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American Museum Quarterly Spring 2016

Special Exhibit . . . The Banjo World of

Inside . . .

From The Director

The Banjo World of Steve Martin

Mardi Gras . . . Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

Lila Singleton . . . A Gift Of Love

Johnny Baier Brings Banjo History to Life

ABM Launches New Education Series American Banjo Museum’s newest resulting in award winning and critically exhibit, The Banjo World of Steve Martin, acclaimed recordings, concerts and Around Town provides a look at the musical side of theatrical presentations. one of America’s favorite entertainers. ABM Goes To The The exhibit, which features banjos “Steve Martin is unquestionably the Dawgs from Martin’s private collection, opened most influential recent figure in making February 15th. the banjo not only acceptable, but a RedGrass String welcome and in demand instrument Band Best known for films such as , in American popular music culture,” The Pink Panther and, most recently, said Johnny Baier, executive director Membership the animated feature Home, as well of the American Banjo Museum. “His as numerous written works, Martin has recordings, concerts and televised Upcoming Events become an American entertainment appearances - including the annual institution. However, few people are presentation of the Steve Martin Prize truly familiar with his musical prowess. for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, From his earliest years as an entertainer, have exposed millions of people to the Steve Martin has been using his skill banjo in the most positive and musical as a banjo player as part of his “Wild manner possible.” and Crazy Guy” persona. Recently, his career has returned to its musical roots, Continued on page 3 From the Director

tour groups and other promotions. The impact of these new additions has been almost immediate with a plethora of new events and activities (including a fun and successful Mardi Gras event on February 6th)…welcome Dustin and welcome back Janet! 9 East Sheridan Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 We’ve also experienced an 405-604-2793 uptick in activity with our favorite www.AmericanBanjoMuseum.com ambassador, Lucas Ross. An OKC celebrity – and banjo player MISSION The mission of the American Banjo - Lucas has been taking the banjo Museum is to preserve and promote to the streets with appearances on the music and heritage of America’s behalf of the ABM at Oklahoma instrument: the banjo. City civic events and festivals. Additionally, Lucas has developed By Johnny Baier an educational program aimed at STAFF introducing the banjo to beginners. Johnny Baier, Executive Director What an exciting time for the Titled Pick A Tune With Lucas, this Margie Smith-Robbins, Assistant American Banjo Museum! A ‘hands on’ program is presented Administrator blockbuster new exhibit...new staff once every month. If the capacity Dustin Pyeatt, Development & members...increased attendance… attendance at the inaugural event Outreach Manager and, educational and community on February 27th is any indication, Janet Raines, Sales & Marketing outreach events! Yes, an exciting this will be a wonderful addition to Sherril Mitchell, Reception time indeed… ABM programming. Ellie Mowery, Administrative Assistant Our new special exhibit, The Banjo It’s not too early to make plans to World of Steve Martin, recently attend the 2016 American Banjo BOARD OF DIRECTORS opened to immediate and positive Museum Hall of Fame weekend Dr. Bob Alexius, Austin, TX response. In addition the increase in festivities. Honoring Pat Terry, Jr., Jack Canine, North Ft. Myers, FL attendance the exhibit has sparked J.D. Crowe, George Formby, The Lester Cowden Jr., Oklahoma City, OK (up 60% over February 2015), Mr. Deering Banjo Company, and Alfred Roger Hale, Coeur D’Alene, ID Martin’s belief in our mission has Greathouse, this year’s induction Jens Kruger, N. Wilkesboro, NC spread the word of the ABM to his ceremony will take place on Friday, Donald Lewis, Whitney, TX worldwide base of millions of fans. September 9th at the Skirvin Hilton Jack Murphy, Oklahoma City, OK Don’t miss the chance to see this Hotel in downtown OKC. Save the Brian Newsom, Milford, MI very special exhibit which runs dates of September 9th and 10th… Doug Parsons, Waynesville, OH through January of 2017. more exciting American Banjo Paul Poirier, Seekonk, MA Museum Hall of Fame weekend Danny Rubio, Kenner, LA From our humble staff of previous details to follow! Devin Tower, Ormond Beach, FL years, ABM personnel ranks have grown to welcome two new fulltime employees. Dustin Pyeatt will oversee our community outreach and development efforts and Janet Raines (returning to the ABM after a three year absence) will work with

