American Museum Quarterly Summer 2016

2016 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Inside . . .

2016 Hall of

Fame Inductees J.D. Crowe Pat Terry, Jr. George Formby Deering Banjo Co. Alfred Greathouse Announced Five-String Four-String Historical Design & Instruction & Performance Performance Manufacture Education From The Director The American Banjo Museum in Four-String Performance, Five-String Oklahoma City is pleased to announce Performance, Historical, Education ABM Rings in the 2016 inductees into the American & Instruction, Design & Manufacture Summer with Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. and Promotion may be made by any Americana Fest member of the ABM association. Based The National Four-String Banjo Hall on these suggestions, nominations Around Town of Fame was established in 1998 are made by the Board of Directors to honor jazz age four-string banjo and are then forwarded to the voting ABM Membership pioneers as well as the contemporary body - which consists of the museum artists, educators, manufacturers and board, living members of the Hall of AmericanBanjo promoters who carried on the traditions Fame and lifetime members of the ABM Museum.com... of their predecessors. The American association. Like past recipients, Hall Reloaded Banjo Museum was, in its infancy, an of Fame honorees for 2016 have each extension of that Hall of Fame. In the displayed a lifelong commitment to the Better Know a years preceding 2014, the Hall of Fame banjo in one of five categories. The Board Member honored 71 individuals and entities American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame in the four-string banjo world whose inductees for 2016 are: ABM Gets Wild career accomplishments might have & Crazy otherwise gone unrecognized. As the J.D. CROWE - Five-String Performance - museum grew and evolved to embrace A second generation Bluegrass pioneer, Hall of Fame all types of banjos and playing styles, Kentucky’s J.D. Crowe absorbed and Celebration it became clear that the Hall of Fame interpolated the musical and cultural should evolve as well. As such, in 2013, nuances of his predecessors such as the ABM Board of Directors voted to become the driving to establish an annual performance force behind the new voice of Bluegrass category to honor all styles of five- in the 1970s. Firmly rooted in Bluegrass string banjo playing as well as opening traditions going back to his early days the other previously four-string banjo of performing with Jimmy Martin in exclusive non-performance categories the 1950s, Crowe went on to form the to all types of banjos. With this move Kentucky Mountain Boys and, later, J.D. the American Banjo Museum Hall of Crowe and the New South in the 1970s Fame was established. Suggestions and - with the musical support of icons for nomination in the categories of such as Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Continued on page 3 From the Director

Players Directory represents another milestone in fulfillment of the museum’s mission.

The weekend of September 8th through the 10th promises to again be the highlight of the ABM calendar as our 2016 Hall of Fame celebration takes place. From the opening night reception 9 East Sheridan Ave. to the final notes of the Banjo Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Fest concert on Saturday night, 405-604-2793 the weekend will come alive with www.AmericanBanjoMuseum.com music, entertainment, parties and jamming. All of our Hall of Fame MISSION inductees – J.D. Crowe, Pat Terry, The mission of the American Banjo Jr., Deering Banjos, George Formby Museum is to preserve and promote and Alfred Greathouse will be well GROWING AND GOING GREEN… the music and heritage of America’s represented (with Crowe, Terry and instrument: the banjo. the Deering Family planning to be It is with great pride that I am able on hand in person to accept their to be part of the growth and recent honors). Musical performances activity at the American Banjo throughout the weekend will STAFF Museum. Our growing staff has Johnny Baier, Executive Director highlight the musical diversity of done a remarkable job in creating the banjo with performances by Margie Smith-Robbins, Assistant new and exciting events (such as the Byron Berline Band, Cynthia Administrator our inaugural Americana Fest) Sayer, Pat Terry, Jr., Mark Johnson Dustin Pyeatt, Development & aimed at introducing the museum’s & Emory Lester, Gary “Biscuit” important mission to Oklahoma City Outreach Manager Davis, England’s Andy Eastwood and the surrounding region. A new and many others. Janet Raines, Sales & Marketing effort to establish an educational Sherril Mitchell, Reception curriculum which will be a “spot on” Ellie Mowery, Administrative Assistant Hall of Fame weekend visitors match to the needs of local school will have a chance to view our systems has also been a priority blockbuster exhibit, The Banjo project which is set to be offered World of . Since BOARD OF DIRECTORS for the 2016-17 school year. And, opening in February, the exhibit has in the midst of it all, the museum Dr. Bob Alexius, Austin, TX been responsible for a dramatic has made major strides in going increase in attendance. By Jack Canine, North Ft. Myers, FL “green” with new, energy-efficient Lester Cowden, Jr., Oklahoma City, allowing us to tell his story, Steve LED lighting in all galleries as well Martin has helped to introduce the OK as enhanced energy efficiency in museum to thousands of visitors Roger Hale, Coeur D’Alene, ID the building’s HVAC systems. and new friends online. And the Jens Kruger, N. Wilkesboro, NC Wild and Crazy guy’s reaction The horizon holds equal promise Donald Lewis, Whitney, TX to this response??? "Absolutely as we put the finishing touches on Fantastic!” Jack Murphy, Oklahoma City, OK our new website while preparing to Brian Newsom, Milford, MI roll out another new project in the This year’s Hall of Fame weekend Doug Parsons, Waynesville, OH Banjo Players Directory. Sponsored celebration will mark the American Paul Poirier, Seekonk, MA by a generous gift from Paul and Banjo Museum’s seventh year Danny Rubio, Kenner, LA Theresa Poirier (in memory of in our Bricktown location. While Emile “Pete” DeBlois), the Banjo Devin Tower, Ormond Beach, FL steeped in cliché, the statement Players Directory is a project aimed “If you haven’t seen the American at cataloging banjo players of all Banjo Museum lately, you haven’t playing styles and skill levels. The seen it at all” couldn’t be more database may be viewed in person true. Make your plans to join us at the museum or on the internet in September for the Hall of Fame (www.banjoplayersdirectory.com). celebration and see for yourself! Although in its infancy, the Banjo 2 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Hall of Fame

