American Museum Quarterly Winter 2019

2019 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Inside . . .

2019 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced Alison Brown Jimmy Mazzy John Hartford Bob Snow / Rosie Janet Davis Five-String Four-String Historical O'Grady's Instruction & Performance Performance Promotion Education From the Director Each year since 1998 has afforded the American Banjo Museum Hall of Annual Candy Cane the American Banjo Museum the Fame was established. Suggestions Christmas Concert opportunity to honor the best of the best for nomination in the categories of in our banjo world with induction into the Four-String Performance, Five-String What visitors are American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. Performance, Historical, Education & saying Originally established as The National Instruction, Design & Manufacture and Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame, early Promotion may be made at any time by ABM Community honorees were jazz age four-string banjo any member of the ABM association. Outreach & pioneers as well as the contemporary Based on these suggestions, Promotion artists, educators, manufacturers and nominations are made by the Board of Coordinator promoters who carried on the traditions Directors and are then forwarded to the voting body consisting of the museum Better Know a of their predecessors. The museum Board Member itself was, in its infancy, an extension of board, living members of the Hall of the Hall of Fame. In the years preceding Fame and lifetime members of the ABM Become a 2014, more than 70 individuals and association. Like past recipients, Hall Sustaining Donor entities in the four-string banjo world of Fame honorees for 2019 have each whose career accomplishments might displayed a lifelong commitment to the ABM Membership have otherwise gone unrecognized banjo in one of five categories. The were recognized by the Hall of Fame. As American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame Upcoming Events time passed and the museum grew to inductees for 2019 are: embrace all types of and playing styles, it became clear that the Hall of ALISON BROWN - Five-String Fame should evolve as well. As such, in Performance - Born in Hartford, 2013, the ABM Board of Directors voted Connecticut, Brown began playing to establish an annual performance banjo at the age of ten. After winning the category to honor all styles of five- Canadian National Banjo Championship string banjo playing as well as opening and appearing at the Grand Ole Opry, the other previously four-string banjo she attended Harvard University and, exclusive non-performance categories in 1987, was asked to join Union to all types of banjos. With this move Station. Brown spent three years with Continued on page 3 From the Director

music – as well as the instruments and objects related to them – are portals to a past which is common to us all. Our instruments – as impossible to fully appreciate in a digital form as would be any other work of visual art – excite the senses of both sight and sound and, while inanimate in their cases, 9 East Sheridan Ave. come to life when played, providing Oklahoma City, OK 73104 a life fulfilling energy to museum 405-604-2793 visitors in the process. Our varied www.AmericanBanjoMuseum.com collections tell of history in multiple layers…while a certain banjo may MISSION The mission of the American play the music of a particular era, Banjo Museum is to preserve ARE MUSEUMS supporting text and images put and promote the banjo while that instrument and its music into expanding appreciation and NECESSARY? historical context, encouraging understanding of its history and reflection upon the sociological music. As we prepared to open the trends which have shaped the American Banjo Museum’s new banjo’s long and colorful evolution. STAFF facility in Oklahoma City in 2009, In addition to museum exhibits Johnny Baier, Executive Director we contacted a number of living themselves, our Learning Lounge Margie Smith-Robbins, Assistant banjo icons, inviting them to is a singularly unique resource Administrator attend our grand opening. Among allowing both the tactile experience Janet Raines, Sales & Marketing them was who of holding and playing different Sherril Mitchell, Reception commented, “Does the world need types of banjos as well as the Ellie Burns, Administrative a banjo museum?” Paraphrase that opportunity to peruse the museum Assistant comment to read, “Does the world collections and library. While we Lucas Ross, Community Outreach need museums?” and you will better take the fulfillment of our mission & Promotion Coordinator understand the ongoing challenge very seriously, an American Banjo that museums in general – and Museum visitor experience is – by BOARD OF DIRECTORS specialty museums in particular – the banjo’s generally joyful nature – Dr. Bob Alexius, Austin, TX face in justifying their very existence. one of light hearted, yet passionate, Lester Cowden, Jr., Oklahoma City, Critics complain that museums are education and enlightenment. OK often irrelevant, costly, boring, out Granted, many museum visitors Juston Givens, Oklahoma City, OK of date facilities which they have have no idea what to expect when Jens Kruger, N. Wilkesboro, NC been, via social pressure, forced to they walk through our doors, it Donald Lewis, Whitney, TX attend and would rather be doing is an almost universal response Michael Mason, O'Fallon, MO anything else. They comment that that they leave with a newfound John Mumford, Centennial, CO most museums display artifacts understanding and appreciation Jack Murphy, Oklahoma City, OK which are of little general interest of both the banjo as a musical Brian Newsom, Milford, MI and the contextual history of those instrument as well as the history Doug Parsons, Waynesville, OH objects is lost amidst exhibits which which has shaped its identity as Paul Poirier, Seekonk, MA would be better served by online America’s Instrument. So, Mr. Danny Rubio, New Orleans, LA virtual museums. To these critics Seeger, to posthumously answer I respectfully respond, “Visit the your question, “Yes!” American Banjo Museum.” While Johnny Baier the banjo is, alas, an instrument of Executive Director 2 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM specialized interest, its history and Hall of Fame

