pjxndvm - Posted - 03/12/2015:  14:30:29

The interview was really predictable..... in that it was another touching, personal interview of a great musician and nice guy. Very nice.

Yanni - Posted - 03/12/2015:  15:18:24

Brilliant Craig, once again, thanks for sharing :)  What *was* that tune at the end?

Ian

GSCarson - Posted - 03/12/2015:  15:24:07

Just plain excellent Craig, really enjoyed that!!   I met Mark Johnson at the last Maryland Banjo Academy held.  I had taken my son Russ there when he was about 12, and he was in a teaching session with Alan Munde (who he had no idea about at the time but had a really great time with).  While I was waiting for Russ I sat on some tall steps in front of one of the main buildings in the sun, and this "guy" sat down next to me.  We just talked about banjos, life in general and such, and then checked out and played each other's banjos for at least 45 minutes or more.  He played my "beater" homemade fancy/crazy Tubaphone conversion and I played his fancy Deering. As an engraver I remember the engraving in particular but also that the banjo sounded great.   We sat there for over an hour, and it was one of those instant connections where you just really immediately like the person you've just met.  I've not seen him since but I did remember his name as we also befriended and frequently ran into the "other Mark Johnson (Kansas)" in those days while at festivals and camps with Russ.  Later that night Mark played at the faculty concert and that helped cement his name in my somewhat feeble memory.  Really great interview....well done.

frailin - Posted - 03/12/2015:  15:24:51

"Cold Frosty Morning."  Stopped my wife in her tracks when I was EDITING!  It's an amazing arrangement. 

It's the second cut on his second album with Emory Lester.  In 2007 "Acoustic Rising" was nominated by the IBMA for "Instrumental Album of the Year."  Very, very tasty stuff.  :)

Edited by - frailin on 03/12/2015 15:31:15

Yanni - Posted - 03/12/2015:  15:25:22

Wow!  Fast response.  Just superb!

Pine Cone - Posted - 03/12/2015:  22:00:13

While my slow home internet connection made it a challenge, it is a totally awesome video!   Your builder series encouraged me to buy some new banjos from builders in the series, this one will clearly make me buy music from the players in the series. 

Very inspirational interviews in the ones I have watched so far.  Interesting to hear the thoughts and reasons behind the notes played. 

Keep up the good work!

Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 03/13/2015:  02:10:39

I just watched the Mark Johnson interview.  Another home run, Craig!  Thanks for sharing,

Lew

RWJonesy - Posted - 03/13/2015:  05:29:07

Another superb interview Craig. What an awesome time you must be having....your life continuing to be enriched by these amazing people. Your interviews are well thought out and seem to roll effortlessly along. Mark Johnson is one of those people who becomes instantly loveable with his warm, friendly and humble personality. I loved his version of Frosty Morning the very first moment I heard it years ago at Mark's Music section on his homepage. I am really enjoying your amazing journey. Thank you, once again, for blessing my life with your fantastic work.

Edited by - RWJonesy on 03/13/2015 05:33:16

frailin - Posted - 03/13/2015:  06:05:39

Thank you, thank you for the wonderfully encouraging words!

As with the banjo builders, here is another group of creatively passionate people within our community. I'm humbled and delighted to bring their inspiring stories to light...so others can share and learn from their life-giving joy.  :)

Edited by - frailin on 03/13/2015 06:07:21

Yanni - Posted - 03/13/2015:  16:12:05

Craig

You are costing me a fortune in albums! :)

Ian

dbrooks - Posted - 03/14/2015:  17:28:51

Another fine interview, Craig. Thanks for sharing this early look.

David

frailin - Posted - 03/17/2015:  18:55:37

It started early Sunday with a 12+ hour drive, but its been a really good week so far!  I'm now 3 days into the NE Round with 4 interviews in the can (11 more to go).  Here's Monday and Tuesday's roster of Old-time Performers.  

Bright and early Monday morning I was in Bloomington, IN with the fellow that's probably taught 10's of 1,000's of folks how to play both fiddle and banjo via his amazing VHS tapes (remember those?) and now, DVDs.  :) Beyond his astonishing talent, Brad Leftwich is a thoughtful, committed teacher and performer.  This hour included Tommy Jarrell stories (Brad is kin by marriage), wonderful tales of family and went VERY fast.  Brad then played banjo and sang a most beautiful, sentimental ballad.  This guy really knows the good stuff.  

