American Banjo Museum Quarterly Winter 2017

ABM Receives Georgette Twain Banjo

Though she was unable to speak during her first television appearances, she ultimately did regain her voice. But more Inside . . . so, it was the way in which she made the strings of her banjo sing that would cement her place in musical history. ABM Receives Georgette Twain Twain became a student and friend of Banjo the great banjoist, Eddie Peabody, and in 1962 Variety magazine named her the From The Director “World’s Greatest Woman Banjo Player.” She went on to perform hundreds of shows in major entertainment venues ABM Receives and would often share the stage with Grant Cecilia Yale, daughter of Georgette Twain show business legends such as Phyllis Diller, Lawrence Welk, Red Skelton, ABM Welcomes Carol Channing and Danny Thomas. New Exhibits In 1951, 26-year-old Georgette Twain, an aspiring opera singer, was set As the entertainment industry changed to audition for the San Francisco Steelwind Performs in the 1970s, Twain became a headline Opera. Raised by parents who were At ABM performer aboard luxury cruise ships, professionals in the theater, Twain’s summing up her philosophy on life and own career was about to take off. But, career like this, “I learned that you can’t Santa Stops By as she prepared for her audition, she The ABM sit around feeling sorry for yourself. noticed something was terribly wrong. You’ve got to fight your own problems.” Her left hand was knotted and she was Better Know A having difficulty walking, and then, the Sadly, Georgette Twain passed earlier Board Member unthinkable happened, she lost her this year. During a private ceremony on voice. The young singer had contracted November 18th her daughter, Cecilia Maximize Your polio. Yale, graciously donated her mother’s Donation With beloved banjo, a 1962 Vega Vox IV, to Robbed of her voice and her left side Recurring Giving the American Banjo Museum. Now on paralyzed, Twain was angry and in her permanent display along with one of own words, “hated the world.” Rather ABM Membership Twain’s stage costumes, this priceless than embarking on a singing career, she artifact of banjo history will allow Twain instead began the long road of physical Banjos Around Town to have an audience for generations yet therapy that would eventually help her to come. regain the ability to walk and speak, but ABM attends OMA her dreams of a singing career were “We’re honored to have become Annual Conference gone forever. the stewards of such an historically significant instrument,” said Johnny Upcoming Events With a love of music still intact, Twain’s Baier, Executive Director, American father agreed to teach her to play his old Banjo Museum. “I had the pleasure banjo as part of her physical therapy. of knowing Georgette Twain and am It was the banjo which would lead her humbled to be able to share her story, back to a musical performance career her inspiration and her “musical voice” that would span decades. with our museum visitors.” From the Director

