifting.  

pernicketylad - Posted - 06/10/2011:  15:20:15

You can stick my name on the order list Craig.

pernicketylad - Posted - 06/10/2011:  16:06:23

Here's my effort.....

1. Wunderlich: the Historian  

2. Gordon: the Tinkerer  

3. Rickard: the Altruist

 4. Menzies: the Sculptor   

5. Unger: the Artist  

6.Fielding: the Woodworker

 7.Lee: the Renegade  

8.Galbreath: the Romanticist  

9.Burns: the Genius

10.Ramsey: Johnny Appleseed   

11. Ross: the Paleontologist  

12. Hartel: the Academic

13. Enoch: the Perfectionist  

14. Reiter: the Businessman  

frailin - Posted - 06/10/2011:  16:15:57

Oh my...

Pernicketylad:  11 Correct = 79%

You've missed an easy one based on a clue I gave earlier today (regarding a "revised gifting"). The last two are difficult (not as well known).  Changing The "Altruist" to The "Naturalist" might help you resolve it.  

Bet you'll be guessing again after midnight tonight (one entry a day).  

derwood400 - Posted - 06/10/2011:  17:50:34

Craig please add me to the list for the DVD.

plunknplinkntwang - Posted - 06/10/2011:  18:04:26

Craig

put me on the list please - I've spent more hours on the durned quiz than the cost!!!!!   especially as it eats into banjo time, your performance at Zepps got me trying to learn Soldiers Joy.

Anyway can I request a loqic check?  The second attempt by Rubicon scored with 6 is it correct?

Edited by - plunknplinkntwang on 06/10/2011 18:06:52

frailin - Posted - 06/10/2011:  18:21:34

Yes.  Tim (Rubicon) scored 6 correct answers on his second try.  He's sharp.  

Someone is going to solve this by Sunday.  

And I'll put you on the list.  Thank you.  

pernicketylad - Posted - 06/10/2011:  22:06:20

Hope I got the the time zone right.......

1. Wunderlich: the Historian  

2. Gordon: the Tinkerer  

3. Rickard: the genius

 4. Menzies: the Sculptor   

5. Unger: the Artist  

6.Fielding: the Woodworker

 7.Lee: the Renegade  

8.Galbreath: the altruist 

9.Burns: the romanticist

10.Ramsey: Johnny Appleseed   

11. Ross: the Paleontologist  

12. Hartel: the Academic

13. Enoch: the Perfectionist  

14. Reiter: the Businessman   

Pine Cone - Posted - 06/11/2011:  00:00:40

PerniketyLad - I came up with the same list you posted

We can't be too far off... I was just waiting until midnight will working on my Hicker Chamber Pot setup....

Edited by - Pine Cone on 06/11/2011 00:01:39

pernicketylad - Posted - 06/11/2011:  04:25:20

Was I early.....I have Minneapolis 6 hours behind me here and I went with Craig's address?

pammiec - Posted - 06/11/2011:  04:52:36

1.Wunderlich HISTORIAN

2.Gordon TINKERER

3.Enoch PERFECTIONIST

4.Unger ARTIST

5.Reiter BUSINESSMAN

6.Galbreath ALTRUIST

7.Lee RENEGADE

8.Rickard GENIUS

9.Ross PALEONTOLOGIST

10.Burns ROMANTICIST

11.Menzies SCULPTOR

12.Hartel WOODWORKER

13.Fielding ACADEMIC

14.Ramsey JOHNNY APPLESEED

frailin - Posted - 06/11/2011:  05:21:01

We have a winner!!

We have TWO winners, actually... but I have to award the person answering all 14 answers correctly FIRST and that was PERNICKETYLAD!  Shane, you are the WINNER of a FREE, VOLUME 1 - "North American Banjo Builders East of the Mississippi" DVD (when finished).  CONGRATULATIONS!!

But Scott (Pine Cone), you get Honorable Mention and a consolation prize to be awarded later (a free "Frailin' with Friends" CD that I'll send with your DVDs).  

Whoa!  I'm impressed with both your knowledge and gamesmanship!  I'm also excited for you to see the Builder's individual programs, now that you can put them in this "gifting" context.  

frailin - Posted - 06/11/2011:  05:34:48

North American Banjo Builder DVD Order List as of 6/11/11.

I went back through all 7 pages of this thread and compiled the following list of those that have reserved a copy of BOTH Volumes:  

* Vol 1 - East of the Mississippi, delivered this fall and

* Vol 2 - West of the Mississippi, delivered fall of 2012.  

The sets will be shipped and billed separately.

If you're ON this list and DON'T want to be, PLEASE WRITE ME. 

If you're NOT on this list and WANT TO BE, PLEASE WRITE ME!

Thank you, everyone.  

frailin - Posted - 06/11/2011:  05:53:18

Ramjo added to the list.  Thank you!

frailin - Posted - 06/11/2011:  06:01:50

More encouragement from the email bag.