Comedy Hour, all of which gave Since then, after establishing Hall of Fame him the financial independence to herself as a respected clinician and Continued from page 1 pursue his passions of music and author, appearing at hundreds of riverboating. Always musically musical events around the country Union Station and was named adventurous, Hartford was a as well as regularly contributing to the International Bluegrass Music co-founder of the Newgrass the Banjo Newsletter, Davis has Association “Banjo Player of the movement the late 1960’s while evolved into one of the world’s Year” in 1991. The 1990 album I've remaining passionate and faithful most prolific authors of banjo Got That Old Feeling, which Brown to his roots in tradition music. With instructional publications, with over played banjo on, won a Grammy many songs left unsung, Hartford 100 titles published by Mel Bay and saw her gravitating toward a passed away in 2001 at the age of Publication alone. blend of bluegrass with jazz and 63. folk idioms in a manner similar Alison Brown, Jimmy Mazzy, John to those of Béla Fleck and David BOB SNOW / ROSIE O’GRADY’S Hartford, Bob Snow and Janet Grisman. In addition to performing, - Promotion - In 1972 a former Davis will be inducted into the Brown is a co-founder of Compass Navy pilot and Dixieland jazz American Banjo Museum Hall of records and has cultivated an trumpet player named Bob Snow Fame during gala ceremonies to impressive repertoire as a record opened a jazz club called Rosie be held on Friday, September 6th, producer. O’Grady’s in a derelict area of 2019 in Oklahoma City as part of the downtown Pensacola, Florida American Banjo Museum’s BANJO JIMMY MAZZY - Four-String and established a prototype for FEST weekend. In addition to the Performance - Mazzy is one of urban entertainment complexes Hall of Fame gala, BANJO FEST America's best known traditional around the country. Snow’s own will include informal performances, jazz banjoists and vocalists and version of the concept known as jamming, parties and a very special has been a popular attraction in Church Street Station in Orlando, BANJO FEST concert. With details the traditional jazz circuit since Florida opened in 1974 with Rosie of this fun-filled weekend still in the the 1970s. Mazzy has performed O’Grady’s Goodtime Jazz Band works, save the dates of September extensively in the United States setting the tempo for years to come. 5-7, 2019 for BANJO FEST 2019 in and worldwide, regularly appearing With the banjo being prominently Oklahoma City. at jazz festivals including the featured in tens of thousands of Sacramento, San Diego, Essex, shows at Rosie O’Grady’s as well and several Connecticut festivals. as in the company’s advertising, 2019 UPCOMING Mazzy is a member of The promotion and imagery, literally EVENTS Paramount Jazz Band as well millions of people enjoyed the as the Wolverine Jazz band and music and good-time entertainment Krewe de Banjo also freelances with other groups associated with the banjo because Mardi Gras Party including the Yankee Rhythm of Bob Snow’s visionary efforts. March 2, 2019 Kings, the Magnolia Jazz Five, and the Back Bay Ramblers. JANET DAVIS - Instruction Alan Munde / Tim May & Education - Although most Concert JOHN HARTFORD - Historical associated with the retail music April 19, 2019 - An internationally known multi- business which bore her name, it Americana Fest instrumentalist, singer, songwriter is in her role as a musical educator June 22, 2019 and entertainer, John Hartford which Janet Davis has made her became the face of the banjo most lasting contributions to the BANJO FEST to a new generation during the banjo world. As part of the tiny September 5-7, 2019 1960s. After penning the megahit music instrument and accessory Gentle On My Mind, Hartford business which she began with SAVE THE DATE was a regular guest on the Glenn her husband, Jim, in 1978, Davis MARK YOUR Campbell Goodtime Hour as began selling self-produced well as the Smothers Brothers instructional publications as well. CALENDAR AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 3 Events Annual Candy Cane Christmas Concert December 9th marked the third annual Candy Cane Christmas Concert at the American Banjo Museum. It's only fit that the Christmas event be deemed "Candy Cane" as the historical building where the American Banjo Museum is was once home to the Bunte Candy Company.