Three hours later I was upfront and personal with the one-and-only, Dan Gellert.  Dan is just downright fun!  Didn't take long to bust out the banjos and fiddles and start the funk, er, Dan's take on music.   Dan's wife Deb backed it up with some solid guitar, too.  

Tuesday morning started real early with a 4 hour drive to Washington DC to meet with another hero of mine, Reed Martin.  Talk about an interesting guy!  Reed has more hobbies and interests than a millipede has legs.  And many fun stories.  Got waaaay more here than I can fit in a 1/2 hour show, but I'll do my best.  BTW - for a guy that laughs a LOT, it's really hard to get him to smile for a picture. He's not NEAR this serious.

I ended up Tuesday in fine form... listening to the exciting present and future plans of one of today's most exciting banjo players, Brad Kolodner.  Once you hear Brad play, you'll understand his depth of his commitment and enthusiasm for the music.  Brad comes by his love for OT through his earliest OT influence, his dad, Ken Kolodner.  Ken also stopped by with his hammer dulcimer to join the musical fun.  

These two are clearly community organizers.  Keep Baltimore on your radar.  Lots of exciting OT music and dance events happening there now... with more to come!   

More heroes tomorrow, starting with Walt Koken and Clare Milliner.  Yee-ha! 

dbrooks - Posted - 03/18/2015:  03:13:38

What an update! Clearly, Craig, you are a master of both planning and execution to squeeze all of this into two days.

David

Bill Anderson - Posted - 03/18/2015:  07:33:54

Excellent work Craig.....Bill

frailin - Posted - 03/18/2015:  17:20:25

Today I spent the morning with Walt Koken and Clare Milliner.  I liked 'em before, but after 3 hours together, I think these two are some of the finest people I've ever met.  And boy howdy can they play!  

Walt's story about discovering the music and following his gifting is known by some, but listening to him tell it almost makes you feel you were there.  He clearly lights up when discussing his Fat City and Highwood String Band days.  But he sparkles even more talking about his ongoing performances with Clare... and their joint labor-of-love, the fiddle tune book.  

Clare's first experiences with the old-time music community were different from most performers.  She told a deep, poignant, personal story of the beauty of "community"; one of friendship and compassion... and the healing it brought her in a time of need.  Wow!  Don't worry, it's clear her story has a happy ending.  :)

In both cases, there were lots of laughs and side stories along the way.  Next they broke out the instruments for separate performances, then a few tunes together.  Even for early morning jamming... it was amazing!  

I couldn't stop myself from referring to them as the First Family of Old-time Music.  

I did ask for forgiveness.  :)

Edited by - frailin on 03/18/2015 17:25:43

JanetB - Posted - 03/18/2015:  17:48:20

You're awesome, Craig!! 

pastorharry - Posted - 03/18/2015:  19:34:16

Wow !!

Pine Cone - Posted - 03/18/2015:  19:57:29

What a great group of performers you have met so far.   The teasers you have shown us have been great, both for players I have met and ones I have to meet in the future.

Your "Banjo Builders" series encouraged me to get more banjos from the folks you interviewed.  This series will be encouraging me to find ways to meet or at least see these players perform.  Makes me glad that I have American Banjo Camp and the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes close to where I live.  Now I have to figure out where to go to me the one's that don't make it out to the Northwest.

Thanks for sharing your progress with us!

frailin - Posted - 03/20/2015:  04:42:48

Didn't see this one coming...

After a delightful day with the jovial, entertaining Steve Arkin (and joyfully raucous fiddler John Hoffmann - an unexpected treat!)...

I wound up in the Newton-Wellesley Emergency Room.  

My 6-day ear ache had graduated from a distracting annoyance to a debilitating condition that needed to be addressed... immediately.  

The Percocet is helping, but the ER docs weren't successful in remedying my need.  So as of this morning, instead of exploring the joyful company of Ken Perlman, I must first let an ear/nose/throat doc look into me.  

I'm not throwing in the towel on my trip yet, Ken, Lukas Poole and Howie Bursen are graciously remaining flexible. So... onward.  

Stand by.  

Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 03/20/2015:  04:53:22

Sorry to learn that you are under the weather.  Good that you are getting it looked at

We'll keep a good thought for you.

Lew

dbrooks - Posted - 03/20/2015:  05:50:37

Hope you get the help you need, Craig, and get back to this work (joy?) you do so well. 