Company, and Alfred Greathouse 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced will be inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame Continued from page 1 during gala ceremonies to be held Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas and from his father and, at the age on Friday, September 9th, 2016 in Doyle Lawson - went on to write his of 12, purchased his first banjo Oklahoma City. The following day, own chapter in Bluegrass history. and learned to play the music of informal performances as well as a . Deering went very special BANJO FEST evening PAT TERRY, JR. - Four-String on to make his first banjo as an concert will feature performances Performance - Carrying on the industrial arts major at San Diego by Andy Eastwood, Cynthia Sayer, tradition of his father, Pat Terry, State College and, in 1970, joined Mark Johnson & Emory Lester, Jr. began his professional banjo other enterprising young college Gary Davis, Pat Terry, Jr., Randy career in the mid 1960s partnering students at the American Dream Morris and many others will take with his dad as “Pat Terry and Co-Op doing instrument repairs place at the ABM as well as the Son”. The duo performed at Radio and building banjos. The American Hudiburg Chevrolet Performing City Music Hall, Disneyland, dream became the theme of Greg’s Arts Center at Rose State College. Disney World, Sea World, Busch life when he and Janet started the Gardens and Universal Studios. Deering Banjo Company in 1975. During their visit, Hall of Fame Pat Jr. was the editor and publisher Today, over 40 years later, the weekend guests will enjoy recent of International Banjo magazine Deering Banjo Company has seen additions to ABM exhibits including and hosted several large festivals many a milestone including the a new blockbuster exhibit, The (including the FIGA convention) launch of the Goodtime Series in Banjo World of Steve Martin which in Orlando. He currently insures 1997. In its 40 years of existence, features instruments from Martin’s his family’s proud banjo heritage Deering has delivered hand-built personal collection as well as through his nightly performance as American instruments to over entertaining video clips and an part of the Hoop Dee Doo Revue at 100,000 musicians… one banjo at enlightening interview with the Wild the Walt Disney World Resort. a time. and Crazy Guy himself.

GEORGE FORMBY - Historical ALFRED GREATHOUSE - All American Banjo Museum Hall of - From his humble beginning Instruction & Education - Fame weekend events are open to carrying on the traditions of his Although current technology the public. For tickets and more info father as music hall performer affords the availability of many visit: www.americanbanjomuseum. in Blackpool, England, George education and instruction options com or call 405-604-2793. Formby elevated himself to the for today’s aspiring four-string highest level of recognition and banjoist, in the days prior to home respect in the British entertainment video and the internet, the writing, industry. A celebrity equal in world- printing and distribution of banjo American Banjo Museum wide popularity to instructional publications was a during the years of WWII, Formby major undertaking. At a time when Members are encouraged - sporting his banjo ukulele, toothy demand for such a publication to submit suggestions for grin and delightfully witty songs, was minimal, Alfred Greathouse lifted the spirits of war torn England researched, wrote and published the 2017 Hall of Fame. as no other entertainer had. a milestone plectrum banjo His legacy lives on through the method entitled The Banjo Players Deadline is Sept. 1, 2016. thousands of modern banjo, banjo Bible. By simply explaining and ukulele and ukulele players who presenting proven concepts and Suggestions for nominations emulate the Formby style which techniques of the past, Greathouse should be mailed to: introduced countless thousands to compiled what banjo legend Perry American Banjo Museum the banjo during his lifetime. Bechtel described as “the best Attn: Johnny Baier plectrum banjo instruction book 9 E. Sheridan Avenue DEERING BANJO COMPANY - ever published.” Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Design & Manufacture - Greg Deering learned woodworking J.D. Crowe, Pat Terry, Jr., George Formby, the Deering Banjo AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 3 Special Event