The Christmas Concert is a community event that benefits the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner which provides toys and meals to over 5,000 in Oklahoma City. During the day free admission was given to those that brought an unwrapped toy to donate to the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner.

The afternoon began with the Okie Dokies performing holiday melodies prior to Johnny Baier, ABM Executive Director playing Christmas favorites as attendees sang along. The afternoon ended with Santa Claus wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and getting each child's Christmas list.

of fun to learn about the history of What visitors are the banjo in American music and to saying... see how it has developed over the years. I enjoyed hearing live music Facebook Comments on the day I visited and chatting Noah Howard - I was very with the performers. I play the impressed with the American Banjo ukulele, so I also loved the banjolele Museum! The staff are very friendly exhibit. I also participated in one and eager to share their knowledge. of their "Learn to Pick a Tune with Whether you are a banjo novice Lucas" sessions where I learned or an enthusiast, you will have an the basics of playing a banjo. I had enjoyable experience! a terrific time, and will definitely return to see new exhibits and live Sue Jansons-Glover - This place performances at the museum in the is awesome! The banjos are super future! cool and the staff is the best! I highly Tom & Suellen Moore, of Perrysburg recommend going here! Jan Mareska - The place is really Ohio, just completed visiting ALL fascinating! I loved the 50 STATES and ended here at the Jennifer Williamson Lehner - I exhibit but the interactive banjo lab American Banjo Museum!! Thanks really love this museum! It was a lot was my favorite. What a cool place! for making the trip! We think you saved the best for last!! 4 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Community Outreach ABM Community Outreach and Promotion Coordinator

it’s official, as of November 1st, After college Lucas appeared Lucas joined the ABM staff as in local Oklahoma television the Community Outreach and commercials that eventually led to Promotion Coordinator. Not only his regular place on KFOR’s news - will Lucas continue his Pick A Tune for which he has won four local and sessions, he will be developing one national EMMY awards. Lucas an education program for schools recently become a Deering Banjo and the library systems as well. artist and can be seen playing a Lucas has worked with the library Goodtime banjo in a commercial system the past two years, touring for Smark as well as for a sketch with his one-man comedy/puppet that aired recently on National show Banjo Farm to all Oklahoma Geographic. “I’m thrilled and so Metro Libraries -- twenty libraries grateful for all the opportunities in two weeks! He hopes to expand the American Banjo Museum has this style of show for the museum given me,” Lucas said. “The board Lucas Ross adding to his style and passion has always been encouraging and for the banjo with an educational supportive of my involvement and Joining the American Banjo history of the instrument. I’m beyond excited and thankful to Museum staff is a familiar face, at be a part in telling the story of the least around Oklahoma City. Lucas Ross is a native Oklahoman from banjo for generations to come.” Ross has over the past decade Minco, ‘the land of milk and honey’ become a staple in Oklahoma where his parents were once Lucas has been married to his wife, media, from local car commercials Oklahoma’s largest honey farmers Aubrie, for 12 years. They have two to his comedic appearances and he earned the moniker “Son-of- sons: Henson (9) and Simon (7). co-hosting Rise and Shine (an a-Beekeeper.” He graduated from Aubrie is the director of the non- NBC affiliate's morning show.) Oklahoma Christian University profit Heartbeat for Hope which Throughout this time Lucas started studying Corporate Media with an rescues and empowers destitute doing stories on the American emphasis on TV/Radio/Film and and abandoned children from Banjo Museum for both KFOR and continued studies in a Los Angeles Ghana, Africa. Lucas and Aubrie the Oklahoma Tourism's Discover Film Studies Center where he have visited Ghana multiple times, Oklahoma television show. worked at Carsey-Werner’s That even offering music workshops 70s Show. (with Lucas teaching banjo!) Their After his wife, Aubrie, got him front sons also play banjo and ukulele. row seats to see and the Steep Canyon Rangers in 2009, Lucas acquired a banjo and started picking. Over time he became acquainted with the American Banjo Museum and became its "local-ambassador." This led to the Museum's Pick-a- Tune with Lucas classes which have been offered at no charge for more than three years. From commercial promotions to social media appearances to playing at the Museum's Americana Fest and emceeing the annual BANJO FEST concert, Lucas infused himself into the Museum. Now Participants in the November 2018 Pick-a-Tune with Lucas class.

AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 5 Support

to my home, New Orleans, to play Better know a board member tuba with the Dukes of Dixieland the Red Garter on Bourbon Street in the 1980’s. I currently play tuba when I was sixteen years old. It three nights a week and piano three was a one week engagement for nights a week on Bourbon Street. the week between Christmas and New Year’s and how we convinced Q: What made you want to serve them to hire us I still don’t know. on the American Banjo Museum’s But after that I knew that playing Board of Directors? music was all I wanted to do. A: I’ve always felt that banjos and tubas go together like peanut Q: Would you tell us a little about butter and jelly. I love the banjo and your time working in New York City my happiest musical experiences on Broadway? seem to always include banjo A: At eighteen years old I moved players. I think that, like the tuba, to New York City to attend a Music the musical versatility of the banjo conservatory. Within a year I was is highly underestimated by many. Danny Rubio playing tuba at Your Father's My first visit to the American Mustache in Greenwich Village Banjo Museum totally blew me Q: Our first question is normally and had met the veteran Broadway away. The collection itself but also whether you play four-string or Music Director Buster Davis who its presentation. It is absolutely five-string, but you play the tuba was working on a new Broadway beautiful! I feel it is so important to as well as other instruments. What Musical called DR JAZZ. He hired chronicle and preserve the history instruments do you play? me to do music research for that of the banjo and promote its path A: I play tuba and piano. show and I was also the rehearsal into the musical future and that is pianist. I worked for Buster as his something that the American Banjo Q: I understand jazz is your passion. assistant on vocal, music and Museum does very well. It is an When did you become interested dance arrangements for several honor and a privilege to serve on in jazz music and performing with other Broadway shows and ended the museum’s board! I am blessed jazz bands. up accompanying a number to be a part of the Banjo World! A: I can remember my parents of performers including Carol Hey, Banjo and Tuba players, why first taking me to Preservation Channing, Debbie Reynolds, Ben can’t all musicians be NORMAL Hall when I was about eight years Vereen, Gregory Hines and many like us.  old. I would sit on the floor right others. at the feet of the musicians. I can remember feeling like the sound of Q: Can you tell us about your the music was a physical thing – an studies in Rome? actual wave pouring over me. In A: While playing tuba at Your that moment it was all consuming. Father's Mustache in New York I At that time I don’t believe I had the met Eddy Davis. I was 22 and Eddy conscious thought that I wanted to invited me to play tuba with him at be a musician but I have no doubt the Red Garter in Florence, Italy. Krewe de Banjo at the that these performances, by live The months I spent with Eddy in musicians who were masters of Europe were the most important in American Banjo Museum's their art, were a powerful influence my career. Eddy didn’t hire me to be Mardi Gras Party on me. As a young teenager I his student, but the most important Saturday, March 2 became best friends with Barry things I have ever learned about 6-9 pm Foulon who played clarinet in his music - I learned from Eddy. While MUSIC ● FOOD school band. But Barry’s father in Italy I met the late Italian Film CASH BAR was a banjo player and Barry Composer, Piero Umiliani. I studied began to play his dad’s banjo. My with him in his studio for a time in Call 405-604-2793 to first “paying gig” was with Barry at Rome. I was eventually drawn back purchase tickets