and highly anticipated open jam sessions. Since its introduction, the Banjo Players Directory project has also filled its promise of being an almost infinite source of providing our staff with “something to do” as hundreds of names are being entered into this important database project every month. Finally, the highlight of any year at 9 East Sheridan Ave. the American Banjo Museum is our Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Hall of Fame weekend (scheduled 405-604-2793 for September 7-9, 2017). With www.AmericanBanjoMuseum.com honorees including John McEuen, Paul Erickson, Roy Clark, Tony MISSION The mission of the American Banjo Trischka, and Joel Walker Museum is to preserve and promote LOOKING FORWARD Sweeney, the 2017 ABM Hall of the music and heritage of America’s Fame events promise to be the instrument: the banjo. While not known as a philosopher, best ever. So, by Elvis’ definition, Elvis Presley once said something we must all be living happy lives as that really hit home with me: “… we look forward to 2017! STAFF The secret to a happy life is Johnny Baier, Executive Director having something to do now and Margie Smith-Robbins, Assistant something to look forward to.” Administrator I can attest to the fact that the ABM Receives Grant Dustin Pyeatt, Development & staff here at the American Banjo The American Banjo Museum Outreach Manager Museum has plenty to do right now was recently awarded a grant for Janet Raines, Sales & Marketing as we look forward to the coming $10,000 from the Kirkpatrick Family Sherril Mitchell, Reception year. As we wind down the Banjo Fund to establish a Banjo Learning Ellie Mowery, Administrative Assistant World of exhibit which Lounge at the museum. runs through January 2017, we’re preparing a new and very special “We’re honored to receive this BOARD OF DIRECTORS exhibition to take its place, Roy generous grant from the Kirkpatrick Dr. Bob Alexius, Austin, TX Clark – America’s Super Picker. Family Fund,” said Johnny Baier, Jack Canine, North Ft. Myers, FL Set to open in February, this exhibit Executive Director, American Banjo Lester Cowden, Jr., Oklahoma City, – which includes instruments and Museum. “The Kirkpatrick Family OK memorabilia from his amazing Fund’s legacy of supporting the Juston Givens, Oklahoma City, OK career - traces Roy Clark’s journey arts and education is inspiring and Roger Hale, Coeur D’Alene, ID from poverty to superstardom we’re proud to be part of it.” Jens Kruger, N. Wilkesboro, NC through music. Two of our signature annual events, Mardi Gras and The Museum plans to refurbish Donald Lewis, Whitney, TX Americana Fest (set for February the current front west side area Michael Mason, O'Fallon, MO 25 and June 24 respectively), of the building to become a fully Jack Murphy, Oklahoma City, OK are also in place, bringing back developed “hands on” interactive Brian Newsom, Milford, MI the music and fun activities which educational exhibit called the Doug Parsons, Waynesville, OH made them both such hits in 2016. Banjo Learning Lounge. Interactive Paul Poirier, Seekonk, MA Our educational outreach efforts videos will include banjo history as well as short video lessons Danny Rubio, Kenner, LA are ramping up with the popular designed for visitors to ultimately Devin Tower, Ormond Beach, FL Pick A Tune With Lucas classes returning as we make preparations play a song on various banjo types for our new Learning Lounge including tenor, five-string, guitar educational area - which is set banjo and ukulele banjo. The Banjo to open in fall. Live mini-concert Learning Lounge will give museum performances round out the year goers a chance to hold, play and and set the stage for our new experience the instruments that are on display. 2 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Special Event ABM Welcomes New Exhibits

Friends, museum members and both past and present, of all skill community leaders gathered for levels and playing styles. The a private reception on November Directory is funded by a generous 18th to welcome two new additions gift from Paul and Theresa Poirier to the American Banjo Museum. in memory of Theresa’s father, Emile “Pete” DeBlois. Museum Executive Board Member Paul Poirier, along with his The museum also welcomed a wife, Theresa, and other family beautiful 1962 Vega Vox IV that members officially dedicated the belonged to “The Queen of the Banjo Players Directory. The Banjo Banjos” Georgette Twain. Twain’s Players Directory is an interactive daughter, violinist Cecilia Yale, was exhibit aimed at cataloging as on hand to officially donate her many banjo players as possible, mother’s beloved banjo to be on permanent display, along with one Paul Poirier dedicates the Banjo of Twain’s stage costumes. Players Directory in honor of Emile "Pete" DeBlois.

Paul and Theresa Poirier Cecilia Yale donates Georgette Twain's banjo to the ABM

Paul Poirier, Steve Caddick, and Bob Alexius perform during reception. Cecilia Yale with portrait of her mother Georgette Twain AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 3 Performances