ABM Rings in Summer with Americana Fest Everyone in attendance had a chance to win great prizes during a free drawing. Winning festival goers walked away with a night’s stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Bricktown, gift certificates to the Bricktown Brewery, Bricktown Water Taxi passes, tickets to the Museum of Osteology, a yearlong family membership to the Oklahoma City Zoo, a gift certificate to the Painted Door in Bricktown, Exhibit C and, the grand prize, a brand new Deering Goodtime Banjo!

The smell of hotdogs, the sound of Outside the museum, families Americana Fest was made possible children laughing and the energy of enjoyed hotdogs from Hot Dog through the kind sponsorship of live music filled the air during the OKC and snow cones from Kona Fowler Auto Group, Downtown inaugural Americana Fest event at Ice. There was a craft table where OKC, Inc., BancFirst, Bank of the American Banjo Museum. kids could decorate their own Oklahoma and KAUT-TV 43. banjos and tambourines, made More than 200 people packed the from paper plates and paint stirrers. Visit our Facebook page, American. American Banjo Museum during Banjo.Museum, for additional the June 18th event to hear bands Our friends from the OKC Dodgers photos. on multiple stages. Local favorites Baseball team brought one of Willow Way and Bread and Butter their mascots, Brooklyn the Cow Band along with Memphis’ own Dog, who mingled with guests Side Street Steppers had everyone and posed for photos. And, Rose clapping, singing and dancing State College’s Innovation Station throughout the day. brought their giant Lego set along with great information on their “It was an honor to be part of new branch located in downtown the American Banjo Museum’s Oklahoma City. inaugural Americana Fest,” said Jennifer Maynord of the band The kids also had their own Willow Way. “The museum is performers. Lucas Ross from KAUT- truly something special. It was a TV and our own Bill Bond took turns pleasure and we look forward to playing and singing songs with the supporting future ABM events.” kids on the outdoor stage.

4 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Community Outreach

the lunch crowd at downtown’s Banjos around town... Leadership Square. Our friend and Museum Volunteer Musician Lucas Ross had the Dustin Pyeatt was invited to speak honor of representing the American to the North Oklahoma City Rotary Banjo Museum as the first outdoor Club about the museum. And, performer of the season during The Pyeatt was also invited to serve as Paseo Arts District’s First Friday Art moderator for a panel discussion Walk in March. Ross played, posed on public relations for the New for photos and talked with local art Young Nonprofit Professionals of lovers about the museum. OKC group. The panel consisted of both print and broadcast They say it’s impossible to play a The American Banjo Museum professionals as well as public sad song on the banjo. We say, a also helped support the local arts relations professionals. banjo that’s played in front of others community during the Oklahoma is a happy banjo! That’s why the City Arts Council’s Festival of the ABM Membership Arts in Bicentennial Park. ABM American Banjo Museum (ABM) is The American Banjo Museum out in the community bringing the staff served as chair people for wishes to recognize and thank music to the masses! the balloon sales tents for one day new members and those that have of the festival. Friends from the renewed their membership the Dustin Pyeatt, ABM outreach & Oklahoma City Convention and second quarter of 2016. development manager and Bill Visitors Bureau pitched in to help Bond, museum volunteer musician, blow up balloons and bring smiles Individual Membership educated and entertained the to kid’s faces! Doris Clark National Active and Retired Frank Clark Federal Employees Association’s The museum also continued its Barry J. Gainor Oklahoma City Chapter about the partnership with the Oklahoma City Glady Zwink museum and the banjo during their Arts Council by participating in their March meeting. Pyeatt told them outreach program, “Art Moves.” Couple Membership James L. Bottorff & Alicia Valencia about the museum and Bond gave Bill Bond played during the noon them a history lesson on the banjo lunch hour at the Oklahoma City To become a member, gift a and played some old favorites for Downtown Metropolitan Library. And, Lucas Ross entertained membership, or upgrade your current the group. membership call 405-604-2793. AmericanBanjoMuseum.com…Reloaded! The American Banjo Museum Visitors can also make donations or an online store where visitors can invites everyone to explore its become a member of the museum. shop a virtual gift shop and they new website. This newly designed can access the entire American website offers a new, quick “We’ve always worked hard to Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. and easy navigation along with maintain a strong web presence bold new graphics and photos. and give everyone visiting our site Added Raines, “It’s a great a clean and concise web page,” place to visit often to find out The site, designed by PixelMongers said Raines. “We believe this new what’s going on at the museum LLC, Edmond, Oklahoma, with site builds upon everything we did and what’s coming up next!” project oversight from Janet Raines, right with our last site while adding marketing and group sales manager, some exciting new elements.” If you want to know what’s American Banjo Museum offers happening at the American Banjo quick links to the museum’s social The new site allows visitors to Museum, bookmark our new site media sites, along with upcoming donate or become a member americanbanjomuseum.com and events and a relaunched blog. directly through the site. There’s visit often for continuous updates!

AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 5 Support

style players in one location. Better Know a Board Member Should be phenomenal. years. I learned to play in college and played for 4 or 5 years back Q: If you didn’t play the banjo, what then. After that I laid it down for other instrument do you wish you matters such as work and family, knew how to play? needed to make a living and had A: I play some guitar and would like figured out I was not going to make to get better at that. I think if I was it as a banjo player although it looking for something different it would have been fun to try. I really would most likely be jazz guitar. admire folks that are dedicated to playing music as a profession, it is Q: What’s the one thing you want not an easy commitment. people to know about the American Banjo Museum? Q: Why did you decide to serve A: It is a world class facility with on the American Banjo Museum’s all types of banjos represented. If Board of Directors? you love the banjo this museum This is a new series where we will A: After meeting Johnny Baier on will take your breath away because introduce you to members of the several occasions at banjo events, it is THAT GOOD. I cannot wait to American Banjo Museum’s Board I think he figured out that I was not a hear comments from folks like Gary of Directors. In this column, we get normal Bluegrass style banjo lover “Biscuit” Davis, Mark Johnson,the to know Devin Tower! (although there is nothing wrong Deerings and others when they are with that), I am interested in all in town for the awards ceremony. Q: Easy question first, four-string or banjos. I feel I can bring a different five-string? angle to the Board as I am fairly Q: What has been your favorite A: I love all banjo styles and types. I heavily involved in the five-string thing about serving on the ABM play the five-string banjo both three scene. I travel to many top festivals Board of Directors? finger style and clawhammer (old each year all over the country and A: My favorite thing about serving time style). I do not view myself have been fortunate to get to know on the board is getting to know as a straight up Bluegrass style many of the top players. other folks from different styles of banjo player. I really enjoy playing playing, and we all love the banjo, around with fiddle tunes and more Q: Where do you see the museum not just for the music but what it contemporary tunes. Also, I enjoy going in the future? represents. It is truly an instrument the aspect of getting to play with A: The Museum is capable of going with deep roots in American culture. others. In addition to playing banjo, in a lot of different directions. We The Museum is like walking into I collect Banjos. Some of have plenty of opportunities in the a Banjo Dream, everyone that the highlights of my collection are five-string world that have never has ever visited comes up to me a 1927 Gibson Florentine, a 1941 been explored. There is a lot of and starts telling me what a great Gibson TB-18, a 1937 Gibson growth potential through teaching, experience it was for them. Being PB-7, a 1930 Granada, a 1928 community concerts, and further on the Board also means I get Gibson Granada “Special” (this is a expanding the collection. Possibly to share my love for banjos in a one of a kind Granada made for a having a major Banjo Summit in more meaningful way with others Gibson employee) there are others the future to bring all styles of around the country and the world. in my collection as well as Gibson playing together to learn more I have sent or given t-shirts to Memorabilia from the 30’s and 40’s. about the banjo. I understand we other musicians from all over the My goal is to have all the primary have extensive memorabilia that world and young up and coming prewar Gibson styles in close to could be displayed. And someday I players, they all want to represent mint condition…I am almost there. would love to see traveling exhibits their love of the banjo and love or exchange of exhibits with other the idea of the American Banjo Q: How long have you played the Museums that may have some Museum. Everyone into the music banjo? commonality with us and our goals. of the banjo from all genres wants A: Over all I have played and I am certainly excited about the to come see the museum. It’s fun collected seriously for the last ten upcoming awards and the concert, to share all the enthusiasm for the think about seeing 3 or 4 different banjo that the museum represents. 6 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Events July September FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2 PM THURS.-SAT., SEPT. 8-10 Education For those that have never played HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION See page 8 for details. the banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn to Pick A Tune SATURDAY, SEPT. 17, 2 PM with Lucas”. Limited seating, by Education reservation only! contact events SATURDAY, AUG 20, 3 PM For those that have never played @AmericanBanjoMuseum.com Performance An afternoon of traditional the banjo and wanted to try, come bluegrass with a touch of rock “Learn to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. August as Grass Crack the Band take Limited seating, by reservation SATURDAY, AUG. 13, 3 PM the stage at the American Banjo only! call 405-604-2793. Historical Presentation & Museum. Performance included Performance with paid museum admission. Free SATURDAY, SEPT. 24, 3 PM Learn the history behind a selected admission for museum members. Historical Presentation & banjo maker in the museum’s Performance collection. Then hear American SATURDAY, AUG. 27, 2 PM Learn the history behind a selected Banjo Museum’s Executive Director, Education banjo maker in the museum’s Johnny Baier play a historically For those that have never played collection. Then hear American significant instrument from that the banjo and wanted to try, come Banjo Museum’s Executive Director, maker. Performance included with “Learn to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. Johnny Baier play a historically paid museum admission. Free Limited seating, by reservation significant instrument from that admission for museum members. only! call 405-604-2793. maker. Performance included with paid museum admission.

