American Museum Quarterly Summer 2019

Inside . . .

BANJO FEST and A three-day celebration of the banjo when world-renown banjo collector Jim ABM Hall of Fame known as BANJO FEST will again Bollman visits with museum guests and take place in Oklahoma City during does Q&A about his amazing collection. From the Director the weekend of September 5-7, 2019. With concerts, informal performances, The main event takes place on Friday Well known visitors parties, jams, and the American Banjo evening, September 6th as the 2019 Museum Hall of Fame Gala – all open inductees to the American Banjo Americana Fest to the public - BANJO FEST delights Museum Hall of Fame are honored 2019 locals while focusing the attention of the at VAST located in the Devon Tower banjo world on Oklahoma City. in downtown OKC. This year’s Hall of ABM welcomes Fame honorees have each displayed Jamie Herrera The BANJO FEST weekend begins lifelong commitments to the banjo and with a reception Thursday evening, changed the way the world sees and Bollman Collection September 5th at the American Banjo hears America’s instrument. This formal Museum. The evening will feature event is open to the public and will include Better Know a the grand opening of a new exhibit, a reception, dinner and ceremonies Board Member Reflections Of Our Past – The Jim honoring the 2019 inductees Alison Bollman Collection. With live music Brown, Jimmy Mazzy, John Hartford, Renew your provided by the Hall of Fame banjoists Bob Snow & Rosie O’Grady’s, Janet commitment Debbie Schreyer and Lee Floyd joined Davis and Johnny Baier. by four-time national five-string banjo ABM Membership champion, Gary “Biscuit” Davis, the ALISON BROWN - Five-String evening’s festivities will also include Performance - Born in Hartford, Upcoming Events the presentation of the prestigious Connecticut, Brown began playing American Banjo Museum Awards of banjo at the age of ten. After winning the Excellence. Canadian National Banjo Championship and appearing at the Grand Ole Opry, On Friday afternoon two very special she attended Harvard University and, in programs will take place at the 1987, was asked to join Union Station. American Banjo Museum. Banjoist Brown spent three years with Union Bob Carlin will present an intimate Station and was named the International memoir of renaissance musician, John Bluegrass Music Association “Banjo Hartford, based on his nearly 20-year Player of the Year” in 1991. The 1990 association with the iconic new Hall album I've Got That Old Feeling, which of Fame member. Following Carlin’s Brown played banjo on, won a Grammy presentation, an in-depth look at the and saw her gravitating toward a blend exhibit bearing his name will take place of bluegrass with jazz and folk idioms Continued on Page 3 From the Director

