American Museum Quarterly Winter 2018 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Inside . . .

2018 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced Bela Fleck Borgy Borgerson Eddie Collins The Banjo Newsletter Five-String Four-String Historical Promotion Instruction & Performance Performance Education From the Director Each year since 1998 has afforded for nomination in the categories of ABM Membership the American Banjo Museum the Four-String Performance, Five-String opportunity to honor the best of the best Performance, Historical, Education & Back to our Roots in our banjo world with their induction Instruction, Design & Manufacture and into the American Banjo Museum Hall Promotion may be made at any time by Sowell Family of Fame. Originally established as any member of the ABM association. Donates Banjo The National Four-String Banjo Hall of Based on these suggestions, nominations to ABM Fame, early honorees were age are made by the Board of Directors and four-string banjo pioneers as well as are then forwarded to the voting body Better Know a the contemporary artists, educators, consisting of the museum board, living Board Member manufacturers and promoters who members of the Hall of Fame and lifetime carried on the traditions of their members of the ABM association. Like More than a Candy predecessors. The Museum itself past recipients, Hall of Fame honorees Cane Christmas was, in its infancy, an extension of the for 2018 have each displayed lifelong Hall of Fame. In the years preceding commitments to the banjo in one of Upcoming Events 2014, more than 70 individuals and five categories. The American Banjo entities in the four-string banjo world Museum Hall of Fame inductees for whose career accomplishments might 2018 are: have otherwise been forgotten were recognized by the Hall of Fame. As BELA FLECK - Five-String time passed and the Museum grew to Performance - Widely acknowledged embrace all types of and playing today as one of the world's most styles, it became clear that the Hall of innovative and technically proficient Fame should evolve as well. As such, in banjo players, Fleck, like many banjoists 2013, the ABM Board of Directors voted of his generation, was inspired by Earl to establish an annual performance Scruggs’ appearance on the Beverly category to honor all styles of five- Hillbillies. A serious banjo student from string banjo playing as well as opening the start, Fleck became firmly grounded the other previously four-string banjo in banjo tradition prior to exploring new exclusive non-performance categories musical territory with innovative groups to all types of banjos. With this move such as the Newgrass Revival and the the American Banjo Museum Hall of Flecktones. His solo endeavors have Fame was established. Suggestions Continued on page 3 From the Director

Center and Oklahoma Humanities, Back to Our Roots proved to be a milestone event, introducing the history of the banjo to a new and diverse local audience. In house, finishing touches were being added to our new LEARNING LOUNGE – a new educational component in the museum allowing visitors 9 East Sheridan Ave. a “hands on” banjo experience Oklahoma City, OK 73104 with video instruction by the likes 405-604-2793 of Tony Trischka, Jens Kruger, www.AmericanBanjoMuseum.com John McEuen, Gary Davis, Bob Carlin and others. Yes, a busy and MISSION fulfilling 2017 indeed – thanks to The mission of the American the ABM staff, board, volunteers Banjo Museum is to preserve Grateful reflection and new and ever-growing list of supporters. and promote the banjo while adventures… With time only for a grateful glance expanding appreciation and backward, we move on to 2018 understanding of its history and What a year 2017 was for the with exciting new things on the music. American Banjo Museum! After horizon - not the least of which will closing our incredibly popular be our new Philadelphia Mummers STAFF Banjo World of – Struttin’ Their Stuff exhibit set to open in Spring. Tracing the history Johnny Baier, Executive Director exhibit following its receiving the of the colorful Philadelphia string Margie Smith-Robbins, Assistant Outstanding Exhibit of the Year band traditions, the highlight of the Administrator recognition from the Oklahoma Museums Association, we opened exhibit will be numerous examples Janet Raines, Sales & Marketing the new Roy Clark – America’s of the flamboyant costumes worn Sherril Mitchell, Reception Super Picker exhibit with a visit during the famous New Year’s Day Ellie Mowery, Administrative from Roy Clark himself! Signature Mummers Parade. Looking forward Assistant events such as our Mardi Gras to this - and everything else that party and Americana Fest family the new year has in store, we know BOARD OF DIRECTORS event set the stage for the highlight 2018 with be another great year Dr. Bob Alexius, Austin, TX of our year, BANJO FEST in early for the American Banjo Museum… Lester Cowden, Jr., Oklahoma City, September. With Hall of Fame thanks to you! OK recipients including John McEuen, Johnny Baier, Executive Director Juston Givens, Oklahoma City, OK Roy Clark, Tony Trischka and Paul Jens Kruger, N. Wilkesboro, NC Erickson now spreading the word Donald Lewis, Whitney, TX that Oklahoma City is the new Michael Mason, O'Fallon, MO center of the banjo universe, the John Mumford, Centennial, CO crowning jewel of the BANJO FEST Jack Murphy, Oklahoma City, OK weekend was a stunning concert headlined by the internationally Krewe de Banjo Brian Newsom, Milford, MI at the known, Kruger Brothers. After Doug Parsons, Waynesville, OH catching our breath, we focused American Banjo Museum's Paul Poirier, Seekonk, MA on a very special November 1st Mardi Gras Party Danny Rubio, New Orleans, LA outreach program entitled, Back to Saturday, February 10 Our Roots, featuring Dom Flemons 6-9 pm (founder of the Carolina Chocolate MUSIC ● FOOD Drops) and Dr. Harold Aldridge CASH BAR (member of the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame). Partnering on that Call 405-604-2793 to event with the Oklahoma History purchase tickets 2 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Hall of Fame