banjo history, was quite an honor,” Steelwind performs at ABM said Henneberry. “We are huge fans and will always appreciate how he brought the three-finger style of banjo playing to the forefront of .” played songs from their new CD, F5, as well as some country and bluegrass standards. Parks’ and Henneberry’s harmony was pitch perfect and Parks skill as a fiddle player are formidable. If you close your eyes and listen, Steelwind will make you think you’re in a backroads honky-tonk, but without the fear of tripping over Photo Credit: Budd Walker, Photo Journalist, Walkers Folk Mania Media LLC a spittoon. After weeks of anticipation, bass and the amazing Jim Paul Steelwind took the stage at the Blair on banjo. Blair is a member of “Playing at the American Banjo American Banjo Museum on the American Banjo Museum and Museum was a true delight,” November 5th, and it was worth also the executive director of the said Blake. “From first being very the wait! Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in impressed with the beautiful banjo Muskogee, OK. Blair was playing museum, to having an attentive Despite hours of college football his custom “Hot-Rod Banjo” that has audience in a great room to perform games on dozens of channels, the actual dice inlaid into the fretboard. our songs, we had a great time and band still managed to generate a And, in a move worthy of its own can’t wait to be back!” great crowd. song, acquired it by To learn more about the band and Founding members Blake Parks trading a 1966 Mustang. find out where they’ll be performing on fiddle and Michael Henneberry “Having the opportunity to bring next, visit www.steelwindmusic. on guitar were joined by Adam our style of music to the American com. Davis on dobro, Kenny Parks on Banjo Museum, a place rich in Santa Stops By the American Banjo Museum The American Banjo Museum songs in the museum lobby. (ABM) welcomed a special visitor from the North Pole when Santa “Our building was originally a Claus visited the museum during candy cane company,” said Dustin our premiere holiday event, “A Pyeatt, Outreach & Development Candy Cane Christmas.” Manager, ABM. “In a way, there’s a little bit of holiday spirit here year Families and friends came together round.” from 2-4 p.m., Dec. 11th at the museum to enjoy cookies, punch, Admission to the event was free candy canes and a visit from old for everyone who brought a new, Saint Nick. Johnny Baier, Executive unwrapped toy to support the Red Director, ABM, took to the stage and Andrews Christmas Dinner. led a sing along of holiday favorites “We had a lot of fun and we helped and even showed off a little Elvis some kids who wouldn’t otherwise impression! have a present to unwrap this After that, the Okie Dokie Banjo year,” said Pyeatt. “Helping others Band performed more yuletide and sharing joy, that’s what the season’s all about.” 4 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Support

have played and/or have promoted Better Know a Board Member the banjo. “entertainment law practices” Q: What’s a song you put on that in Oklahoma, I’ve been able to always makes you feel good? represent some venue owners A: There are a lot of songs that and bands with respect to various would fit into this category, but issues over the years. It’s been the first one that comes to mind is one of the most enjoyable practices “Take it Easy” by the Eagles. Any I’ve started to develop and hope to song that starts with the lyric “well continue to develop that area of my I’m a running down the road trying practice. to loosen my load; I’ve got seven Q: Why did you decide to serve women on my mind” is bound to tell on the American Banjo Museum’s a great story and convey a range of Board of Directors? feelings and emotions. Plus, I love the way the Eagles made use of the A: Being a person who has a strong banjo in this song . . . it’s definitely interest for music, specifically one of my favorite Eagles songs different styles of music that range and one of my favorite feel good from roots, rock, country, to west songs of all time. coast rock (i.e. the Eagles) and In this ongoing series, we will traditional country and bluegrass, Q: If you could wake up tomorrow introduce you to members of the the American Banjo Museum’s all- and have mastery of any instrument American Banjo Museum’s Board encompassing style of banjo music other than the banjo, what would it of Directors. In this column, we get was particularly appealing to me. be? to know Juston Givens! In addition, I saw an opportunity to A: Well this one’s easy. I love the Q: Usually, our first question is contribute in a meaningful way to guitar from acoustic to electric. I love whether or not you play four-string the American Banjo Museum. That the different sounds you can get out or five-string, but you don’t play the is very important to me as I believe of a guitar. I love the different styles banjo, right? the American Banjo Museum to be of music a guitar can make. So for a significant international element in me, being able to master the guitar A: Correct. I do not play a banjo, the music industry and tremendous would definitely be a wish of mine. but my father did on occasion when asset for Oklahoma and Oklahoma I was growing up. I have had limited City metro community. Q: Though you’re new to the board, experience playing rhythm guitar in what event at the American Banjo a band that I was in named Folsom Q: Where do you see the museum Museum are you most looking during college and through law going in the future? forward to? school until approximately 2003. A: While I am “brand new” to A: I don’t know if there is a single Q: Though you don’t play the the Board of Directors, I see the event I’m most looking forward to, banjo, you’re the only attorney on American Banjo Museum growing although I’d have to say I’m really the board of directors, and you also into a very well-known significant looking forward to the museum’s represent some musical clients, tell international museum that not only involvement with Roy Clark in 2017 us about that. provides extensive education in in honoring him. However, I am very the Oklahoma City and Oklahoma much looking forward to continuing A: Through the connections I made communities, but also on a national to build relationships with all of the in playing in a band, I was able basis as well as being an entity that current board members and learn to meet some great people and posts and provides significant live from the wealth of experience and make some great connections. I music events throughout the year as knowledge that each of them have developed a little bit of industry it recognizes, honors and identifies to offer. knowledge and understanding those who have distinguished that most attorneys don’t possess themselves as particularly relevant regarding the music industry. and/or significant persons who Even though there is not any big

AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 5 Support Maximize Your Donation ABM Membership The American Banjo Museum With Recurring Giving wishes to recognize and thank new members and those that have Your support of the American A recurring donation is easy renewed their membership the Banjo Museum is important. Gifts to set up. You can set up a fourth quarter of 2016. from donors like you allow us to recurring donation on our website: host local bands, offer education AmericanBanjoMuseum.com. Family Membership programs and new exhibits. But, There, you can make a recurring Bob Duncan what if your donations could have donation for any amount that will an even bigger impact? Through be deducted on a schedule either Couple Membership recurring donations, they can. weekly, monthly or even annually. Jim & Tracy Blair You can also change your recurring A recurring donation can be set Dr. Glen & Carol Cartwright donation amount at any time. Mike & Deb Hignite up for any amount, no matter Recurring donations can also be how small. And, because they’re Bill & Nancy Majors made by calling the museum at Russ & Diane Morton deducted over time donations can 405-604-2793. be done without putting a strain on Bill & Marilyn North your pocketbook. Recurring donations are a great Michael & Jane Sigmon way to support the American Banjo Jack & Suzanne Snyder For example, a recurring donation Museum over time and can fit Tony & Gina Towell as low as $10 a month adds up to any budget. Set up your recurring $120 annually. That’s a big donation donation today! Individual Membership for a small monthly deduction. And Robert Alexius that’s a win-win for everyone. Scott Anderson C. Graham Burton Raymond James Cisneros Krewe de Banjo Peter Corfield Diana Daugherty Mardi Gras Party Pete Donaldson February 25 - 6-9 pm Rachel Fairweather Mark Greathouse Enjoy an evening of food, drinks John Huntsberger and New Orleans Jass by Steve Christian Vincent Lawlor Ham's Jazz Band. Clancy Leverenz Lance MacLean Call 405-604-2793 for ticket Sandra Mayfield information. John Mumford Dick Neuman Edward J. Owen Stephen Penney Garry Peterson, MD Becky A. Rickard Randy Shumard Kasey Torres 2017 Hall of Fame Celebration John Vonk Budd Walker September 7-9, 2017 Marlene White

2017 Hall of Fame Inductees To become a member, gift a mem- Roy Clark, John McEuen, Tony Trischka, bership, or upgrade your current Paul Erickson, and Joel Walker Sweeney membership visit our website amer- icanbanjomuseum.com or call 405- 604-2793. 6 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Community Outreach

and local radio personality Keri Banjos Evans spent three hours handing out 2,275 pieces of candy in front around town... of the museum.