truly refined collector of modern art masterpieces, when described our museum as “Fantastic!” it was a moment of pride which our board, staff and supporters could all share in having a hand in making happen. When a journey travels on a river, calm waters generally give way to rapids. 9 East Sheridan Ave. After a brief flurry of activity during Oklahoma City, OK 73104 our 4th annual AMERICANA FEST 405-604-2793 on June 22nd, we’re in the midst www.AmericanBanjoMuseum.com of the “calm water” of Summer in preparation for the approaching MISSION rapids we call BANJO FEST. The mission of the American During the weekend of September Banjo Museum is to preserve and As with any journey, the trip starts 5-7 the eyes of the banjo world promote the banjo while expanding with a plan but, in hindsight, rarely will be focused on OKC as the appreciation and understanding of its follows the roadmap. Along the museum welcomes the 2019 class history and music. planned route new and exciting to the American Banjo Museum twists and turns result in an Hall of Fame amidst parties, jam STAFF adventure which generally far sessions and another memorable Johnny Baier, Executive Director exceeds the original itinerary… BANJO FEST concert. While most Jamie Herrera, Director of and so goes it with the American journeys have a planned end, the conclusion of BANJO FEST 2019 Development & Administrator Banjo Museum. Our growth and simply marks a resetting of our Margie Smith-Robbins, Assistant acceptance within both the banjo world at large as well as the regional clock as we begin preparations for Administrator arts and cultural community have the upcoming year. Our planned Janet Raines, Sales & Marketing propelled us in directions we route - including our new Women Sherril Mitchell, Reception could have only dreamed of just a of the Banjo exhibit scheduled to Ellie Burns, Administrative Assistant few short years ago. After the fun open in summer 2020 - will keep Lucas Ross, Community Outreach & experience of bringing Kermit The our eyes pointed to the future, Promotion Coordinator Frog to the museum as part of the always on the lookout for those : Life & Legacy exhibit new and exciting opportunities to BOARD OF DIRECTORS which runs through September, grow our important mission which Dr. Bob Alexius, Austin, TX another seemingly impossible might unexpectedly greet us at any Lester Cowden, Jr., Oklahoma City, OK milestone occurred on June 2nd time, making our unending journey Juston Givens, Oklahoma City, OK when actor, comedian and serious all the more memorable. Jens Kruger, N. Wilkesboro, NC banjophile, Steve Martin, made Johnny Baier Donald Lewis, Whitney, TX a visit to the museum prior to his Executive Director Michael Mason, O'Fallon, MO evening show here in OKC. As a John Mumford, Centennial, CO Jack Murphy, Oklahoma City, OK We have always known the Brian Newsom, Milford, MI American Banjo Museum Doug Parsons, Waynesville, OH Paul Poirier, Seekonk, MA is the best! Recently USA Danny Rubio, New Orleans, LA Today Travel agreed ... they listed the ABM as the "Best Museum in Oklahoma" April 29, 2019

2 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Events

continued from page 1 JOHNNY BAIER - Four-String BANJO FEST Performance - Well known in in a manner similar to those of recent years as the Executive Béla Fleck and David Grisman. In BOB SNOW/ROSIE O’GRADY’S - Director of the American Banjo addition to performing, Brown is Promotion - In 1972 a former Navy Museum, Baier continues an a co-founder of Compass records pilot and Dixieland jazz trumpet impressive performance career and has cultivated an impressive player named Bob Snow opened that began in 1971, leading the repertoire as a record producer. a jazz club called Rosie O’Grady’s sing-alongs at Shakey’s Pizza in a derelict area of downtown Parlor in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. JIMMY MAZZY – Four-String Pensacola, Florida and established Through passion, study, practice Performance - Mazzy is one of a prototype for urban entertainment and performance, the intervening America’s best known traditional complexes around the country. years have seen Baier develop a jazz banjoists and vocalists and Snow’s own version of the concept unique solo tenor banjo style which has been a popular attraction in known as Church Street Station in is equally engaging to banjo players the traditional jazz circuit since Orlando, Florida opened in 1974 as well as the general public. the 1970s. Mazzy has performed with Rosie O’Grady’s Goodtime Nowhere was this more apparent extensively in the United States Jazz Band setting the tempo for than during the 15 years spent and worldwide, regularly appearing years to come. With the banjo in Orlando, Florida performing at jazz festivals including the being prominently featured in countless shows for the tourists Sacramento, San Diego, Essex, tens of thousands of shows at at Church Street Station as well and several Connecticut festivals. Rosie O’Grady’s as well as in the as the Walt Disney World Resort. Mazzy is a member of The company’s advertising, promotion While his professional performance Paramount Jazz Band as well and imagery, literally millions of career is now overshadowed by as the Wolverine Jazz band and people enjoyed the music and good- his administrative role with the also freelances with other groups time entertainment associated with museum, Baier continues a lifelong including the Yankee Rhythm the banjo because of Bob Snow’s quest for excellence in performance Kings, the Magnolia Jazz Five, and visionary efforts. and the elevation of the perception the Back Bay Ramblers. and musicality of the banjo. JANET DAVIS - Instruction JOHN HARTFORD - Historical & Education - Although most Following an evening of jams and - An internationally known multi- associated with the retail music socializing activity begins anew instrumentalist, singer, songwriter business which bore her name, it on Saturday, September 7th at and entertainer, John Hartford is in her role as a musical educator the American Banjo Museum. became the face of the banjo which Janet Davis has made her Beginning at noon, informal to a new generation during the most lasting contributions to the performances will take listeners 1960s. After penning the megahit banjo world. As part of the tiny through a virtual tour of the banjo’s Gentle On My Mind, Hartford music instrument and accessory long and colorful evolution. From was a regular guest on the Glen business which she began with Dixieland jazz styles of Hall of Fame Campbell Goodtime Hour as her husband, Jim, in 1978, Davis member, Lee Floyd to one-of-a-kind well as the Smothers Brothers began selling self-produced renditions from IBMA Banjo Player Comedy Hour, all of which gave instructional publications as well. of the Year, Ned Luberecki to the him the financial independence to Since then, after establishing unique classic banjo style of Ron pursue his passions of music and herself as a respected clinician and Hinkle to the bluegrass and beyond river boating. Always musically author, appearing at hundreds of five-string banjo fireworks of four- adventurous, Hartford was a musical events around the country time national banjo champion, co-founder of the Newgrass as well as regularly contributing to “Gary Biscuit” Davis, listeners movement in the late 1960’s while the Banjo Newsletter, Davis has will experience the banjo’s story remaining passionate and faithful evolved into one of the world’s presented by a veritable “whose to his roots in tradition music. With most prolific authors of banjo who” of performing artists. many songs left unsung, Hartford instructional publications, with over passed away in 2001 at the age of 100 titles published by Mel Bay The performance crown jewel of the 63. Publication alone. Continued on Page 7 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 3 Events

