American Museum Quarterly Fall 2017 BANJO FEST is Best for Banjo Lovers! event, which included a reception, dinner and induction ceremonies was a star-studded affair. This year’s inductees included; Tony Trischka, Instruction & Inside . . . Education; Paul Erickson, Four-string Performance; Roy Clark, Promotion; BANJO FEST is Joel Walker Sweeney, Historical; and Best for Banjo John McEuen, Five-string Performance. Lovers! Musical performances by honorees John McEuen, Paul Erickson and Tony From the Director Trischka along with Gary “Biscuit” Davis and Bob Carlin highlighted the evening.

ABM Membership Also during the Hall of Fame, prolific collector and archiver James Bollman Jams on it! received this year’s prestigious Jack Canine Award for his dedication to Banjo Farm Album preserving banjo history. Release On Saturday, the American Banjo Better Know a Museum was again full of music, Board Member laughter and fun as Johnny Baier, Gary “Biscuit” Davis, Paul Erickson and Bob John McEuen Carlin took to the stage for informal What if...? performances. Once again, the attention of the music Continued on Page 4 Learning Lounge and entertainment world was focused Comes Into Focus on Oklahoma City during the 2017 American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. Upcoming Events The Hall of Fame weekend was re- branded this year as BANJO FEST. And, it was the best!

This year’s BANJO FEST kicked off with a Welcome Reception at the American Banjo Museum. BBQ, drinks and a live musical performance by Grammy-winning artist John McEuen set the tone for the evening. Awards of Excellence were presented to Ronnie & Myra Bales, the Peninsula Banjo Band and Glenn Peisker.

That following Friday night, the best of the best were honored during the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame ceremony, held at the breathtaking VAST on the 50th floor of Devon Tower. This formal Tony Trischka From the Director

Museum Hall of Fame inductions, playing styles and enthusiasts from the banjo’s role in minstrel to classic to jazz to country to folk to bluegrass all came together for a very unique banjo gathering. For several wonderful days, personal preferences were generally set aside, overcome by a spirit of banjo unity – all for the common good 9 East Sheridan Ave. and promotion of the banjo. With Oklahoma City, OK 73104 individual preferences understood 405-604-2793 and respected, to see the likes www.AmericanBanjoMuseum.com of five-string banjo gurus such as Tony Trischka, Gary “Biscuit” Davis and John McEuen seamlessly MISSION interacting musically with four- The mission of the American string banjo artists such as Paul Banjo Museum is to preserve “A banjo is a banjo, right?” To the Erickson and Lance Dieckow was and promote the banjo while majority of visitors to the American proof positive that such banjo cross- expanding appreciation and Banjo Museum, that’s the prevailing pollination can be accomplished understanding of its history and mindset – and rightly so. The with delightful results. In this setting, music. banjo’s identity in popular culture should someone have commented, has always been based on its “A banjo is a banjo, right?” I would relevance to the music associated have enthusiastically replied, “Why STAFF with it any given time during its Johnny Baier, Executive Director not!” colorful evolution. While today’s Johnny Baier, Executive Director Margie Smith-Robbins, Assistant banjo is best known as a vehicle of Administrator bluegrass and world folk music, at Dustin Pyeatt, Development & different times in history it has been ABM Membership tied to jazz, pop and even classical Outreach Manager music. Interestingly enough, each The American Banjo Museum Janet Raines, Sales & Marketing of those playing styles are still an wishes to recognize and thank Sherril Mitchell, Reception active part of the worldwide banjo new members and those that have Ellie Mowery, Administrative subculture. Proponents of any renewed their membership the Assistant one of these particular playing third quarter of 2017. styles or eras of banjo popularity BOARD OF DIRECTORS will exert copious opinions and Individual Membership arguments explaining why their Dr. Bob Alexius, Austin, TX Sue Kern favorite style is “the best,” often Ken Marler Lester Cowden, Jr., Oklahoma City, dismissing the existence of other Nancy Mielke OK banjo players and their music. Ellie Mowery Juston Givens, Oklahoma City, OK While such dedication and passion Richard Velazquez Jens Kruger, N. Wilkesboro, NC is admirable, our museum has the Donald Lewis, Whitney, TX responsibility of telling – chapter Couple Membership by chapter – the entire story of the Michael Mason, O'Fallon, MO William Phillips & Elaine Howard banjo’s incredible journey. This Jack Murphy, Oklahoma City, OK Denny & Kathy Overstreet task has, to say the least, some George Peabody Brian Newsom, Milford, MI built in challenges, not the least Doug Parsons, Waynesville, OH of which has been our goal of the intermingling of seemingly very Lifetime Membership Paul Poirier, Seekonk, MA Jim Bollman Danny Rubio, New Orleans, LA different banjo preferences and playing styles into one harmonious Ann Hough musical community. While many Bill Lowery purists contend it can’t be done, we beg to differ. During our recent To become a member, gift a BANJO FEST weekend – which membership, or upgrade your current included the annual American Banjo membership call 405-604-2793. 2 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Events