A busy banjo is a happy banjo, and The museum hosted junior we’ve definitely been busy here at high choir students from Latta, the American Banjo Museum! Oklahoma. The students were attending a choir competition Museum volunteer Lucas Ross in Guthrie and stopped by the played at Devon Energy Tower museum to receive a private tour during the Oklahoma City Arts from Pyeatt and ABM Marketing Council’s “Art Moves.” and Sales Manager Janet Raines. Ross also pitched in as And, finally, Lucas Ross repre- entertainment when the American annual Halloween event, “Brick sented the American Banjo Muse- Banjo Museum (ABM) hosted or Treat.” The museum was one um during Downtown OKC Inc.’s an event for Oklahoma City Yelp of more than 50 businesses in annual “Downtown in December” Elites. Yelp is an app that allows Bricktown to hand out candy event. Ross performed for the users to write reviews of everything to hundreds of little ghosts and crowds in Bricktown during the from restaurants to museums. goblins. ABM Board Member and free Bricktown Canal rides that are Yelp Elites are users who write volunteer Jack Murphy played offered every Thursday through consistently trusted reviews. The banjo for the families while Pyeatt Sunday from Thanksgiving until Yelp Elites received a tour by ABM Christmas. Outreach & Development Manager Dustin Pyeatt. Ross gave an ABM Attends Oklahoma Museum amazing performance of comedy and music as everyone enjoyed Association Annual Conference snacks and drinks from local OKC The American Banjo Museum the Banjo Museum.” establishments like The Wedge (ABM) joined museum’s from across Pizzeria, COOP Ale Works and Oklahoma to learn and network Pyeatt represented ABM during Prairie Wolf Spirits. during the Oklahoma Museum the conference and accepted the Association’s Annual Conference Oklahoma Museum Association The museum pitched in to help in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. award for outstanding exhibit for our friends at the Oklahoma Arts “The Banjo World of Steve Martin” Council. The Oklahoma Arts Sessions ranged from tips on during the conference’s awards Council maintains a resource list hosting community events to dinner. museum security. Those in of Oklahoma performing artists that Added Pyeatt, “it was an honor includes everything from music to attendance were also treated to an evening of tours at the museums in to accept the award on behalf theater to dance. Oklahoma Arts the Bartlesville area, including the of all my coworkers at the Banjo Council staff used the museum’s Price Tower Arts Center, the only Museum and I was proud to see our “Your Father’s Mustache” skyscraper built by Frank Lloyd museum being recognized along performance area to audition a Wright; the Bartlesville Area History with some of the largest museums local band under consideration to Museum and the Frank Phillips in the state.” be added to the statewide list. ABM Mansion, the home of the founder The Oklahoma Museum Executive Director Johnny Baier of Phillips Petroleum. Association is the primary source helped by offering his wisdom of information and professional from years of performing on stage. “This was a great conference,” said Dustin Pyeatt, Outreach & development for Oklahoma’s 500 The Oklahoma Arts Council is the Development Manager, American museums, historical societies, official state agency for the support Banjo Museum. “Sharing new historic sites, zoos and botanical and development of the arts in ideas and getting to know staff gardens, historic houses, living Oklahoma. from museums across the state history museums, tribal cultural gave me a new perspective on the centers and other museum-related For the third consecutive year, the goals and challenges we face at institutions. museum participated in Bricktown’s AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 7 PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1078 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

9 East Sheridan Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Upcoming Events March SATURDAY, MAR 4, 2 PM January February Four-String Open Jam SATURDAY, JAN 7, 2 PM SATURDAY, FEB 4, 2 PM Join other Four-String players for an Open Jam Session. Free admis- Ukulele Open Jam Bluegrass Open Jam Join other Ukulele players for an Join other Bluegrass players for an sion when you bring an instrument Open Jam Session. Free admis- Open Jam Session. Free admis- and participate in the Jam Session. sion when you bring an instrument sion when you bring an instrument and participate in the Jam Session. and participate in the Jam Session. SATURDAY, MAR 11, 3 PM Historical Presentation & SATURDAY, JAN 14, 2 PM SATURDAY, FEB 11, 2 PM Performance Learn the history behind a selected Education Education For those that have never played For those that have never played banjo maker in the museum's the banjo and wanted to try, come the banjo and wanted to try, come collection. Then hear American “Learn to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. “Learn to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. Banjo Museum's Executive Director, Johnny Baier play a historically Limited seating, by reservation Limited seating, by reservation significant instrument from that only! only! maker. Performance included with paid museum admission. SATURDAY, JAN 21, 3 PM SATURDAY, FEB 25, 6 PM Live Banjo Performance Krewe de Banjo Mardi Gras Hear American Banjo Museum’s An evening of food, drinks and SATURDAY, MAR 25, 2 PM Executive Director, Johnny Baier New Orleans Jazz featuring Steve Education perform. Performance included Ham's Jambalaya Jass Band. For those that have never played with paid museum admission. Free Tickets available by calling the the banjo and wanted to try, come admission for museum members. museum. “Learn to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. Limited seating, by reservation For more information on events call 405-604-2793 only! or email [email protected]