Well known visitors You never know who is going to walk in the doors of the American Banjo Museum on any given day. On a Sunday afternoon in June Steve Martin unexpectedly visited the Museum. Martin tweeted "...not enough . Har."

Also in June, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones visited the Museum with their stage crew. They enjoyed a guided tour of the museum including a behind the scene visit to archives.

Americana Fest 2019 Drive-In. This event was also made possible by a generous grant The American Banjo Museum's from the Oklahoma Arts Council. fourth annual Americana Fest featured great music, kids activities Thanks to the many volunteers that and fun for the entire family. made Americana Fest a success. Over 200 people attended the event on June 22nd to enjoy some amazing bands. This year's lineup performing in the event room on the second floor included Oklahoma's own Byron Berline and Steelwind along with the All Stars Youth Banjo Band from Houston, while Bill Bond and Wayne Cantwell performed on the first floor. Outdoor activities One of our youngest volunteers Several youth from Texas enjoying included kids arts and crafts, helps with cotton candy during the Learning Lounge. summertime treats, and a children's Americana Fest. stage hosted by News4's Rise and Shine personality Lucas Ross.

Throughout the day drawings were held for door prizes which included passes to the Oklahoma City Zoo, Myriad Gardens Crystal Bridge, tickets to Bela Fleck at Tower Theater, gift certificatest o Hudsons Public House and SONIC, as well as a grand prize for a brand new Deering Goodtime Banjo!

This year’s Americana Fest was sponsored by the Bricktown Association, BancFirst, KFOR- TV, and SONIC America’s Byron Berline Band performs during Americana Fest.

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care deeply. The American Banjo ABM Welcomes Jamie Herrera Museum is a remarkable place work with companies outside the and I hope to be another great state and internationally to move ambassador for this American to, or invest in, Oklahoma. treasure.