product and record reviews. Since 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced 1993, BNL has been published Continued from page 1 by its founder's sons Donald and seen him successfully introduce carries on his legacy, introduced Spencer, who serve as editor and the banjo into genres such as - and continues to expose – the business manager, respectively. modern jazz and world music, banjo to a mainstream audience in The International with a certain high point being the the most entertaining and positive Association (IBMA) awarded Hub 2011 premier of his Concerto For manner possible. In addition to Nitchie its Print Media Person Banjo performed with the Nashville the inclusion of Kermit’s banjo of the Year award in 1992 and Symphony Orchestra. along with other banjo icons such Banjo Newsletter its Distinguished as Roy Clark and Steve Martin on Achievement Award in 2008. BORGY BORGERSON - Four- countless memorable episodes String Performance - Now in of , Kermit’s Bela Fleck, Borgy Borgerson, Eddie his 92nd year, Borgy Borgerson soulful rendition of The Rainbow Collins, Jim Henson and the Banjo is often referred to as a living Connection from The Muppet Newsletter will be inducted into the entertainment legend in his native Movie has become nothing short of American Banjo Museum Hall of Canada. Beginning in the early a modern day banjo anthem. (Photo Fame during gala ceremonies to be 1940s, Borgerson was a fixture Courtesy of ) held on Friday, September 7, 2018 on the Canadian radio, nightclub in Oklahoma City as part of the and concert scene. The 1970s THE BANJO NEWSLETTER American Banjo Museum’s BANJO saw Borgy’s peak of success as a - Instruction & Education - FEST weekend. In addition to the headline performer at the EXPO ‘67 Founded in 1973 by Hubbard "Hub" Hall of Fame gala, BANJO FEST world’s fair. From that point forward Nitchie, Banjo Newsletter covers will include informal performances, - leading his own Dixieland jazz a wide range of banjo topics, jamming, parties and a very special bands or delighting audiences with including features on banjo players, BANJO FEST concert. With details his engaging solo style at Toronto banjo techniques (predominantly of this fun-filled weekend still in the night spots such as Diamond Lil’s, the three-finger or Scruggs style works, save the dates of September Borgerson remains an “in demand” and the playing style), 6- 8, 2018 for BANJO FEST 2018 banjoist and entertainer. beginning banjo, music theory, in Oklahoma City. banjo set-up and accessories, EDDIE COLLINS - Historical - A Sam Stone journeyman musician and Detroit ABM Membership Todd VanBebber celebrity, the impact Eddie Collins’ The American Banjo Museum Budd Walker 40 plus year banjo career was felt wishes to recognize and thank David Weibel nationally. Playing at a virtuoso new members and those that have level on both banjo and guitar as renewed their membership the Couple Membership the instruments each came of age fourth quarter of 2017. Robert & Janice Bicknaver in the 1920s and 30s, Eddie Collins’ Jim & Alicia Bottorff Individual Membership Glen Phillip Cartwright career hit high gear when he joined Robert Alexius Neil L. Duresky Art Mooney’s Orchestra in 1948. Scott Anderson Russ & Diane Morton James Beaver Touring nationally on the heels of Bill & Marilyn North C. Graham Burton their million selling hit recordings Michael & Jane Sigmon such as Four Leaf Clover and Baby Raymond James Cisneros Face, Collins’ years with Art Mooney Doris Clark Family Membership postured him to return to Detroit a George Donaldson Julie Marehwa Matt Fleury musical hero – an admirable status Glenn N. Snyder Wallace Barbara J. Thomas which he enjoyed until his sudden Mark Greathouse Linda Thompson passing in 1972. Sue Kern Vincent VanBebber Christian Vincent Lawlor JIM HENSON - Promotion - Ken Lee Lifetime Membership Through his creation of the Clarence Leverenz Chantelle Cory Muppets – and the inextricable Dick Neuman To become a member, gift a connection of the banjo with Garry Peterson, MD membership, or upgrade your current , Jim Henson and Becky Rickard membership call 405-604-2793. the modern day company which Randy Shumard AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 3 EVENTS

