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American Museum Quarterly Spring 2017

2017 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Inside . . .

2017 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

John McEuen Paul Erickson Joel Walker Tony Trischka From The Director Five-String Four-String Sweeney Promotion Instruction & Performance Performance Historical Education Donors Save The American Banjo Museum in the Hall of Fame should evolve as well. the Day Oklahoma City is pleased to announce As such, in 2013, the ABM Board of the 2017 inductees into the American Directors voted to establish an annual ABM Membership Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. performance category to honor all styles of five-string banjo playing as well as Mardi Gras Blows The National Four-String Banjo Hall of opening the other previously four-string into the ABM Fame was established in 1998 to honor banjo exclusive non-performance cate- jazz age four-string banjo pioneers as gories to all types of . With this Open Jam Sessions well as the contemporary artists, educa- move the American Banjo Museum Hall at the ABM tors, manufacturers and promoters who of Fame was established. Suggestions carried on the traditions of their prede- for nomination in the categories of America's Super cessors. The American Banjo Museum Four-String Performance, Five-String Picker Roy Clark was, in its infancy, an extension of that Performance, Historical, Education & Hall of Fame. In the years preceding Instruction, Design & Manufacture and New Faces at 2014, the Hall of Fame honored 71 in- Promotion may be made by any mem- the ABM dividuals and entities in the four-string ber of the ABM association. Based on banjo world whose career accomplish- these suggestions, nominations are Better Know a ments might have otherwise gone un- made by the Board of Directors and Board Member recognized. As the museum grew and are then forwarded to the voting body evolved to embrace all types of banjos - which consists of the museum board, Upcoming Events and playing styles, it became clear that living members of the Hall of Fame and Continued on page 3

SAVE THE DATE AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION September 7-9, 2017 From the Director

enthusiasm soon gave way to the reality that Roy Clark is a truly once- in-a-world performer who simply could not be matched or equaled. While accepted that nobody but Roy Clark could be Roy Clark, he did provide several generations of performers with inspiration as well as a performance template 9 East Sheridan Ave. with which they could please just Oklahoma City, OK 73104 about any audience. Like many 405-604-2793 such performers, quite simply put, www.AmericanBanjoMuseum.com I would not be who or where I am if it weren’t for Roy Clark. Given my MISSION great admiration, getting a chance The mission of the American to work with the man himself in a Banjo Museum is to preserve and project aimed at sharing the story What do you do for a living? In my promote the music and heritage of of his incredible life and career case, I am blessed in making my America’s instrument: the banjo. with American Banjo Museum living doing something which I love visitors has been a delight and the to do. Never was this more apparent thrill of a lifetime. His kind, “never STAFF than during the recent months of met a stranger” attitude coupled Johnny Baier, Executive Director preparing for our new exhibition, with a keen memory of every Margie Smith-Robbins, Assistant America’s Super Picker – ROY important professional milestone Administrator CLARK. As an aspiring banjo player during his career resulted in a Dustin Pyeatt, Development & and entertainer in the 1970s, to me candid and engaging portrait of Outreach Manager Roy Clark represented the highest one of America’s most beloved Janet Raines, Sales & Marketing standards in both musicianship stars. As I admire the result of our Sherril Mitchell, Reception and showmanship – all perfectly collaboration and the story it tells, I Ellie Mowery, Administrative blended into one unique performer. can’t help but humbly reflect on the Assistant I fondly recall watching Roy play his unique privileges that just “doing banjo on every Saturday my job” sometimes affords, being BOARD OF DIRECTORS night before heading out to play so grateful for what I do for a living. Dr. Bob Alexius, Austin, TX my banjo at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, always hoping that someday “that Johnny Baier, Executive Director Jack Canine, The Villages, FL would be me.” Such youthful Lester Cowden, Jr., Oklahoma City, OK Juston Givens, Oklahoma City, OK Roger Hale, Coeur D’Alene, ID Donors Save the Day! Jens Kruger, N. Wilkesboro, NC You are our hero. Yes, you! Your support of the American Banjo Museum Donald Lewis, Whitney, TX makes everything we do possible. Without you, would shut and Michael Mason, O'Fallon, MO the music would stop. To us, you’re more than just a “donor” or a “mem- Jack Murphy, Oklahoma City, OK ber.” You’re a super special human being and your generous heart is what makes everything we do possible. Brian Newsom, Milford, MI Doug Parsons, Waynesville, OH By supporting the only museum in the world dedicated to America’s in- Paul Poirier, Seekonk, MA strument, the banjo, recognize how precious our mission is. You see the Danny Rubio, Kenner, LA importance of preserving these rare instruments, these musical works of Devin Tower, Ormond Beach, FL art. Your support makes it possible for us to rescue the history of this instrument.