led by ABM Executive Director Jams on it! Johnny Baier. This year the American Banjo Museum tried a little experiment “We’ve had people from as far away – jam sessions. And like as Stillwater and even Tulsa come Frankenstein’s monster, the jams to participate in these jams,” said have taken on a life of their own! Howard. “It’s been a blast playing and meeting new people.” A Ukulele Jam, led by ukulele instructor and performer Jeff According to Howard, the jams are Howard. An Old Time Jam, led also a great way to get introduced by ABM volunteer Bill Bond, a to a new instrument. Bluegrass Jam led by Deana Rotramel and a Four-String Jam Added Howard, “we’ve had a lot of new people attend as opposed to established musicians. Which is great because music is like learning a foreign language. It’s a struggle sometimes, but, don’t give up on it.”

To learn more about the Jam Session and to find an upcoming session to attend, follow us on Facebook, or, go to our web page: americanbanjomuseum.com Banjo Farm Album Release to stay home and watch the Price is Right after an embarrassing incident at school the previous day.

Ross also performed covers of the song, Late for School, as well as the classic, .

Families decorated their own “” made from paper plates and paint stirrers, got autographs from Ross and spent time exploring the museum and its exhibits. A harvest of banjos, puppets, bored cows and ninja dogs filled the Ross is a four-time Emmy winner. American Banjo Museum during He recorded his new album with the Aug. 26th official release party his father-in-law, Bob Lashley, for the new album, Banjo Farm, by and frequent collaborator Ryan Lucas Ross. Bellgardt and the Oklahoma Community Orchestra. Families packed the “Your Father’s Mustache” room to hear Ross The new album is available perform new original material like on iTunes, Amazon, or, at the the title track, Banjo Farm, a fast- American Banjo Museum gift paced toe-tapper about visiting shop where you can also find a farm where baby banjos grow. Ross’ other albums like Son of a There’s also the original song, Beekeeper. To find out where Ross Faked Sick, about a boy who wants is playing next, go to lucasross.tv. AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 3 BANJO FEST 2017

Like a family reunion set to music, BANJO FEST is Best for Banjo Lovers! BANJO FEST is truly the highlight of the year for the museum! Continued from Page 1 genres of bluegrass, folk, jazz, and classical music, all melded That Saturday night the weekend The American Banjo Museum together into their own unique mix came to a crescendo with the would like to thank the following via virtuosic instrumental abilities second annual BANJO FEST sponsors for their gracious support and soulful vocals. Other BANJO Concert at the beautiful Hudiburg of this year’s BANJO FEST: Gayle & FEST concert performers included Chevrolet Performing Arts Center Devin Tower; PBS Services; Shubb Gary “Biscuit” Davis and the jazz at Rose State College in Midwest Capos; LeeAnn & Lester Cowden, Banjo Summit of Paul Erickson, City. Jr.; Phillips Murrah P.C.; Deering Lance Dieckow and Johnny Baier. Banjo Company; Oklahoma City Following the concert, the BANJO This year’s BANJO FEST concert Convention and Visitors Bureau; FEST weekend was capped off was headlined by the amazing BancFirst; Graftec Communications; with a post-concert afterglow party Kruger Brothers. Internationally Lila Singleton and Bob & Jean of pizza and jam sessions at the revered as purveyors of new Hadley. American folk music, the Kruger American Banjo Museum with the Brothers took the audience on weekend wrapping up at midnight. Mark your calendars for next year’s a musical journey through the BANJO FEST, September 6-8, 2018.