David

kwl - Posted - 03/20/2015:  06:44:17

Craig, best wishes for speedy healing now that you have the docs involved.

Ken

rubicon - Posted - 03/20/2015:  07:50:03

Hope you get better soon 

Steve Arkin - Posted - 03/20/2015:  08:14:27

So sorry Craig. I hope they get this under control immediately. It was a treat having you over yesterday--it's a damn shame that this flared up in mid-interview.

Porchgirl - Posted - 03/20/2015:  09:01:17

Hey Craig! I trust the interviews will be even more fantastic than they would have been, once you get healed up! Wishing you the best care and complete healing -- refuah shlemah!

healthy ear

 

 

 

Steve Arkin - Posted - 03/20/2015:  18:31:21

I'm not sure that I should let the cat out of the bag, but I got a message from Craig in which he told me that he's all better now. I'll leave it to him to explain the medical details (or not), but this is very good news!

RWJonesy - Posted - 03/20/2015:  18:31:28

Praying for a quick and full recovery Craig.

frailin - Posted - 03/20/2015:  19:13:07

What a difference a day makes!!  YEP!  Thanks to your prayers and good wishes, good docs and good meds, I'm back in the saddle!! Yee-ha!  

I had a terrific night's sleep, thanks to the Percocet.  Awoke almost pain free, a GREAT relief after the previous day.  And the day brightened even more when the ENT specialist told me to "come right over."  By 9:30 I was in his chair bracing myself for yet another roto rooter job on my ear (this would be #4 in 2 days).  He took one look and said, "I can get that."  I put on my seat belt. 

Moments later, using a quick and painless suction device (whew!) the masterful doctor had pulled what could best be described as a mangy, black poodle from my ear.  That's probably TMI, but the moment the poodle was pulled, the pain completely stopped!  Remember when you where told "you should insert nothing in your ear smaller than your elbow?"  Well, the nuns were right.  Lesson learned. :)  

So now it's approaching 10A... and I'm feeling great!  At that moment, Ken Perlman called (he'd been standing by).  I told him "we're ON!"  I headed the Honda north to Boston.  And the day only got better!  :)  

Ken is everything I'd expected in a masterful teacher, performer and organizer (his books and banjo camp management).  He's methodic in his approach to almost everything.  Pragmatic and thorough, getting him to talk about his life's experience with OT music was like listening to a captivating, historic tale (but his tale is true!).  When he started to explain his Prince Edward Island work, I too began to experience the warmth of the people and music that he finds so captivating. Ken's work up there is remarkable.  The only thing equally as remarkable is his playing.  He brought out the iconic Ome and played to my heart's content.  Love this guy. :)  

Still feeling spry, an hour and a half later I met up with Lukas Pool in Rockport.

Lukas is a Berklee grad, the first I've really spent any time with.  His approach to the music is as solid as a family value... which it is to him.  Both his mom and dad play.  And as a lad, they encouraged him to pursue his musical gift.  Berklee recognized that gift and awarded him a scholarship to attend.  Clearly Lukas sponged up as much as he could... and his play is both dynamic and sensitive.  Lukas' girlfriend and musical partner Evie joined in playing fiddle on a few numbers including a Swedish dance tune.  Wonderful, moving yet romantic music.  So glad she was there.  Oh, and Charlie the dog made a cameo. 

I'm really delighted to include Lukas in this series.  If all the Berklee grads are this advanced, sensitive to the tunes (and humble!), I can rest in peacing knowing the future of traditional, old-time Americana music is in very, very good hands.  :)   

Tomorrow, Howie Bursen.  

Edited by - frailin on 03/20/2015 19:21:48

kwl - Posted - 03/20/2015:  20:21:48

Craig, I am so glad to hear that you are doing much better following the extraction of the "mangy, black poodle." I am also happy to hear of your wonderful experiences with Ken and Lukas. I am a little partial to Berklee grads. My son is an alumnus, class of 2004. Alas, he is a guitar player, majored in film scorings and currently serves as Minister of Music at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in North Hollywood, CA. He is also the chair of the music department at Laurel Hill School and teaches guitar there. He does have a Deering Goodtime banjo I gave him. There is always hope of making an old time musician out of him. I'm enjoying your interviews and progress reports. Can't wait for the DVDs.

frailin - Posted - 03/21/2015:  10:02:08

B-Roll Bloopers

I'm at the Coriander Cafe in Eastford, CT waiting to meet with Howie Bursen. Been sitting here drinking fine coffee, reviewing footage of the OT Performer interviews I've already filmed (to date) for good quotes and such. In the process, I've run across what you could refer to as "out takes."  Most of these are before we started recording, taking a break, fixing a microphone, etc.  Gave me an idea.