Stand tall, let your cape blow in the wind and know that you are this museum’s hero! 2 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Hall of Fame

2017 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced interactive, online instruction- al site that is the banjo home for Continued from page 1 was often claimed, Joel Walker students from around the world. lifetime members of the ABM asso- Sweeney played a pivotal role in in- John McEuen, Paul Erickson, ciation. Like past recipients, Hall troducing and popularizing the ban- Roy Clark, Tony Trischka and Joel of Fame honorees for 2017 have jo in American culture in the mid- Walker Sweeney will be inducted each displayed a lifelong commit- 1800s. After learning to play banjo into the American Banjo Museum ment to the banjo in one of five from slaves near his father’s farm, Hall of Fame during gala ceremo- categories. The American Banjo Sweeney toured as a solo enter- nies to be held atop the fabulous Museum Hall of Fame inductees tainer both in the and Devon Tower on Friday, September for 2017 are: England prior to becoming the most popular banjoist of the Minstrel Era. 8, 2017 in Oklahoma City. The fol- lowing day, informal performances JOHN McEUEN - Five-String Sweeney is undoubtedly the most as well as a very special BANJO Performance - A founding mem- significant individual in early banjo FEST evening concert perfor- ber of the , history. mance will take place at the ABM McEuen is a pioneering five-string as well as the Hudiburg Chevrolet banjo stylist as well as multi-instru- ROY CLARK - Promotion - Performing Arts Center at Rose mentalist and vocalist with over Unquestionably one of the most State College. 40 to his credit. From his important figures in the popular- role in the iconic Will The Circle Be ization of American , All American Banjo Museum Hall Unbroken LP to countless award Roy Clark’s sixty-year career has of Fame weekend events are open winning recordings, concerts and positively exposed the banjo to lit- to the public. For tickets and more radio and television appearances erally hundreds of millions of peo- info visit: www.americanbanjomu- (including his own SirusXM radio ple. Best known as the comic host seum.com or call 405-604-2793. show, Acoustic Traveler), McEuen of the Hee Haw television program, has likely shared his unique and Clark’s banjo skills have influenced ABM Membership musical banjo voice with a larger several generations of Bluegrass audience than any other contem- and country musicians. But more The American Banjo Museum porary banjo figure. than this, his non-stop concerts wishes to recognize and thank new (including historic diplomatic tours members and those that have re- to the Soviet Union), television ap- newed their membership the first PAUL ERICKSON - Four-String quarter of 2017. Performance - Not too long ago pearances and recordings display thought of as one of the younger an unabashed joy in playing the Individual Membership generation of four-string artists banjo and entertaining which has Beth Adams carrying the torch of the jazz age resulted in countless new banjo Nita Kaye Adams Roger Burns pioneers, Erickson has matured fans around the world. Alma Cochran into a unique and highly respected TONY TRISCHKA - Instruction George S. Flink tenor banjo stylist. Built upon Roy Hill & Education - Trischka is consid- an exceedingly light touch, fluid Sue Kern ered to be the consummate banjo motion and a distinctively jazz- Janice O'Bryan flavored approach, Erickson’s artist and perhaps the most influ- J.T. Scruggs style is equally at ease with showy ential banjo player in the roots mu- Donelda Wheatley banjo standards as it is with tender sic world. In addition to his work Couple Membership ballads. As a soloist or part of a and reputation as a performer, composer, arranger and produc- Lance & Marilou McLean swinging Dixieland style ensemble, Marty & Susan Sigwing Paul Erickson reflects the highest er, Trischka is one of the world’s standard in musicianship, personal most respected and sought after Lifetime Membership style and banjo traditions. banjo instructors, creating fifteen Lowell Greathouse instructional books as well as a se- JOEL WALKER SWEENEY (1819 ries of DVDs. In 2009, he launched To become a member, gift a mem- - 1860) - Historical - Although the groundbreaking Tony Trischka bership, or upgrade your current not the “inventor of the banjo” as School of Banjo, an advanced, membership call 405-604-2793.

AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 3 Events Mardi Gras Blows into the American Banjo Museum The sounds of the Crescent City filled the American Banjo Museum during the second annual Mardi Gras Event on February 25th.

The good times rolled from 6 to 9 p.m. as nearly 100 revelers donned beads and masks and grabbed a glass of refreshing Hurricane. With music provided by the Jass Band (with special guest banjo player, Johnny Baier), those in attendance were also treated to southern cuisine including Jass Band also performed for reg- sausage gumbo, red beans & rice, ular museum goers from 3 to 4 pm. cornbread muffins and apple raisin pound cake with praline glaze. New to this year’s event was a Wine Pull with one bottle containing Prior to the event, the Jambalaya a $100 gift card. Sponsors of the Wine Pull included: Texadelphia, Bricktown Brewery, Henry Hudson’s Public House, Put A Cork In It Winery, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, Abuelo’s in Bricktown, Ellie Mowery and Lester Cowden.