2 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Special Exhibit

The Banjo World of Steve Martin

Continued from page 1 release of Scruggs’ iconic Foggy Mountain Breakdown. In 2009, In addition to memorabilia and Martin released his first all-music rare photos, The Banjo World of , The Crow: New Songs for Steve Martin features an exclusive the 5-String Banjo, also making interview where Martin discusses his first appearance at the Grand his love for America’s instrument, Ole Opry later that year. In 2013, the banjo. “Many of these items Steve Martin teamed with singer/ have not been seen before by the songwriter on the public. We are honored to present album, , this one-of-a-kind exhibit, which is earning that year’s Grammy Award a ‘must see’ for anyone who loves for Best American Roots Song for music, comedy, movies - and Steve the album’s title track. The duo Martin,” said Baier. released a second collaboration late last year called Since re-emerging on the music and also joined creative forces on scene in 2001, Martin has garnered the critically acclaimed musical, praise and awards for his music. , which is set to open on In 2001, he shared a Grammy Broadway in March. award with for the re-

Plan now to visit the American Banjo Museum to see “The Banjo World of Steve Martin” on display through January 2017

AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 3 Special Events

Laissez les bons temps rouler! On February 6th, the American revelers washed it all down with a The highlight of the evening was a Banjo Museum took on the air of refreshing hurricane. live performance by Scott Whitfield Bourbon Street during the Krewe and the Jazz Cats, whose New de Banjo Mardi Gras Party. “Congratulations to the American Orleans jazz stylings cast a spell Banjo Museum for hosting a great stronger than a voodoo priestess. The celebration, which was held Mardi Gras event,” said Brenda Whitfield and his Jazz Cats visited from 6 to 9 p.m. brought nearly Granger, Executive Director, the museum from Dallas and lived 100 guests to the museum to let Oklahoma Museum Association. up to their reputation as the hardest the good times roll. Guests were “It was a nice evening of wonderful swingin’ New Orleans style jazz adorned with special American music, delicious food, interesting band in the southwest. Banjo Museum Mardi Gras beads exhibits and tons of fun. I’m already and treated to a southern feast looking forward to my next visit to of jambalaya, red beans and rice the museum!” and Cajun hors d’oeuvres. And,

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“The band was perfect, flawless,” said Oklahoma City radio personality Keri Evans. “It was like they brought Preservation Hall with them.”

Not only did everyone get to enjoy some good food and some great music, they also received a sneak peek at the new exhibit, The Banjo World of Steve Martin. It was an amazing night, worthy of the Crescent City, and, best of all, no alligators!

AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 5 Support

Lila Singleton . . . a gift of love By Paul Poirier An influential decision maker, Sandy Singleton was responsible for locating the American Banjo Museum Sandy’s wife, Lila Singleton with her family have in Oklahoma City. Sandy’s dedication to the American provided the American Banjo Museum with many gifts Banjo Museum and his drive and love of all things to honor the memory of her husband Sandy, always banjo could always be counted upon to make the making us think of the future. In the spirit of growing right decision and get the job done. As one of the philanthropy, Lila Singleton has issued a challenge to original supporters of the American Banjo Museum, all of us to make significant donations to help fulfill Sandy could take an idea, move it to action and follow the American Banjo Museum’s mission. Lila and her it to completion, always with the Museum’s interest family challenge us to raise $20,000 each year for first and foremost in his mind. With this great man’s five years in new gifts. When we meet this challenge legacy in mind, the Museum’s board room is named each year Lila and her family will fund their pledge in memory of Sandy Singleton. to the Museum. Thank you, Lila and family for your leadership and the opportunity to step up and meet The Singleton name is a powerful reminder of the your challenge! hard work and dedication required to make a great museum and advance our mission to preserve, We need you! We need you to help us preserve our promote and present the banjo. A portrait of Sandy heritage as banjo players, spread the word about our hangs in the Museum’s board room as a reminder to wonderful museum and help us meet the challenge our leaders to make decisions for today and future of Lila Singleton to insure the future of our American generations with “integrity, fair play and honesty”. His Banjo Museum. gifts of time, talent and treasure were all crucial to the early success of the Museum.