Before joining the Oklahoma I received my Master’s and Department of Commerce, I served Bachelor’s degrees from the as Director of Regulatory and University of Oklahoma. I am active Political Affairs for Chesapeake in Junior League of Oklahoma City, Energy Corporation where I man- Oklahoma Festival of the Arts, aged a portion of business devel- Leadership Oklahoma City, Positive opment specifically related to use Tomorrows, The Oklahoma City of natural gas for power generation Philharmonic and am a member of and industrial utilization as well as various leadership organizations. energy policy. Additionally, I worked to advance the company’s interests I am married to Norman Herrera, CEO of Sparq Natural Gas and Jamie Herrera in legislative and regulatory bodies across the United States. we enjoy visiting Major League Baseball stadiums and being Greetings! Thank you for allowing outdoors with our two Weimaraner me the opportunity to be a part of My role at the Museum is exceptionally exciting. It’s such a dogs - Tucker Tisdale and Paco the American Banjo Museum team Red. as Director of Development; what wonderful combination of the Arts a special gem this Museum is. in general, the Banjo in particular, Creativity, Community Involvement I very much look forward to The dedication of the musicians, meeting you all at BANJO FEST benefactors, staff and volunteers and Entrepreneurship. The energy in this building is extraordinary. in September if not before. Again, I to ensure this space became and thank you for this opportunity. remains a national treasure is Having spent nearing all my “free” time in volunteering in the nonprofit undisputable. As an Oklahoman, Gratefully, I am proud that this Museum is in space, I have spent a great deal of time raising funds and building Jamie J. Herrera Oklahoma City as I know there were Director of Development many options across the country in advocacy for entities for which I which its home could have been located. I am deeply grateful for the confidence that has been bestowed The Jim Bollman Collection upon me as Administrator and Jim Bollman has been researching Director of Development and I and collecting 19th century banjos hope I can meet or exceed your and other fretted instruments since expectations. the 1960s. Bollman has generously loaned some rare items to be on I grew up in Ada, Oklahoma. I played exhibit at the Museum through June piano, tried other instruments, 2020. Included in the exhibit are danced, performed in musicals and rare banjos, signs, photographs, sang in various choirs. I was taught figurines and toys. from a young age to appreciate the arts and was fortunate to grow up An exhibit opening Reflections in and around creative individuals of our Past - The Jim Bollman for which I will always be grateful. Collection will be held Thursday, September 5 during the BANJO Prior to joining the ABM team, I FEST Welcome Reception 6-10 served as the Deputy Secretary PM. Then on Friday, September and Chief of Staff for the Oklahoma 6th at 2 PM Bollman will be present Department of Commerce where I for a Q&A session on his extensive had the privilege of helping existing collection. Oklahoma companies expand and Jim Bollman AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 5 Support