Thought I'd assemble a quiz for you over-achiever types out there that grew up on "Where's Waldo."  In that vein, I'm posting some stills from MY camera (the "B" roll) where your challenge is to NAME the famous OT Performer being interviewed.  Some have been included more than once.  

The first person to CORRECTLY ANSWER and LIST IN ORDER all the Performers in these 24 stills gets a free Volume 1 of "Conversations with Old-time Performers" as a door prize.  :)

Post your answers below (on this thread).  

Good luck!

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

:)

Edited by - frailin on 03/21/2015 10:06:31

Porchgirl - Posted - 03/21/2015:  13:56:37

Okay, Craig, here goes.
1. Walt Koken and Clare Milliner’s living room (and Clare's hands)
2. Charlie the Dog
3. Brad Leftwich
4. Steve Arkin
5. Lukas Pool
6. Walt Koken
7. Mac Benford
8. Walt Koken
9. Clare Milliner
10. Dan Gellert
11. Mary Z Cox
12. Brad Leftwich (can't quite tell but the chair looks right...)
13. Stephen Wade
14. Ken Perlman
15. Brad Kolodner
16. Mac Benford
17. Lynn Chirps Smith
18. Dan Gellert
19. Mark Johnson
20. Lynn Chirps Smith
21. Ken Perlman
22. Brad Kolodner coming down the stairs
23. Steve Rosen
24. Mary Z Cox.

I couldn't find Steve Arkin or Reed Martin. Good brain exercise, even if I didn't get 'em all :)!

frailin - Posted - 03/21/2015:  17:34:58

Whoa!  Impressive!  Skilled powers of observation, Barbara.  :)  

ONE error.  See if you can find it.  

frailin - Posted - 03/21/2015:  19:09:40

Light schedule today, only 1 interview.  Woke up to snow in Boston (so what else is new?) and headed toward Pomfret, CT to visit with "gravity-defying triplets legend" Howie Bursen.  

This part of the country is stunningly beautiful.  I actually had time to take some of it in.

Our appointment was for the afternoon so I had time to stop and do a week's worth of (on-the-road) laundry along the way.  The quaint little towns in Connecticut are most interesting, especially the accents. Listening to the local laundromat banter was most entertaining.  

I had time for lunch today, too (the first in a week).  A few miles from Pomfret Center is the town of Eastford.  In the heart of the community I discovered Coriander's Cafe.  

More than just great regional character, this place served amazing food, tasty coffee AND I got to listen to the locals chat over lunch.  I love the small benefits of my job.  :)  

Then came the main event.  Thirty-five plus years ago now, Howie Bursen rocked my world with his Cider in the Kitchen album.

To be able to sit down and talk face-to-face with him was something I'd been looking forward to for quite a while... another little joy I find in this work.  To me, Howie is an "enigma", defined as "a person with puzzling or contradictory character." In this case, I view Howie as a puzzler.  Consider:  He is this amazing banjo player with several notable CDs to his name, he makes wine for a living AND has a PhD in Philosophy!  So... why old-time? What a GREAT question!  I figured there had to be SOME way to connect these dots.  In fact, I didn't realize how much I'd obsessed over that as a goal!  I was in for a surprise.  And that's all I have to say about that. :) 

As a bonus perk, I did get to hear and see him fly around the room on his triplet machine.  Awesome!  :)

Thanks, Howie.  :)

guywolff - Posted - 03/21/2015:  21:05:03

If You end up anywhere in the west of Connecticut I am in the bantam section of Litchfield on rt 202 .. Stop for a tune if you get the chance at my pottery shop .. Yours Guy

Bob Sayers - Posted - 03/22/2015:  11:02:40

Craig, Great interviews all. I'm looking forward to buying the whole set. I do hope that you were able to fit Guy Wolff in. He sort of bookend Dan Gellert for ferocious early banjo. Plus he's a potter. Both notable attributes!