6 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Education Johnny Baier Brings Banjo History to Life

The American Banjo Museum gives Banjo Museum Facebook page after museum goers an immersion into the March lecture, “Boy was I surprised the history of America’s instrument, by the level of knowledge and the but, within each display case, each passion Mr. Baier has for what he instrument has a deeper history. Now, does. Thank you…not only worth the each month, American Banjo Museum price of admission, but also the drive Executive Director Johnny Baier is from Enid. I’ll be coming back for future bringing these instruments, their events until I wear my welcome out.” makers and their sound to life with a special historical presentation and The next historical presentation and performance series. performance will cover Bacon & Day and is scheduled for 3 pm, April 9th. One Saturday each month, Baier will A lecture and performance on Vega of choose an instrument or maker from the Boston is scheduled for 3 pm, May 7th. museum’s collection and give a lecture See the schedule of events on page on the history behind the instruments 12 for a complete listing of events and and the instrument’s makers. Then, performances at the American Banjo he’ll play historically significant banjos Museum. from that maker. added to our email list. See page 12 For information on future performances for a complete listing of April-June The first lecture and performance, held and events, check out the American events and performances. on March 12th, focused on the story Banjo Museum’s Facebook of banjos. Jimmy Overton of page. Or, email us at events@ Enid, OK, posted on the American americanbanjomuseum.com to be

ABM Launches New Education Series

said Ross. “These people come in and have never picked up the banjo and leave having played some chords and part of a song…it’s really fun to witness.”

Class sizes are kept small and reserved for those that have never played a banjo before. Reservations are required. The next class will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, April 23rd, and another class is scheduled at 11:30 am, Saturday, May 14th here at the American Banjo Museum.

Added Ross, “our first class of banjo beginners was exactly that, first class! I’m looking forward to the next group!” The American Banjo Museum recently Banjo player and local television launched a new education series, personality Lucas Ross guides For information, or, to reserve Learn to Pick a Tune with Lucas, students as they learn to play a song your spot, email us at events@ where people who have never touched on a five-string banjo. americanbanjomuseum.com or, call a banjo can learn to play a song in one (405) 604-2793. easy lesson. “There’s nothing like seeing a person’s face the first time they strum a banjo,” AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 7 Community Outreach

Banjos around town...

The American Banjo Museum during this month-long holiday (ABM) isn’t confined to four celebration. Last year, Southern walls, we also reach out into the Living Magazine named Downtown community to bring the music and in December one of the best history of the banjo to the public. holiday events in the American south. In December, we took part in Downtown OKC Inc.’s annual In January, the American Banjo event, Downtown in December. Museum came to the rescue of Museum Volunteer Musicians Bill the Bricktown Rotary Club when Bond and Lucas Ross entertained their scheduled speaker dropped crowds in Bricktown during the free out at the last minute. That night, Bricktown Canal rides that were ABM Development and Outreach offered every Thursday through Manager, Dustin Pyeatt, showed Sunday from Thanksgiving until up, PowerPoint in hand, ready to Christmas. talk about everything coming up at the American Banjo Museum, Bill Bond (above) and Lucas Ross Each year the Bricktown Canal even walking away with some new (below) entertained everyone as they draws more than 25,000 people volunteers. enjoyed free time on the Bricktown Canal during Downtown in December.

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The Okie Dokies performing during lunch hour in The Underground as part of “Art Moves.” Seated L-R: Richard McKee, Lester Cowden Jr., Deana Rotramel, Margie Smith-Robbins, Jack Murphy.