Late last night, right before heading to bed I checked my email one last time.  Good thing!  I noticed my friend (and fellow banjo geek) John Walkenbach had sent me a note.  And WHAT a note!  John has Paypal'd/donated  $100 to me to use to "help defray the costs" the project.  As with yesterday's generous gift that came in from my banjo-playing Pastor friend, this absolutely blows me away... to think that some of you BHO folks think enough of the work to help bring it to fruition!  THANK YOU THANK YOU!  

Truth be told here, John is really ONE of the reasons I chose to undertake this series in the first place. When I was doing the Builder Webinars a few years back, John was actively watching, commenting and supporting the work.  I KNEW there were other folks out there (like me) that had an interest in this part of American (and banjo) folk lore.  Thanks for that, John.  And thanks especially for the $$ vote of confidence.  I'm meeting this morning with an editor that I'm pretty sure will be the choice to help me with sound sweetening.  Your dollars will help make that happen.  So you can rightfully claim to have helped fund this work.  

John also gave me one heck of a good idea if anyone else out there wants to help support the work through donations of $25 or $50 and be noted for it.  But I've got to bake it a bit more before posting.  It involves including sponsors names on the Credits for the DVDs.  In other words, your name is listed as one of the official supporters of this project (like John and my Pastor friend).  

Ok. Time to head off to the weekly St. Paul old-time jam at the Edge Coffee shop.  Gotta keep my chops with all this typing.  

That's me on the right... with a lot less gray hair.  If any of you are ever in the MPLS St. Paul area on a Saturday (from 9:30-noon), PLEASE JOIN US!

Click on the pic or this link if you want to hear Fly Around with Beth T. clogging.  

frailin - Posted - 06/11/2011:  13:06:34

JD Applepicker added to the list.  

Thanks, Joe!!

frailin - Posted - 06/11/2011:  13:51:19

Dick Parker added to the list.

Thanks, Dick!

frailin - Posted - 06/11/2011:  13:52:56

Banjo Hangout is now an OFFICIAL sponsor of the North American Banjo Builder Series!!

Thank you, ERIC!!

pernicketylad - Posted - 06/11/2011:  15:57:56

Fantastic!

I never win this kind of thing. I'm thrilled.

frailin - Posted - 06/12/2011:  04:59:47

Bisbonian is on the list.

Thanks, Bisbee!

drybones - Posted - 06/12/2011:  05:29:12

You might consider finding a non-profit partner when applying for funding.  Maybe a local folk music society or a library, etc.  

I work at a library and we apply for funding through our local arts council.  They really want to see partnerships and I would think you'd have

no trouble finding local partners -- or national partners -- interested in joining your efforts.  For instance, the Smithsonian's folkways might really like to 

collect the work you are doing.

Just a thought -- I know I'll be ordering a DVD.  Is Jason Romero on your Western list?

Dan

frailin - Posted - 06/12/2011:  05:38:34

Wow, Dan. Excellent suggestion.  Do you know anyone at Smithsonian Folksways?  Knowing people always makes entrees easier.  

And I'll add you to the DVD list.  Thanks!

Craig

PS - Jason Romero is on the Western Swing list.  I wrote to 5 of the 9 yesterday and asked if they will be around home/the shop the first week in January.  My teaching semester starts 1/10, so I could possibly get 5 interviews in before next May.  

PPSS - If anyone else knows folks at Smithsonian Folksways, please let me know. 

rubicon - Posted - 06/12/2011:  08:11:04

I just signed on i would have nailed it congrats to the winner  

frailin - Posted - 06/12/2011:  11:03:57

The Power of Community. 

We all love the fact that our Americana music is "Community-based."  In fact, two of the Builders (so far) have come to traditional Americana music through PUNK rock.  The principles core to each group are very similar as one of the two, The "Paleontologist" (and former punk rocker) Pete Ross explains in his personal Program.  However, In this specific case, I want to note the power of the Banjo Hangout Community.

Although I've never met him in person, like many folks in our banjo/music community of 59k (and growing), I've come to know and appreciate Lew Stern (Brooklynbanjoboy) from hanging out at the Banjo Hangout.  Today, unsolicited, in response to this thread, Lew generously provided me with contact information to his sources at Smithsonian Folkways.  I immediately sent an email of introduction (before leaving for church, even).  Upon my return, I've already heard back from one of the two with a cautious, yet positive and encouraging note.  He forwarded my email  to the appropriate Smithsonian Folkways contact. 

Wow.  This just keeps gettin' better.  

I'll keep you all in the loop on what transpires with the folks at Smithsonian Folkways.  But I want to POINT OUT, how members and friends in a community based on a common interest can really help each other change the world.  

"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world." -  Margaret Mead

At Autism Hangout (dotcom) - built by Banjo Hangout's founder, web guru Eric Schlange - I've defined this "sequence" as "LEARN, SHARE, THRIVE."  Indeed, forums such as Banjo Hangout and Autism Hangout provide an environment that can "transform individuals in need into communities of care."   I have to admit to "awe" in watching/experiencing the sequence every time it occurs.  Whether it's parents exchanging techniques for reaching kids with autism or Banjo Hangout buds connecting me with friends, it's renewing... inspirational, even.  It never gets old. I marvel at what the internet has done to positively connect us all.  