And, everyone got a sneak peek at the new exhibit, “America’s Super Picker: Roy Clark.” It was a great night for everyone, no fan boats required!

Open Jam Sessions at the ABM The American Banjo Museum has hosted some great local acts as well as the biggest names in music, but, it’s the homegrown pickers and strummers than are the backbone of banjo music. During our new series of open jam sessions, the spirit and fun of playing with friends on the front porch is alive and well. The open jam ses- sions are the first Saturday each month and rotate between four-string, old time, ukulele and bluegrass jams. Admission is free when you bring an instrument and participate in the jam! Grab your instrument, tune up and come make some new friends!

Check out the event calendar for upcoming jam sessions!

4 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM New Exhibit

Taking the best from an impover- his nearly 400 episodes of “pickin’ ished childhood and developing and grinnin’” with Buck Owens, innate talent into international su- Clark’s life and career has taken perstardom, the life and career of many interesting twists and turns. the man known as America’s Super His recent honor of being named Picker, Roy Clark is celebrated in a Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador new exhibit at the American Banjo for Children by the Oklahoma Museum. House of Representatives is reflec- tive of Clark’s lifetime of milestones and accomplishments: Multiple Entertainer of the Year awards from both the CMA and ACM; Grammy winning hit recordings; Guest ap- pearances on countless television programs – including frequent guest hosting duties on the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson; Honors as new exhibit entitled, AMERICA’S the first country artist to appear in SUPER PICKER – ROY CLARK concert in the Soviet Union; and, opening March 15, 2017 at countless tours, taking his music to the American Banjo Museum. his favorite place – the live perfor- Scheduled to run through March mance stage. of 2018, the exhibition chronicles the entire spectrum of Clark’s mu- Born with music in his heart in Through his own words, artifacts of sical life - from his earliest musical Meherrin, Virginia in 1933, Roy Clark his career – including his very first exploits to performing with Brad is best remembered and loved as , and rare photographs from Paisley on the nationally televised the co-host of the long-running tele- his personal collection, Roy Clark Country Music Association awards vision musical comedy program, shares what only can be described program in 2016. Hee Haw. But before and since as an amazing life and career in a

AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 5 Support New Faces at the American Banjo Museum

Alma Cochran Karen Lennox Bill Elliott When you visit the American Banjo Karen Lennox comes to the 40 years. He proudly brought his Museum you may see a few new American Banjo Museum after Imperial banjo to work with him on people. At the American Banjo nearly two decades with Devon his first day and kindly played for Museum, we pride ourselves on Energy, Inc. where she was re- a family visiting the museum from our wonderful volunteers. And sponsible for monitoring 1,600 Texas. we’re proud to have added some wells in the Ft. Worth Basin. new smiling faces. Karen Lennox, Elliott’s favorite banjo player is Earl Alma Cochran and Bill Elliott have Lennox also worked for the Scruggs. When he’s not playing joined our volunteer team as they Oklahoma Department of Public the banjo, Elliott enjoys cycling. He work the reception desk and greet Safety, the Oklahoma Department participates in cycling tours and his visitors. of Transportation, the State longest bicycle ride is 500 miles in Corporation Commission, and the one week. One of those smiles belongs to University of Oklahoma Medical Alma Cochran. Cochran comes to Center, Oklahoma City. “I enjoy playing the banjo and I’m us after 40 years as a registered recently retired,” said Elliott. “I want- nurse. She has worked in the med- “I always walked by the museum ed to help out in the community!” ical field in Kansas, Oklahoma and and I thought, ‘someday I’m going even Hawaii. At one time Cochran to go in and see what it’s about,’” served as the Vice President of said Lennox. “Little did I know that Nursing at University of Oklahoma I’d be volunteering here someday.” Americana Fest Medical Center. A day of fun, food and Like Alma Cochran, Lennox was re- entertainment for the family. Cochran was recruited from the cruited from the Oklahoma Retired Oklahoma Retired Citizens Travel Citizens Travel Club. Saturday, June 24 Club. 11 am-5:30 pm As for how she likes her new vol- “Janet Raines asked if I knew any- unteer gig, Lennox said, “I love it! I Looking to our museum one who would volunteer and I really like banjo music. And every- friends and members for said, ‘me!’,” said Cochran. “I was one is so nice.” looking for something different after I lost my husband two years ago. I Bill Elliott is recently retired from Volunteers even got Karen (Lennox) involved!” Haliburton where he spent thir- ty-five years working as a computer 3 1/2 hour shifts Cochran also has a musical back- programmer. Sign up with a friend! ground of her own. “I played oboe, trumpet, percussion and and Elliott, who was born and raised Please call 405-604-2793 I started singing when I was only in Oklahoma City, has also played or email six years old.” the five-string banjo for the past [email protected] 6 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Support