Back to Our Roots: An Exploration of Roots Music As part of its ongoing community outreach efforts, on November 1, 2017 the American Banjo Museum partnered with both the Oklahoma History Center as well as Oklahoma Humanities to present a very special program entitled Back to Our Roots: An Exploration of American Roots Music. A diverse audience of over 200 people were on hand at the History Center as the banjo’s role in the intersections of jazz, blues and roots music Dom Flemons and Johnny Baier at the American Banjo Museum during a morning Q&A with music students and professors.

– as well as the influence of race, stated, “That was stuff of the old emancipation and desegregation culture…we’re more interested on the evolution of this music in in what’s happening today.” both Oklahoma and throughout Both Flemons and Dr. Aldridge the country - was discussed. took turns presenting musical Panelists for the event included examples with material ranging Grammy award winning artist and from minstrel songs to blues, founder the Carolina Chocolate jazz and tunes associated with Drops, Dom Flemons; member of Songster traditions of the early 20th the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame, century. The evening’s discussion, Dr. Harold Aldridge, and; American audience interaction and musical Banjo Museum Executive Director, performances – including a crowd- Johnny Baier. While the delicate stirring impromptu blues and bones issues of racism in relation to duet between Dom and Dr. Aldridge Dom Flemons at the American banjo history were presented - proved that music has the power Banjo Museum. Photo Credit: and discussed very openly, Dom to cross cultures and overcome Americana Media Group Flemons put it best when he generations of misunderstanding.

Dr. Harold Aldridge and Dom Flemons at the Oklahoma History Center. Dr. Harold Aldridge Photo Credit: Americana Media Group Photo Credit: Americana Media Group

4 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM SUPPORT Sowell Family Donatons Banjo Ukulele to ABM British entertainer, George Formby, the banjo ukulele is a combination of a ukulele neck on a banjo body, providing ukulele players with more volume and percussive rhythm than is available from a typical wooden uke. With a worldwide ukulele craze going on, the acquisition of this special instrument comes at a perfect time, allowing the museum to continue sharing with its visitors the varied and colorful evolution of different types of banjos. Dale Small was inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame in 2008 in recognition Sowell Family presenting custom banjo ukulele to Johnny Baier, ABM of the nearly 500 custom made Executive Director and Doug Parsons, ABM Board President at IBMA. banjos built during his lifetime. The museum is pleased and proud to During the International Bluegrass construction elements of exotic welcome this new addition from that Music Association conference wood and inlay materials. And, storied craftsman to our permanent held recently in Raleigh, North above all, it sounds and plays collection and thank the Sowell Carolina, the Sowell Family Pickers absolutely marvelous. Cemented family for their donation as well stopped by the American Banjo into public consciousness by as the spirit in which it was given. Museum booth to present a very special gift. Strongly rooted in faith coupled with musical excellence, the banjo community has watched with pride as the Sowell children have progressed from enthusiastic aspiring youngsters to professional level musicians and performers. In Raleigh, in addition to their showcase performances for the international Bluegrass community, the Sowell family presented the museum with a custom banjo ukulele which was built in the 1980s by Hall of Fame luthier Dale Small. This instrument is special in so many ways… First off, it is a beautiful example of Dale Small’s early period craftsmanship which was originally made for June Bealmear – a longtime friend of the museum and the entire four- string banjo world. The instrument features a unique design with the tailpiece integrated into the armrest assembly as well as

AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 5 Support

Better know a board member banjo players, many professionals Q: I understand your father-in- and many players, like me, who law, Emile "Pete" DeBlois, had an are really just enthusiasts. At impact on you playing the banjo. these events people told me their Can you tell us about that? banjo story, stories about who encouraged them to play the banjo. A: I had wanted to play the banjo They told these stories because for years, but just never had the they wanted to keep the story alive time to devote to practice, but when for others to hear and enjoy. Every I found a banjo for sale at a yard banjo has a story! sale, I had to have it! I had given a lot of thought to how My wife, Theresa’s dad, Pete we get the “regular folks” involved DeBlois, taught me a few chords, with the Museum, how can we but always said he would be a poor make the Museum accessible to all teacher. One day, Pete introduced banjo players. The Banjo Players Paul Poirier me to Steve Caddick. Pete said Directory just seemed like a great Steve would be a great teacher. As way to preserve the history of all Q: Easy question first, do you play always, Pete was right! In 1989, I the banjo players, and make a part four-string or five-string banjo? started taking lessons and continue of the ABM available to everybody, A: Four-string, specifically a tenor. even today. everywhere. “Telling the history of My favorite is a 1924 Vega Style X When Pete had a major heart the banjo, one player at a time”. I #9. event, we were told that he would support this project because I truly love the banjo and the people. I feel Q: When did you start playing? never walk, talk or play banjo again. Theresa and I would not accept strongly the need to preserve the A: Growing up in an exceptionally that and insisted that Pete be sent legacy of the banjo, and the players large family, music lessons were to a rehab facility and we sent a making banjo history and sharing reserved for the girls only. The banjo along with him. It wasn’t long the stories of all the folks whose boys learned a trade from dad. So, before he was walking, talking and paths have crossed because of the as a child music was out. But, as to everyone’s amazement playing banjo. I grew older, music became more his beloved banjo. Q: Where do you see the museum interesting, and I always had the going in the future? inner need to play music. I began Although Pete never fully playing banjo in 1989 at age 33, recovered, he went on to play for A: Without Jack Canine there would taking lessons from Steve Caddick another few years, and I made it be no American Banjo Museum to on a cheap tenor banjo that I bought my mission to ensure that he had have a future so first …. Thank you for $60 at a yard sale. every opportunity to share his Jack! musical talent and enjoy his banjo. Q: What made you want to serve I think every day about Pete, his Having said that, my personal on the American Banjo Museum’s sense of humor and his smooth vision for the Museum is to grow! Board of Directors? counter melody style of playing. He The ABM is a world class facility, is the reason I am dedicated to the that we need to preserve, and it is A: I never considered being on the the foundation for the future. ABM’s Board, in fact I didn’t know banjo! much about the Museum and had Q: You were instrumental with the We have dreams to expand the never been to Oklahoma City until development and funding for the Museum in the future, physically Doug Parsons recruited me to be a Museum’s Banjo Players Directory. and through its collection and board member. After doing a little What was the driving factor for you archives. To add more interactive research, I knew that I was being in supporting this exhibit and online exhibits, traveling exhibits, and given the opportunity of a lifetime, database? educational programs about the to help take the ABM into the banjo. While we are well on our future. This is what drives me. I like A: Theresa’s dad and the Stone way to achieving some of these to work on projects, and this one is Street Strummers had given me dreams, other dreams will depend one of the largest, most interesting the opportunity to do a lot of playing on how well we as board members projects of the banjo community. I and promoting. The Early Spring direct and affect the future growth. don’t think it will ever be complete. Banjo Fling and the Boston Banjo My vision is to never stop dreaming Bash had introduced me to so many and never stop growing!