The final outcome on my Grant and this new possibility of assistance (in some form) from the Smithsonian folks is a long way off.  But I still feel it's a time to stop and reflect... and be grateful.  I want to personally thank Lew for taking the time and interest to SHARE... so this body of knowledge can indeed be shared by others.  And through these LEARNINGS, may future artists, musicians, students, and everyday folk experiencing our wonderful Americana music community indeed THRIVE.  

What a great time to be alive.  And what a great time to be a banjo player.  

Oh... and stay tuned.  

Edited by - frailin on 06/12/2011 11:10:07

Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 06/12/2011:  12:07:42

Thanks for your nice words, Craig. 

V/R.

Lew

frailin - Posted - 06/12/2011:  19:14:18

Uncle Kurty is now on the list... and he offered a $25 donation!  

Thanks, Kurt!

frailin - Posted - 06/14/2011:  20:53:46

Music, musicians and performers

Early on, I asked the Builders about performers and artists that play their banjos. Most had some sort of a list, but not all. I contacted a few fine folks on their lists, told them of the Documentaries and offered each the opportunity to donate an MP3 for a music bed to the specific builder's Program. I haven't heard back from them all yet, but everyone so far is participating... so cool.  I'm starting to collect those MP3 and pics now. This is not a comprehensive list, but here's what I have or have coming:

* Chris Coole and Arnie Naiman for Bill Rickard - Here

* Frank Lee and John Balch for Jeff Menzies - Here

* Curtis Eller for Greg Galbreath - Coming

* Adam Hurt, Joe Newberry and Bruce Molsky for Kevin Enoch.  I've got some of Kevin's music from the Hoover Uprights, too.  - Here

* Rachel Eddy and Mark (Kansas/Bluehammer/Dropthumb/Fiberskin/NoKnot) Johnson, too.  Took an extra page of "Credits" just to fit you-know-who in. - Here

* Rob MacKillop, Michael Miles and Greg Adams for Jim Hartel - Here

* Mary Cox for Lo Gordon - Here

* Cheik Hamala Diabate and Bob Carlin for Pete Ross - Coming

* Donald Zepp and "Every day players" to-be-Named for Chuck Lee - Coming

* Chris Coole for Doug Unger - Here

* Laura Boosinger for Unca' Bart Reiter - Here

* Bill Evans for George Wunderlich - Coming

* Mike Ramsey has over 2,500 banjos out there... but I can't get him on the phone to tell me who to call!  If anyone near ​Pittsboro, NC runs into Mike, can you have him call me, PLEASE.  

There will be more, too.  What a great community we all share.  

Edited by - frailin on 06/14/2011 21:03:01

Ron Ortegel - Posted - 06/15/2011:  08:29:01

Craig,

Please add me to the list.

 Great project.

Been away from computer for a while.

Ron

frailin - Posted - 06/15/2011:  08:37:47

Yes sir, Ron.  You're added.     Thank you.  

Working today on Geoge Wunderlich's Program.  And trying to finish up Pete Ross and Bill Rickards shows for the Smithsonian folks to view.  

Edited by - frailin on 06/15/2011 08:38:09

Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 06/15/2011:  09:09:11

Craig,

Did you ever see the program on George W in the Woodwright's TV series?  I think it was a PBS series. 

Years ago Bob Thornburg did a video about his craft, building gourd banjos.  Very nice musical background -- his excellent playing.

And I have seen a DVD on Charles Waldman calld "Art of the Banjo".

Finally, Dave Ball was featured in a three part video, "Handmade Music," produced by the DIY Network.

Contact me for more info on these.

Lew

GSCarson - Posted - 06/15/2011:  09:11:04

Hey Craig,  Don't forget to add me to your list.  Glenn

frailin - Posted - 06/15/2011:  09:30:10

Glenn Carson is added to the DVD list.  Thanks, Glenn!

frailin - Posted - 06/15/2011:  09:31:23

Fabulous programs, Lew!  

I'm hoping this series also contributes to the music community's knowledge about our favorite instrument (and the people that build them). 

jwold - Posted - 06/15/2011:  10:28:01

Hey Craig,

If your West coast tour swings through the Portland, Oregon area let me know if I can lend you a hand, I have access to a grip truck & gear, I'm a location sound guy/grip & lighting skills as well.  Happy to help with the project.

I think we have Brooks Masten, John Bowlin, Wildwood banjos and Patrick Huff in the NW area.

brooksbanjos.com/

banjohangout.org/myhangout/hom...p?id=8767

wildwoodbanjos.com/

docsbanjos.com

 

Cheers!

Jeff

frailin - Posted - 06/15/2011:  10:33:59

Cool, Jeff!  Thank you!  I'll put you in my Western Swing Contact File and ring you up when the time comes.  

Thanks, again!

Craig