Porchgirl - Posted - 03/22/2015:  11:43:18

This is almost impossible, Craig! But, is #7 Reed Martin?!

frailin - Posted - 03/22/2015:  11:53:38

Nope. You got that one right the first time. Okay here's one hint: it's one of the last ones that's incorrect.

Porchgirl - Posted - 03/22/2015:  12:22:31

Okay! Reed Martin coming down the stairs in #22. Uncle!

frailin - Posted - 03/22/2015:  12:26:21

Yes. We have a winner! :)

dbrooks - Posted - 03/22/2015:  12:38:29

Congratulations, Barbara (Porchgirl) in your win.  I didn't even have a chance to get started.

David

frailin - Posted - 03/22/2015:  12:57:26

David. I'm astonished too! I thought this would last a while longer.  Clearly Barbara has amazing powers of observation! :)

A well deserved win. 

GSCarson - Posted - 03/22/2015:  16:24:00

I knew # 22 was Reed coming down his stairs, but didn't look at most of the others cause today was a busy day.  Barbara really deserved to win this so I couldn't bring myself to let the cat out of the bag...   Congrats, and glad you're better Craig! 

Porchgirl - Posted - 03/22/2015:  17:12:11

Imagine winning a prize for having fun! The resolution on my little tablet didn't show any white stripes on Reed's blue shirt -- that one was the real puzzler.

If you do this again, I'd guess the rule "recent winners should not apply" would apply, right? Thanks David and Glenn for your kind wishes and for letting me win :) !

Snow's really coming down in Saint Paul. Tomorrow's going to be a cold frosty morning..... Good travels, Craig, and thanks for your generosity, for being a teacher, and for making things FUN, as always -- Barbara

frailin - Posted - 03/22/2015:  17:27:51

Today I took The Last Train to Rajastan... and got off in Trumansburg, NY.  What a ride!!  

After months of excited anticipation, I finally got to meet music icon, Richie Sterns.  Within moments, I found myself completely at ease.  Richie is a genuine, kind, pleasant, happy person. It's as if I'd known him since childhood.  

While I was setting up shop, we chatted about common life experiences, highs and lows, kids, banjos and good music. He made me a marvelous Chai tea. I couldn't turn the cameras on early enough, but I still captured some excellent banter before we sat down for the official conversation.

Richie's story has some remarkable turns to it.  But he, like Mark Johnson, seemed to be where people were willing and able to help him overcome and move past obstacles.  Actually, they facilitated him.  And he accepted their interest in him (and now he gives it back to others).  

Richie learned quickly.  During middle and early high school, he was captivated with traditional music and started to pursue his passion by attending festivals.  More people showed up.  Ralph Blizzard was one of the most notable.

Ralph and Richie bonded over an 11 hour jam session at one early festival.  Nose ring and shirtless with 50 years spread between them, Ralph took to Richie.  Both musicians were feeding off each other in order to take their separate trips in the creative stratosphere.  But Richie tells the story much better than me.

Our conversation was like running water.  We talked for an hour straight.  Actually, we yacked for about 4 hours.  We were going strong enough after the interview that we headed to a local coffee shop to carry on.  

Richie bought me a coffee there, too.  The stories kept coming.  I  pulled the camera out again for his personal experiences with Taj Mahal and Muddy Waters.  

There's way more... the Horse Flies, JB Banjos, the Renegades and Natalie Merchant, but that's enough for now.  

I've always liked Richie's creative take on the banjo.  Knowing him and hearing his story takes my understanding and appreciation of his music from a simple 2 to 3 very rich and beautiful dimensions.  There are few things more fun in life than hanging with people that follow a different drum.  Or dance to their own beat.  Richie does both exceedingly well.  Feel the joy.  :)

Lovely, lovely day with most excellent company.  And wow, did he play some tunes.  :)  

------

PS - I spent last night just outside of Ithaca due to slippery roads.  Guy, I'm sorry we didn't connect but I immediately headed west when Howie and I finished up.  Richie was at friends Brian and Ann's house in Trumansburg since his home (his Caboose) was snowed in (actually, mudded in... the driveway was too difficult to attempt).  So he was settled in the basement where we chatted.  

frailin - Posted - 03/23/2015:  20:15:26

Went even furder up nort today to meet with two friends in Toronto.  Here's what dey looked like a few years back dontchaknow.