capital for my cultural contributions Better know a board member on June 6th 2006. That was a day Q: Do you remember the first song I’ll never forget. Because of those you learned? opportunities I was able to get my A: Yes! ’s Stagolee! I green card. My compositions were had his blue How to Play the Five- reviewed by Berklee and Juilliard in String Banjo book. That book was front of a court. , Ricky our Bible. Skaggs and others wrote letters on my behalf to help me gain citizenship. Q: How were you introduced to Going from being a street musician Seeger? in Europe to an American citizen, A: My mother was a kindergarten I’m most proud of that. teacher and one of her students had an American father who was a Q: How did you become connected G.I. from New York. He introduced with the American Banjo Museum? us to Seeger, taught us how to play A: Johnny Baier came to see folk music. us perform at Byron Berline’s bluegrass festival in Guthrie. He Q: As you became an adult how did invited us to the Museum. I’ll never you continue to perform? When did forget Johnny driving us down. It Jens Kruger you come to the United States? was such a fascinating day. I’ve A: For a long time my brother and seen lots of great banjos but when Q: Tell us about your early I lived on the streets and played I got to see all the cases in the experiences with the banjo. How where ever we could. We lived on basement of the Museum that’s were you first introduced to the trains, overnighting from Berlin to a whole different story. I love the instrument? Paris back and forth until we got a connection to the people who played A: I heard instruments very early contract deal at 18. That changed the instruments. Some have cases on, about seven years old. In everything. with stickers from India and other Switzerland, I came from a very places, they’re time capsules! Then musical household. My mother Q: Since then you have won many I was asked to be part of the board. played accordion and my father awards and accolades. From While my plate is very full from played harmonica. We had a tenor playing the Grand Ole Opry with performing (120 shows in America banjo but the neck was broken as Bill Monroe to winning the Steve alone this year!) composing, and my father had sat on it! I always Martin banjo award. working with the Deering family loved the sound of banjo. Dixieland A: I loved getting to play with Bill in developing banjos- I took it on. was prominent at the time, but what I Monroe, my wife and I even lived Even if I wasn’t on the board, I heard first was bluegrass: a version on his farm for a bit! Bill only ever would be part of it. I’m just part of of John Henry. As a kid I didn’t make introduced two banjo players that the banjo. To be associated with the distinction between four-string weren’t in his band: Earl Scruggs the Museum makes me so happy! or five-string. Nothing was better and me. He would often remind me than the other. I still feel that way of that! I got to meet Chet Atkins Q: What do you hope to see in today! I remember listening to the and even hug Dolly Parton! Getting the future of the American Banjo Firehouse Five Plus Two and how the Steve Martin prize changed our Museum? happy the sound made me feel as career. We got to play the David A: I hope the banjo will be identified a child. George Lewis’ live albums Letterman show. Millions of people as America’s true instrument- one were a big influence as well. watched that. Whether they liked that more will try and play. I hope our kind of music or not it gave us things like BANJO FEST continue Q: How old were you when you first a legitimacy. to grow to where there’s multiple started playing? stages and concerts all over town! A: By the time I was nine I started Q: Is there a moment you are most For people to take pride in the playing. Once I picked it up, I never proud of? You have full permission instrument that’s the idea. It’s not stopped. My friends and I put a jug- to brag!! our country’s politics that attract band together in fourth grade after A: I have been commissioned to people, it’s the idea of America. seeing it on Sesame Street. Soon I score music for national parks, The banjo is this idea. Seeger was playing with Dixieland bands. Chamber music, arts endowments used it as a symbol, a lifestyle. To At ten years old I got my first paying and more. When I received a me the banjo is the celebration of gig as a banjo player with the Swiss package from Washington D.C. the American idea - not political: National Radio Orchestra. with the flag they had flown over the humanistic. 6 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Support