6 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Events

More than a Candy Cane Christmas Pointer, Red Andrews Christmas Grinch. Probably the fan favorite, Dinner secretary and treasurer. since it was performed twice, was “Its had a ripple effect as people Jingle Bells. Several of the younger invited people, and it just grows generation performed on the stage and grows and grows. It’s now one with Baier, assisting with the bells. of the largest community dinners Coen from OKC, summed the day in our region.” Not only does the up the best, “It was fun, but the entire state of Oklahoma back reason we came was so other the Red Andrews Dinner, but the kids that can’t have Christmas get American Banjo Museum played to.” Coen, his Mom, and siblings their role in the spirit of giving. brought a new unwrapped toy for ABM had a live show featuring the event, and in return got in for Johnny Baier playing to a full FREE. With a knot in my throat, I house in fact standing room only! tried to finish up my interview with Baier performed a plethora of Coen, age 7, by asking him how Santa visiting with a few of the Christmas tunes, known by most it was to perform on the stage. “I children in attendance. with full audience participation. didn’t come here to be on the stage, He performed oldies, such as I came here to give.” Now that’s the By Pamm Tucker, Americana Sleigh Bells, to “one-liners” of Mr. Christmas Spirit! Media Group, Entertainment Editor

Santa Claus made his way into Bricktown and the American Banjo Museum, Sunday, December 10th. It was a very special occasion, as not only was it a Candy Cane Christmas but it had a meaning, a meaning of the spirit of Christmas and the gift of giving! You might be asking what is the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner? Ernest Andrews (Red Andrews) was promoting boxing matches at the Stockyards Photo Credit: Budd Walker, Americana Media Johnny Baier, Executive Director of Coliseum in the 1940s when he Group the American Banjo Museum discovered the living conditions of some of his young parking lot workers who lived in the Mulligan Flats area. Some of them lived in one-room houses with mud floors. Moved to help these families find joy during the holidays, he invited them to participate in a Christmas dinner. Because of the ongoing needs of the city’s less fortunate families, Andrews built the dinner into a tradition, one that continued long after his death in 1977. “The community embraced it, and we’ve since grown to serve over 8,000 The Okie Dokies Banjo Band donated their time and played Christmas people,” said Mary Blankenship favorites in the lobby during ABM's Candy Cane Christmas. AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 7 9 East Sheridan Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Save the date...BANJO FEST...September 6-8, 2018 Upcoming Events... March SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2-3 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1 PM January Krewe de Banjo Four-String Open Jam SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1 PM Join us for a live jazz performance and Join other Four-String players for an Ukulele Open Jam get American Banjo Museum Mardi Open Jam Session. Free admission Join other Ukulele players for an Gras beads. Performance included with when you bring an instrument and Open Jam Session. Free admission paid museum admission. participate in the Jam Session. when you bring an instrument and participate in the Jam Session. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 6-9 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2 PM Krewe de Banjo Mardi Gras Party Education SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2 PM For those that have never played the Education Enjoy an evening of jazz and New banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn to For those that have never played the Orleans style food. Pre-purchase banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn to tickets today $20 Members / $25 Non- Pick a Tune with Lucas”. Limited seat- Pick a Tune with Lucas”. Limited seat- Members. CASH BAR ing, by reservation only! ing, by reservation only! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2 PM April SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 1 PM Education Celtic Open Jam For those that have never played the SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1 PM Join other players for an Open Celtic Bluegrass Open Jam Jam Session. Free admission when banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn Join other Bluegrass players for an you bring an instrument and partici- to Pick a Tune with Lucas”. Limited pate in the Jam Session. seating, by reservation only! Open Jam Session. Free admission when you bring an instrument and February SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1 PM participate in the Jam Session. Celtic Open Jam SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1 PM Join other players for an Open Celtic Old Style Open Jam Jam Session. Free admission when For more information on events Join other Old Style players for an you bring an instrument and partici- call 405-604-2793 or visit Open Jam Session. Free admission when you bring an instrument and par- pate in the Jam Session. www.americanbanjomuseum.com ticipate in the Jam Session.