Chris Coole and Arnie Naiman are buds.  Been so for many years.  They can play each other's music, know each other's styles, even play the same 70's-era Vega banjos.  Together they've spearheaded a number of Canadian musicians in bringing their music to the world.  But each has their own unique take on old-time.  

Chris cut his chops busking around Toronto.    

I learned a great deal about him today.  I deeply respect his path to significance.  Also learned a few new pronunciations.  :)  And he played my favorite tune of his:  Rainbow On the Mormons. 

Next I headed even further nort to meet with Arnie.  Again, I was greeted warmly.  Such nice hospitality these northern folks offer.  

Arnie's story also underscores how music can capture one at an early age.  How the magic of playing with others can alter life in a very good way.  And the significance of festivals for real, upfront exposure to the music and artists! 

After our conversation Kathy (Arnie's significant) came home and the music began.  

These two have been playing together along time... and it shows.  Wonderful!  

*****

Tonight I'm in Cleveland, looking forward to meeting another new old-time music friend tomorrow - Mark Olitsky.  

frailin - Posted - 03/24/2015:  17:38:57

Another light day with only one interview.  But a most worthy one!

Most folks probably won't know of Mark Olitsky of Euclid, OH.  But he's got one of the strongest BHO fan bases I've ever seen!  Mark is not a performer in the "stage presentation" sense of the word.  But visit any major festival and he's there, making the best music out of any jam available.   

Here he is at a Mt. Airy jam - Click pic to listen in. 

And here he is at the Portland OT Gathering (with Erynn Marshall) - Click pic to listen in. 

And, of course, here he's present at one of many Clifftop showings (this time with Rhys Jones... who's likin' what he hears!) - Click pic to listen in. 

Mark is a genuine, natural-born mentor and teacher.  He LIVES to play and share tunes with others!  And over the course of a festival afternoon or evening, he gets to know those he's playing with.  Mark is very personable.  He's also supportive, encouraging and shares what he knows (ask his fan base).  :)  You see, Mark represents the BEST of community.  Fellow BHO'er Brad Kramer wrote this article on him a while back.

If you haven't yet met Mark, you can easily see where he could quickly become one of your favorite playing companions... as well as friend.  

Mark's an artist by day and trade (sculpture, metal forging) and has successfully made a living at it.  

In his conversation, we talk about old-time as community (and community building).  He played some great tunes, too.

I love this guy and what he represents.  :)    

Paul DeBlois - Posted - 03/24/2015:  19:12:43

Each year I spend a large part of Clifftop week hovering around Mark's jams. They've been been my introduction to many fine musicians and countless tunes.  Craig - I'm really enjoying your odyssey across the banjo landscape and can hardly wait to get my hands on the finished product.

RWJonesy - Posted - 03/25/2015:  03:24:40

The Last Train To Rajastan!! What an amazing piece of music! Richie' s banjo resembles the sound of a sitar! Can't wait to have my own copy of this amazing journey you are on Craig !

frailin - Posted - 03/25/2015:  19:27:47

Yay!!  15 of 15 complete!  Today marks the end of my 11-day, Eastern Round of Interviews!  With the exception of an Emergency Room speed bump in Boston, this has been an exceptional adventure!  

And today's Conversation was as inspirational as the other 14.  :)

----------

At 9A, I was at the Chicago Old Town School of Folk Music to meet with music legend, Michael Miles.  

Today the Old Town School is bustling! This is in part thanks to Michael's skills an community-builder.  He served as the Program Director for the school from 1984-1998 and is responsible for its proficient structure and (corresponding) meteoric growth.  In additional to his organizational skills, Michael is an educator and an innovative performer.  In fact, as far as I know, he's the only OT musician schooled in performance.  In his work, he can take liberties expanding music on the banjo (including Bach) yet always seems to remain close to the banjo's roots.  He's a highly accomplished player.  

Today we spoke at length about the flexibility of the banjo as well as its personal importance to him (I'm saving the story for his show).  It was moving. 

Michael is deeply passionate about the school and his music.  He is clearly mission driven. 

One of the highlights of our conversation was seeing the materials (letters and such) of his 25 year friendship and correspondence with Pete Seeger.  

And the school is a MOST cool place!!  

Home tonight.  More in another 4 weeks when I film the Asheville Round of Interviews.  I first need to recharge my batteries (both literally and figuratively).  :)

Edited by - frailin on 03/25/2015 19:34:16