Terri and Paul Erickson Johnny Baier Gary "Biscuit" Davis

Dr. Bob Alexius and Mike Gentry Jens Kruger, Joel Landsburg, and Ewe Kruger 4 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM BANJO FEST 2017

Betty and Byron Berline Bob Carlin

Paul Erickson Dr. Ron McLawhon and Glenn Parks Glenn Peisker

John McEuen and Jens Kruger James Bollman and Ann Hough AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 5 Support

Directory that was gifted by Paul Better know a board member and Theresa Poirier. This project allows all banjo players to be and piano player and played at recognized and archived for future Shakey’s Pizza Parlors and other generations. banjo venues. He taught me a few chords and I played banjo during I would imagine ten years from the week and drums on weekends. now the BANJO FEST and HOF Then life happened girls, cars, oh event will be a huge banjo Mecca and school and I stopped playing gathering event. Hopefully with until I was in my 40’s and my dad enough support from our donors we was diagnosed with cancer. I will be able to expand our facility to would go over and play some with encompass a larger performance him. After Dad passed, my wife, venue and additional exhibit space. Phyllis took my old banjos and had Q: What’s your go-to song to play? them refurbished and gave them to me for Christmas and I started A: I would say Five Foot Two this is my go-to song for both the banjo Doug Parsons playing again. After that I started playing with the Kettering Banjo and ukulele it is surprising how many 20 year-olds know this song. This is a series where we will Society and took lessons from HOF introduce you to members of the member Don Stevison. American Banjo Museum’s Board Q: What made you want to serve Q: What musician has influenced of Directors. In this column, we on the American Banjo Museum’s you the most? get to know Board President Doug Board of Directors? Parsons! A: There are quite a few. Johnny A: Don Stevison asked me to join Baier for his professionalism on Q: Easy question first, four-string or the board. This was just before the the stage. Johnny takes this very five-string? new building project. It was exciting serious about how to entertain an audience, and what works best A: I actually play both. Last year I to be a part of that project when you see where we are today. down to song choice where to be purchased a five-string from our on stage and appearance. John friends at Deering Banjo and have Q: Where do you see the museum Weber that I sing with has also been plucking on it in my spare time. going in the future? What do you made me a better performer. Don Q: You also play the ukulele, is that think the museum, it’s programing Stevison's teaching has helped me correct? and exhibits will look like ten years along, as well as watching HOF from now? Member Glenn Parks, and Richard A: Yes. I started playing a few years Allen of KBS. ago. The ukulele has really gained A: I see the museum continuing to in popularity with the younger grow beyond what we have today. Q: What’s something you wish generation. It is fun to break out Since I have been president we have people who have never visited the my tenor banjo from time to time accomplished quite a few things, we museum knew about it? have walked the fine line integrating and let them hear the difference. A: I wish they would come visit They are fascinated with the sound all types of banjos into the Museum and Hall of Fame to become a true us and see how serious we take and the fact that they can tune a this legacy we were gifted. Jack banjo to ukulele tuning and play a American Banjo Museum. We have added staff and started a culture Canine had a vision and it is up to different instrument. Back in the us and future generations to keep it 20’s it was the same phenomenon of fund raising that includes the guest as part of the Museum family. going. We have a lot of passionate people played the ukulele, then people that work tirelessly to bring they went to the banjo so they None if this could happen without our passion of the staff, volunteers new programing and exhibits to the could be heard in larger bands. I museum, but as with all museums hope this happens again. and board members. It pleases me to see a professional banjo player we need to keep replenishing the Q: How long have you played the come in and act like a five-year donor base so I hope everyone banjo? old at Christmas when they walk will keep us in their thoughts for through the exhibits. estate planning, annual appeal, or A: I started playing the tenor membership, every dime adds up banjo when I was 14, my dad Another project that has been and helps us to keep our mission (Larry Parsons) was a great banjo successful is the Banjo Players alive for the future generations.