Also in January, the American On March 5th, Lucas Ross again If you would like to schedule a Banjo Museum participated in Art represented the American Banjo speaker from the American Banjo Moves, a program sponsored by Museum as he played and posed Museum to talk with your group the Oklahoma City Arts Council. for photos with fans at First Friday in the Oklahoma City metro Art Walk in Oklahoma City’s historic area, please call (405) 604- Art Moves is an initiative that Paseo Arts District. 2793, or, email us at events@ provides free art events in americanbanjomuseum.com. downtown Oklahoma City each workday from Noon to 1p.m. Events include everything from artist demonstrations to musical performances and take place in various downtown locations. → SAVE THE DATE ← The Okie Dokie Banjo Band brought their energy and fun to the museum’s inaugural performance AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM in the Art Moves program. The Okie Dokies performed in the concourse of downtown Oklahoma City’s Underground, a busy underground HALL OF FAME thoroughfare.

The American Banjo Museum is September 8, 9, & 10th scheduled to participate in Art Moves May 18th and June 30th.

AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 9 Join Us! Membership in the American Banjo Museum The American Banjo Museum wishes to recognize and thank its current members. Nancy Leipold Donald & Janet Lewis The American Banjo Museum places a high value on insuring the longevity of its Dr. Rik Lovelady collections as well as the facility housing them. Your support is critical to insuring Bryan Malis our shared legacy is preserved for future generations. Michael Mason Dr. Ronald W. McLawhon To become a member, gift a membership, or upgrade your current membership Jack Murphy call 405-604-2793 or email [email protected]. Brian Newsom Dr. Gilbert O’Gawa Glenn Parks Doug Parsons Individual Membership Couple Membership Paul J. Poirier Beth Adams Dr. Robert & Patsy Alexius Dr. Robert Ringrose Nita Kaye Adams Suzanne & Richard Burg. M.D. Larry & Liz Schafer Michael Baldwin Allan Pinkston & Doris Clark Jacquelyn Singleton Robert Bicknaver Donald L. & Marlene Dempsey Janet Honeycutt Singleton Timothy M. Bryan Ray & Alice Jaworski Mrs. Lila Singleton Gim Burton Bill & Nancy Majors Sandy Harland Singleton Jimmy Campbell Russ & Diane Morton Tim Singleton Emil J. Chessari Bill & Marilyn North Donald F. Stevison Raymond J. Cisneros Denny & Kathy Overstreet Thomas Straus Frank Clark Mr. & Mrs. George Peabody Darryl Q. Tower Diana Daugherty Catherine Quinlan Devin Tower DiMarci Guitars/Dan DiMarco Roderick & Carol Tillman Gayle Tower George (Pete) Donaldson David & Ellen Weibel Robert A. Werner Martin Elliott Joe Ferris Family Membership At the time of publication every attempt Roy Hill Berrien Becks, Jr. was made to insure the accuracy of this Ron Hinkle Thomas Dargan list. Please let us know if we made any Dr. John Huntsberger Robert C. Duncan unintentional error so we can correct it. Clancy Leverenz Charles Lichtigman Madeline Lombardi Jill L. Picciano Sandra J. Mayfield Joseph A. Prezio, M.D. Looking for a unique Robert P. Miccoly, Sr. Kasey Torres venue for your next Nancy Mielke Gerald Williams Bruce Miner event or meeting? Ellie Mowery Lifetime Membership The American Banjo Museum is John Mumford William Anspach, Jr., M.D. Dick Neuman Jim Aronis pleased to make its facility available Phyllis Parsons Richard Berger to individuals and group events Garry F. Peterson Jack Canine to be held on museum premises. Lana H. Pincumbe Amy Singleton Capshaw With 16,000 square feet of modern Brownie Plaster Gary Capshaw and elegant exhibit galleries, the Lawrence H. Rutan James D. & Carol G. Carey American Banjo Museum is an J.T. Scruggs Lester & LeeAnn Cowden attractive option for hosting unique Marjorie Gornall Randy Shumard special events, receptions, and George V. & Catherine M. Goudreault Margie Smith-Robbins meetings. All facility rental options Marsha Graf Jack W. Snyder include guest access to Museum Richard Velazquez Roger Hale galleries and exhibits. John Vonk Dr. Charles R. Johnson Warren Kilmer George T. Webster For more information call 405- Marlene R. White Phil & Barbara Kuhl 604-2793 or email events@ Glady V. Zwink David E. Lambourne John A. Leeper AmericanBanjoMuseum.com

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that helps lower income families spay, neuter and tag their pets.