Afterglow Party, attendees will Renew your commitment enjoy other informal performances Changing the strings on my banjo If you are reading this, then I and jamming sessions. Open to the always gives me a feeling of renewal know you have already made a public, BANJO FEST tickets can be and recommitment, I know that commitment by a donation to support purchased by calling the American sounds corny, but think about that for the Museum, so let me say THANK Banjo Museum at 405-604-2793 or a moment. Taking off the old strings YOU VERY MUCH! for your support online at www.banjofest2019.com. and putting on new ones renews the and now I am asking you to renew sound and the feel of your banjo. that commitment. Your support is The Holiday Inn Express Bricktown The old strings were tired and had vital to our success, “Change the at 101 E Main Street, Oklahoma lost the ability to produce the quality Strings”, and help us be the very City, is host hotel for BANJO of sound that your banjo needs to be best we can be at your American FEST with a discounted room its best. Banjo Museum. rate of $129 when using group code BFM. Reservations can be Paul Poirier , ABM Board Member By that simple act of changing made by calling 405-778-8101 or strings, you have given your banjo 800-315-2621 the ability to sound and perform at its very best. You have renewed the ABM Membership banjo and recommitted to continue The American Banjo Museum playing the instrument for the Give Today www.americanbanjomuseum.com wishes to recognize and thank foreseeable future. new members and those that have renewed their membership the The same is true when you make a second quarter of 2019. new donation to the American Banjo BANJO FEST Museum. When you make a new Continued from page 3 Individual Membership donation, you are renewing your Eric Harold Affsprung commitment to support the mission, weekend takes place on Saturday Bill Brisotti facilities and staff of the Museum. evening, September 7th when the Alma Cochran Your donations help us keep the fourth annual BANJO FEST concert Ethan Garrett Museum in top shape, performing takes the stage at the Performing Roy Hill at its best to fulfill our mission to Arts Theater at the Oklahoma Sue Kern Preserve, Present and Promote the City Community College. Starring Karen Lennox Banjo. Grammy award winning banjo Steven Loggie virtuoso, Alison Brown and her Marty Sigwing Because of members and support- Quintet; Grand Ole Opry stars, The Glady Zwink ers like you, we have been able to Grascals (featuring 2018 Steve move our mission forward. Just think Martin Prize winner, Kristin Scott Couple Membership of the accomplishments of the past Benson), and jazz banjo virtuoso Roger & Ellie Burns few years, the Learning Lounge, Buddy Wachter & Johnny Baier Don & Marlene Dempsey Jim Henson – Life & Legacy exhib- – Side By Side, BANJO FEST Mike & Deb Hignite it, (with and banjo), promises an unforgettable night Bill & Nancy Majors the Jim Bollman Collection exhibit, of music and entertainment from Bobby & Peggy McBryde Americana Fest, BANJO FEST, and legendary members of the banjo Kelly McCallay & Michelle so much more including many fu- world. Following the concert, the Montgomery ture exhibits and functions planned BANJO FEST weekend is capped Joseph & Anne Prezio for the future. These are what make off with a post-concert afterglow Charles & Melanie Speer the Museum come alive and able to party at the American Banjo Michael & Jeannine Stein be interesting and vibrant to not just Museum beginning at 10 PM. banjo players, but to people of all To become a member, gift a ages. It only happens because peo- In addition to the Welcome membership, or upgrade a current ple like you are committed to seeing Reception, Hall of Fame Gala, membership call 405-604-2793 or it happen and support the Museum performances at the Museum, visit www.americanbanjomuseum. both physically and financially. BANJO FEST Concert, and com. AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 7 9 East Sheridan Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73104

September 5-7 . . . Make your Reservation TODAY!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2 PM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1 PM Upcoming Events... Banjos in Space Celtic Open Jam A family friendly music, puppet, banjo, Join other players for a Celtic Open Jam JULY variety show that will take you on a musical Session. Free admission when you bring SATURDAY, JULY 13, 1 PM journey into outer space. Under 16 free, an instrument and participate. Performance adults half-price. Wayne Cantwell will perform traditional OCTOBER music of the open prairie on banjo, fiddle, SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 1 PM and mountain dulcimer. Performance is free Bluegrass Open Jam WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 12 PM with museum admission. Join other Bluegrass players for an Open Brown Bag-it with Banjos Jam Session. Free admission when you Bring your sack lunch and enjoy a live SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2 PM bring an instrument and participate. performance during your lunch hour. Pick-A-Tune with Lucas For those that have never played the banjo SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 1 PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1 PM and wanted to try, come “Learn to Pick Celtic Open Jam Ukulele Open Jam a Tune with Lucas”. Limited seating, by Join other players for a Celtic Open Jam Join other players for a Ukulele Open Jam reservation only! Session. Free admission when you bring Session. Free admission when you bring an instrument and participate. an instrument and participate. AUGUST SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 1 PM SEPTEMBER Performance WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 12 PM Wayne Cantwell will perform traditional Brown Bag-it with Banjos music of the open prairie on banjo, fiddle, Bring your sack lunch and enjoy a live and mountain dulcimer. Performance is free performance during your lunch hour. with museum admission. THURS-SAT, SEPTEMBER 5-7 SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2 PM BANJO FEST Pick-A-Tune with Lucas Thursday - Welcome Reception For those that have never played the banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn to Pick Friday - HOF Dinner Gala a Tune with Lucas”. Limited seating, by Saturday - BANJO FEST Concert reservation only! SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2 PM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 12 PM Brown Pick-A-Tune with Lucas Bag-it with Banjos For those that have never played the banjo Bring your sack lunch and enjoy a live and wanted to try, come “Learn to Pick a performance during your lunch hour. Tune with Lucas”. By reservation only!