at Linwood University’s School Better Know a Board Member of Humanities. Do you ever bring your banjo to class and play during It wasn’t until I joined the St. Louis a lecture? Banjo Club and met other four- string players that I began to play a A: Several years ago the Dean little more seriously. of Humanities told me that I had to teach our Religion in America Q: What made you want to serve course in the summer session. on the American Banjo Museum’s Board of Directors? So, since I had been studying the history of the banjo reflected in the A: It was in meeting other four- minstrels shows, classical banjo string players that I got involved in performances, Vaudeville, and the conventions and jazz gatherings. Roarin’ 20’s, I offered to teach a I began to realize that the banjo course on the effect of the banjo community is like one big family on American religious culture from that gets together on occasion and the Great Awakening in the 1700’s Michael Mason enjoys the music and the company. to the 1920’s. I offered that sugges- This is a series where we will in- tion as a joke and it has become troduce you to members of the One of my favorite venues was the one of my and the students’ favor- American Banjo Museum’s Board Guthrie Jazz Banjo Festival. And, ite courses. of Directors. In this column, we get I got to be familiar with the Banjo to know Michael Mason! Museum. Q: If you didn’t play the banjo, what other instrument do you wish you Q: Easy question first, four-string or After a purchase of a large collec- knew how to play? And, do you five-string? tion of banjos by the museum, I play any other instruments? remember seeing dozens of ban- A: I lost my harmonica several A: I grew up listening to the ban- jos stacked in corners and leaning years ago and keep meaning to jo in groups like the New Christy against the stage. When Sandy replace it. But it may be better for Minstrels, the Kingston Trio, the Singleton approached me and people’s hearing if I don’t. I also Chad Mitchell Trio and others. That asked me if I would be interested in have spoons and bones, but am is the sound I had in my head. While serving on the board as they con- not all that good on them. I started taking guitar lessons at a local mu- sidered a new museum location, I playing a lap and I used sic store, I saved my pennies and didn’t hesitate. to have a stand-up bass, but I’ve the owner sold me my first banjo. long since forgotten most of what I He was an old Vaudeville player Q: Where do you see the museum knew on them. and he sold me a four-string tenor going in the future? banjo. I had no idea what I had. The expansion and growth of the I do go back often and pick up one of my first loves, the six-string guitar. Q: How long have you played the museum in the past five years has banjo? been incredible to watch and to be a part of. With the inclusion of five- Q: What’s something you wish people who have never visited the A: That was in high school, back in string, bluegrass, classical banjo museum knew about it? the dark ages and my mother didn’t and early banjos, the museum is like the noise in the house. But the becoming more of a voice for the That is a tough question because store owner had promised me that whole, broad history and heritage there is so much to see and know. if I bought a banjo from him, he of the banjo. I see this continuing. And I realize that I am unashamed- would give me free lessons for as ly biased. But the artistry, the his- long as I wanted. He gave me two And maybe the American Banjo tory, the influence of the banjo on lessons and died of a heart attack. Museum can help usher in a “New American culture and the effect of I didn’t think I was that bad! Roarin’ 20’s” in the next decade and a half. Heaven knows we could use musical performances on our his- tory may be at times overwhelming But as many other people have some optimism, joy, and happiness for a first time visitor. Maybe they said, family, career, and the pres- in our culture and in our music. need to know that they have to sures of life kept me from playing come more than once. all that much. Q: You’re a professor of Religion AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 7 9 East Sheridan Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73104

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2 PM Education Upcoming Events For those that have never played Open Jam Session. Free admis- the banjo and wanted to try, come April sion when you bring an instrument “Learn to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1 PM and participate in the Jam Session. Limited seating, by reservation Old Style Open Jam only! Join other Ukulele players for an SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2 PM Open Jam Session. Free admis- Education SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 11AM-5 PM sion when you bring an instrument For those that have never played Americana Fest and participate in the Jam Session. the banjo and wanted to try, come Fun for the entire family! Enjoy a “Learn to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. day of food, fun, and entertainment SATURDAY, April 22, 2 PM Limited seating, by reservation for one low price. Adults $10, fifteen Education only! and under free w/accompanying For those that have never played adult. the banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. June Limited seating, by reservation SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 1 PM July only! Bluegrass Open Jam SATURDAY, JULY 1, 1 PM Join other Bluegrass players for an Four-String Open Jam Open Jam Session. Free admis- Join other four-string players for an May sion when you bring an instrument Open Jam Session. Free admis- SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1 PM and participate in the Jam Session. sion when you bring an instrument Ukulele Open Jam and participate in the Jam Session. Join other Ukulele players for an For more information on events call 405-604-2793 or email [email protected]