6 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Support

are now scattered throughout other the museum itself, history is still What if...? museums and private collections. happening. Museums themselves What if the American Banjo Museum must weather time, economic closed its doors forever? Museums But, when a museum closes, we changes and societal shifts. don’t close very often, but, they do lose more than just collections, go away. According to the American programs and education; we lose Museums preserve history, but, it’s Alliance of Museums, about one the memories that were made the public that must preserve the percent of museums in America when visiting them. A museum museum. A lesson learned the hard close their doors each year. There is more than just a collection of way when the New York Museum of are many reasons a museum could glass cases, it’s a place where Biblical Art closed its doors in 2015. close; poor economy, decrease in our imagination can truly run free. The former director tells the story donors or just lack of interest in the When a museum ceases operation, of a family who, upon hearing that museum’s subject matter. the art and history it displayed still the museum was closing said that exists, but, it’s less tangible and they wished they’d known sooner, Museums are not turn-key accessible – more, spirit-like. they assumed there would be more operations. They’re complex and time to give. The museum's former built over time. And, there’s no It’s easy to take these institutions director concluded, “we mustn’t easy way, no blueprint for shutting for granted. Many have existed take for granted these essential one down. Collections are either for generations. Though they cultural institutions because, transferred to other museums, or, show a snapshot of history, for sometimes, they slip away.” auctioned off. Such was the case for the Fresno Metropolitan Museum MAKE A STATEMENT of Art and Science in California Support YOUR Museum when it closed in 2010. Some 3,218 artifacts from that museum Donate Today!

Learning Lounge Comes into Focus Learning Lounge. Interactive videos will include banjo history as well as short video lessons designed for visitors to ultimately play a song on various banjo types including tenor, five-string, guitar banjo and ukulele banjo. The Learning Lounge will give museum goers a chance to hold, play and experience the instruments that are on display.

During the recent BANJO FEST weekend, ABM staff took full advantage of having access to some of the best musicians in the world and filmed footage that will be edited into the interactive videos featured in the Learning Lounge. Last year the American Banjo Museum was honored to receive a generous grant from the Kirkpatrick Footage was shot on the museum floor with the likes Family Fund to establish a Banjo Learning Lounge at of Tony Trischka and John McEuen, adding some star the museum. Now, after months of planning, research power to the final exhibit. and work, it’s finally coming into focus…literally. Furniture has already been purchased for the Lounge, The Museum plans to refurbish the current front west the interactive touch display is being programmed side area of the building to become a fully developed and construction is under way with hopes of having “hands on” interactive educational exhibit called the the exhibit open in the coming months!

AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 7 9 East Sheridan Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73104

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2 PM Upcoming Events Education For those that have never played October November the banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn to Pick a Tune with Lucas”. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1 PM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1 PM Limited seating, by reservation Bluegrass Open Jam Four-String Open Jam only! Join other bluegrass players for an Join other Four-String players Open Jam Session. Free admission for an Open Jam Session. Free when you bring an instrument and admission when you bring an SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2 PM participate in the Jam Session. instrument and participate in the Christmas Performance Enjoy an afternoon of Christmas Jam Session. music and visit with Santa. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2 PM Admission is FREE when you bring Historical Presentation & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2 PM a new unwrapped toy to support the Performance Education Red Andrews Christmas Dinner. Learn the history behind a selected For those that have never played banjo maker in the museum's the banjo and wanted to try, come collection. Then hear American “Learn to Pick a Tune with Lucas”. Banjo Museum's Executive Director, Limited seating, by reservation January Johnny Baier play a historically only! SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1 PM significant instrument from that Ukulele Open Jam maker. Performance included with December Join other Ukulele players for an paid museum admission. Open Jam Session. Free admis- SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1 PM sion when you bring an instrument Old Style Open Jam and participate in the Jam Session. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2 PM Join other Old Style players for an Education Open Jam Session. Free admission For those that have never played For more information on events when you bring an instrument and the banjo and wanted to try, come call 405-604-2793 or visit participate in the Jam Session. “Learn to Pick a Tune with Lucas”. www.americanbanjomuseum.com Limited seating, by reservation only!