“We were so happy that the American Banjo Museum reached out to us,” said Kim Schlittler, executive director, Best Friends of Pets. “It was a great evening with some great music.”

The Flea Bitten Dawgs were so popular, they even came back and played at the museum the next day.

“It’s important, not just to be part of the world banjo community, ABM goes to the Dawgs but our local community as well,” Thom Pallozola and David Henry The Dawgs were the featured said Dustin Pyeatt, outreach and settled into their spots on the stage performers during Mutts & Music, development manager, American at the American Banjo Museum. a special live music event that Banjo Museum. “This event was a And, as they started to strum their was held from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, great way to raise awareness about tenor ukulele’s, and Henry began Jan. 29th at the American Banjo the pet overpopulation problem singing in his soft tones, the stress Museum. in Oklahoma City, and, introduce of the week began to melt away new people to the American Banjo from everyone listening. Mutts & Music was a collaboration Museum.” between the American Banjo Pallozola and Henry, who hail from Museum and Best Friends of St. Louis, MO, are the duo that Pets. Best Friends of Pets is an make up The Flea Bitten Dawgs. Oklahoma City-based non-profit

RedGrass String Band brings Okie Bluegrass to the ABM With mandolin, guitar and, of course, banjo, the RedGrass String Band filled the American Banjo Museum with music during their March 26th performance.

From 3-5 pm the RedGrass String Band entertained the crowd with a mixture of bluegrass, country, classic rock and some great Oklahoma-centric original songs.

“These guys represent all the bands out there on the front lines “What a great place,” wrote Rick Judging from the crowd’s reaction, playing in bars, dance halls and Fowble of the RedGrass String and their demand for an encore, county fairs who are keeping banjo Band on the band’s Facebook the RedGrass String Band was a music alive,” said Dustin Pyeatt, page. “If you get a chance you hit! outreach & development manager, check that museum out. That is a American Banjo Museum. cool place.” AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 11 Upcoming Events April SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 3 PM Historical Presentation & American Banjo Museum Performance - Bacon & Day-DAY Learn the history behind a selected banjo maker in the museum’s collection. Americana Fest Then hear American Banjo Museum’s Executive Director, Johnny Baier play a Saturday - June 18, 2016 historically significant instrument from that maker. Performance included with paid museum admission. 11am-5pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 3-5 PM Performance An afternoon of traditional and historical Entertainment folk music and song as the Scissortail  Side Street Steppers  Band take the stage at the American Banjo Museum. Performance included  Willow Way  with paid museum admission.  Bread & Butter 

SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2 PM Education For those that have never played the Enjoy a day of food, fun, & entertainment for one low price. banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. Limited Adults $10 / Under 15 free w/accompanying adult seating, by reservation only! contact [email protected] Fun for the entire family!

May SATURDAY, MAY 14, 3:30 PM that maker. Performance included with SATURDAY, MAY 7, 3 PM Performance/Tribute to Serve Martin paid museum admission. Historical Presentation & Lucas Ross takes the stage at the Performance - Vega of Boston American Banjo Museum and gives SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2 PM Learn the history behind a selected tribute to Steve Martin as he plays Education banjo maker in the museum’s collection. songs highlighting Steve’s early career For those that have never played the Then hear American Banjo Museum’s and touching on his comedy roots. banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn Executive Director, Johnny Baier play a to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. Limited historically significant instrument from seating, by reservation only! contact that maker. Performance included with [email protected] paid museum admission. June SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 3 PM Sign up for the American Banjo SATURDAY, MAY 14, 11:30 AM Historical Presentation & Museum eNewsletter by emailing Education Performance - The Gibson Story [email protected] For those that have never played the Learn the history behind a selected banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn banjo maker in the museum’s collection. and putting eNewsletter in the to Pick A Tune with Lucas”. Limited Then hear American Banjo Museum’s subject line seating, by reservation only! contact Executive Director, Johnny Baier play a [email protected] historically significant instrument from

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