6 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Support

Become a Sustaining Donor from the Museum and its work have in supporting the American Banjo a responsibility to insure it is funded Museum with either a one-time gift, into the future. I hope you will join me or as a “Sustaining Donor”. in making a plan of support for our Museum. Thank you! Paul Poirier, One of the easiest and most effective ABM Board of Directors ways to support the Museum is to become a “Sustaining Donor”, (one who contributes regularly and is a ABM Membership long-term supporter). Many people The American Banjo Museum have chosen to become “Sustaining wishes to recognize and thank Donors” and choose to make regular new members and those that have monthly gifts, as part of their plan of renewed their membership the support. Some are making a direct fourth quarter of 2018. gift from their paycheck, as a payroll Paul & Theresa Poirier deduction, others are allowing the Individual Membership Theresa and I have made the Museum to charge their credit card Dolores Borrow American Banjo Museum a priority on a monthly basis. This method of Gim Burton in our lives. We have pledged to giving allows you to make smaller Frank Clark volunteer, provide long term financial regular gifts that add up to become Matt Fleury support, and have made the Museum bigger gifts in the end! As an Mark Greathouse part of our estate planning. Giving example, let’s do the math on a $30 Noel Induni back and preserving the banjo’s monthly donation adds up to a $360 Dick Neuman legacy is important to us. annual donation! Randy Shumard That’s less than one dollar a day! David Weibel I would like to thank those who Richard Velazquez have stepped up and joined with Included with each newsletter is an John Vonk us in support of the Museum. Many envelope asking you to support the individuals and organizations have ABM with a donation. I hope you Couple Membership joined Theresa and me in giving choose to use it and support our J Shayne & Beth Carter gifts of $1,000 or more. In addition, efforts and our mission. Additionally, Raymond & Ann Cisneros hundreds of others have stepped by simply checking a box, your Neil Duresky & Candyce Del Bello up with smaller gifts in support of donation will become a “Sustaining” Ray & Alice Jaworski this important mission to preserve, gift that will be charged directly to Russ & Diane Morton promote and present the banjo! your credit card each month. This Jay Shanker is truly the simplest way to increase Michael & Jane Sigmon Because of people, just like you, who the impact of your donation in a Glenn & Sandra Snyder are seeing the value in supporting convenient and manageable way. the American Banjo Museum, your If you decide later to change the Family Membership donation helps us move forward amount of your monthly gift, simply Timothy & Thien Trang Dang to fulfill our mission with festivals, call or email the Museum and let us outreach programs, new exhibits, know your wishes. Lifetime Membership archiving banjo history, music and Glen Phillip Cartwright so much more! Preserve, Promote Like I said at the beginning, Theresa Sam Stone and Present the history and music and I have made the American Banjo of all styles of banjo, that's what we Museum a priority in our lives…… To become a member, gift a are all about! Our Museum is a great ……Giving back and supporting the membership, or upgrade your current place, doing great work for the banjo ABM is important to us. I hope all membership call 405-604-2793 or community. Each of us, who benefit of you will join us and the growing visit www.americanbanjomuseum. numbers of your fellow banjo lovers com. AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 7 9 East Sheridan Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Save the Date...BANJO FEST...September 5-7, 2019

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2 PM Upcoming Events... Historical Presentation & Performance Pick-A-Tune with Lucas Ross Learn the history behind a selected banjo For those that have never played the banjo JANUARY maker in the museum collection. Then and wanted to try, come “Learn to Pick SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 1 PM hear American Banjo Museum's Executive a Tune with Lucas”. Limited seating, by Performance Director, Johnny Baier play a historically reservation only! Wayne Cantwell will perform traditional significant instrument from that maker. music of the open prairie on banjo, fiddle, SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1 PM and mountain dulcimer. Performance is free SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1 PM Performance with museum admission. Performance Wayne Cantwell will perform traditional Wayne Cantwell will perform traditional music of the open prairie on banjo, fiddle, SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2 PM music of the open prairie on banjo, fiddle, and mountain dulcimer. Performance is free Pick-A-Tune with Lucas Ross and mountain dulcimer. Performance is free with museum admission. For those that have never played the banjo with museum admission. and wanted to try, come “Learn to Pick SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1 PM a Tune with Lucas”. Limited seating, by SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2 PM Celtic Open Jam reservation only! Pick-A-Tune with Lucas Ross Join other players for an Open Celtic Jam For those that have never played the banjo Session. Free admission when you bring SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1 PM and wanted to try, come “Learn to Pick an instrument and participate. Bluegrass Open Jam a Tune with Lucas”. Limited seating, by Join other players for an Open Bluegrass reservation only! SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1 PM Jam Session. Free admission when you Performance bring an instrument and participate. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1 PM Hear ABM's Executive Director, Johnny Celtic Open Jam Baier perform. Performance included with SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 1 PM Join other players for an Open Celtic Jam paid admission. Celtic Open Jam Session. Free admission when you bring Join other players for an Open Celtic Jam an instrument and participate. Session. Free admission when you bring APRIL an instrument and participate. SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 7 PM MARCH Alan Munde / Tim May Concert FEBRUARY SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 6 PM Concert is free with museum admission. Krewe de Banjo Mardi Gras Party The museum will be open extended hours SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1 PM Join us for a live jazz performance and New closing at 9PM. ABM Members will receive Ukulele Open Jam Orleans style food. Pre-purchase tickets free admission. Join other Ukulele players for an Open Jam today $25 members / $30 Non-Members. Session. Free admission when you bring CASH BAR. an instrument and participate.