the opportunity to help with the ABM Gets Wild & Crazy! promotion of the Steve Martin The American Banjo Museum got exhibit,” said Ross. “I’ve been a fan a little wild & crazy when a certain of Steve Martin since childhood, so comedian and banjo player took this was like my life’s dissertation the stage. That’s right…it was our I’d been preparing for. Johnny even friend Lucas Ross who performed announced it as, ‘A Banjo Salute to his one-man show, “A Banjo Tribute Steve Martin – a show a lifetime in to Steve Martin” on the afternoon the making!’” of May 14th! The show not only entertained, but Ross played some of Steve it brought people together as well. Martin’s greatest hits to a packed house with standing room only. “The audience was great and Ross also brought a sampling from included two separate families with his personal collection of Steve connections to Steve Martin,” said Martin memorabilia. Ross. “One woman who had been in high school with him and another “It was great to talk about Steve family whose mother worked with Martin’s career and how banjo him in Disneyland. Neither family music has come full circle from standards like “Ramblin’ Guy,” knew each other before the show, his early stand-up to today,” said “Banana Banjo” and, of course, and just happened to visit the Ross. “Having produced multiple “King Tut.” museum the day of the show.” Grammy-winning bluegrass albums and now a Broadway play with the “I’m so thankful to American Banjo The show was such a hit, that Ross banjo heavily incorporated.” Museum Executive Director Johnny has been asked to do it again this Baier and everyone who works fall. Watch our website and social Ross performed Steve Martin and volunteers at the museum for media for details! AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 7 9 East Sheridan Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73104

HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION September 8-10, 2016 - Oklahoma City THURSDAY, September 8th, 6PM - Welcome reception at the American Banjo Museum - Muisc by Byron Berline and others. Evening will include a special tribute to banjoist John Hickman. Tickets available at $25 each.

FRIDAY, September 9th, 6PM - American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies at the spectacular top of Devon Tower, downtown OKC. Tickets available at $50 each.

SATURDAY, September 10th, NOON-5PM - Informal performances at the American Banjo Museum including a special appearance by new Hall of Fame member, Pat Terry, Jr., accompanied by Randy Morris Performances included with museum admission / Members of the American Banjo Museum receive free admission SATURDAY, September 10th, 7PM Hudiburg Chevrolet Performing Arts Theater, Rose State College, Midwest City, OK. Tickets available at $35 Lower Orchestra / $25 Upper Orchestra & Balcony

SATURDAY, September 10th, 10PM - Post Concert Afterglow Party at the American Banjo Museum. Tickets available at $20 each.

For ticket information contact: [email protected] or call 405-604-2793