American Museum Quarterly Spring 2020

2020 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Inside . . .

2020 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced Gary "Biscuit" Davis Ed Erickson Don Reno Geoff Stelling Roger Sprung Five-String Four-String Historical Design & Instruction & Performance Performance Manufacture Education From the Director Each year since 1998 has afforded categories to all types of . With Pied Picker puppet the American Banjo Museum the this move the American Banjo Museum show at the ABM opportunity to honor the best of the best Hall of Fame was established. in the banjo world with induction into the Krewe de Banjo American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. With each passing year, the American Mardi Gras Party Originally established as The National Banjo Museum Hall of Fame grows Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame, early in acceptance and stature among Lucas travels to honorees were age four-string banjo the worldwide banjo community. The Ghana pioneers as well as the contemporary inclusive nature of its mission is seen artists, educators, manufacturers and through its honoring of a diverse body The American Banjo Museum and promoters who carried on the traditions of banjo notables. From iconic names COVID-19 of their predecessors. In its infancy, the such as , Steve Martin and museum itself was an extension of the Belá Fleck to little known – yet equally New Staff at the Hall of Fame. important – contributors to the art or American Banjo industry of the banjo, the American Museum In the years preceding 2014, more Banjo Museum Hall of Fame continues than 70 individuals and entities in the to recognize those who have shaped Letter from the four-string banjo world whose career the banjo’s colorful past, exciting Board accomplishments might have otherwise present and unlimited future. Like past gone unrecognized were recognized by recipients, honorees for 2020 have ABM Membership the Hall of Fame. As time passed and each displayed a lifelong commitment the museum grew to embrace all types to the banjo in one of five categories. Upcoming Events of banjos and playing styles, it became The American Banjo Museum Hall of clear that the Hall of Fame must evolve Fame inductees for 2020 are: as well. As such, in 2013, the ABM Board of Directors voted to establish an GARY “BISCUIT” DAVIS - Five-String annual performance category to honor Performance - Davis began playing all styles of five-string banjo playing as banjo at age 10. He was Tennessee well as opening the other previously four- State Champion by the age of twelve string banjo exclusive non-performance and since then he has been two-time Continued on page 3 From the Director Hall of Fame

in its history via our Internet banjo playing stands proudly as expanding the acceptable banjo programming, nothing compares Hall of Fame one of the most innovative and repertoire to include swing, with an “in person” experience at Continued from page 1 recognizable five-string banjo , pop and classical styles the American Banjo Museum. So, styles of all time. Influenced by old- as well. Credited with introducing hoping we can offer that experience Kentucky State Champion, four- time banjo player, Snuffy Jenkins, bluegrass banjo techniques to the again - sooner than later - we time Alabama State Champion and Reno developed his own three- world, Roger’s eclectic thank you for your continued belief National Banjo Champion on four finger "single-string" style that musical influence is reflected today and support. During this trying separate occasions...first in 1979 allowed him to play scales and in players such as economic time, one touching at age 16 – then again in 1988, complicated tunes note-for- while Sprung himself continues to 9 East Sheridan Ave. donation came in accompanied by 1996 and 2012. Davis began note. As a member of ’s explore new and exciting musical Oklahoma City, OK 73104 a simple message: “Keep going!” playing professionally at age 13 in Bluegrass Boys and the banjoist possibilities for the banjo. 405-604-2793 Chattanooga and later he moved who brought the iconic Dueling www.AmericanBanjoMuseum.com We plan to do just that! Johnny Baier to Pigeon Forge in 1988 where Banjos to life, the name Don Reno Gary Davis, Ed Erickson, Don he joined Jim and Charlie Smith‘s will be forever tied to innovative Reno, Geoff Stelling and Roger MISSION Executive Director Southstar Band and Dollywood. and musical banjo playing. Sprung will be inducted into the The mission of the American There he evolved to be the band Banjo Museum is to preserve American Banjo Museum Hall of In the short time since our last leader and record producer for and promote the banjo while GEOFF STELLING – Design & Fame during gala ceremonies to newsletter the world has become Dolly Parton. Davis currently expanding appreciation and Manufacture - Since 1959, while be held on Friday, September 11th, performs daily at Dolly’s Dixie understanding of its history and a different place and, as of this still in high school, Geoff Stelling 2020 in Oklahoma City as part of the music. writing, where all the “chips will Stampede Dinner Theater while has been either playing the banjo American Banjo Museum’s BANJO fall” remains uncertain. What is teaching private banjo and guitar or trying to improve on its design. FEST weekend. In addition to the lessons and traveling to host banjo STAFF certain, however, is that the future His Stelling Banjo Works was Hall of Fame gala, BANJO FEST instruction clinics and concerts Johnny Baier, Executive Director will come and we all need to be as established in 1974 while Geoff will include informal performances, throughout the year. Margie Smith-Robbins, Assistant prepared as possible to embrace was at a Naval Base in San Diego. jamming, parties and a very special Administrator the new normal. For the American As a semi-professional banjoist in BANJO FEST concert. With details ED “FAST EDDIE” ERICKSON various bluegrass bands since the Rachel Reichert, Sales & Banjo Museum that means that of this fun-filled weekend still in the - Four-String Performance - mid-60’s, Geoff developed an ear works, save the dates of September Marketing our mission endures. As our staff "Fast Eddie" Erickson began his for banjo tone and experimented 10-12, 2020 for BANJO FEST 2020 Sherril Mitchell, Reception works through the unsettling sight banjo/guitar career in the San with the mechanics of banjo in Oklahoma City. Ellie Burns, Administrative and sound of a quiet facility which Visit Us on Jose, California area in the mid construction until he patented Assistant is normally lively and vibrant, we 1960s performing at Capone's Lucas Ross, Community Outreach have embraced Internet technology the revolutionary designs which In Memory of Social Media! Warehouse and Disneyland. From & Promotion Coordinator to share the Museum’s treasures his banjos are famous for today. there Ed went to the Walt Disney Eddy Davis with a worldwide audience of BanjoMuseum Included among Stelling’s World Resort in Orlando where he innovations are his wedge-fitted pot BOARD OF DIRECTORS virtual visitors. Concurrently we was featured in the Class of '27 assembly, the “pivot-pin” tailpiece, Doug Parsons, Board President are preparing to roll out the new show, starred in the Banjo Kings in and compensated bridges and Waynesville, OH Women of the Banjo exhibit as well @banjomuseum the Magic Kingdom and, from 1978 nut assemblies. Combined with Lester Cowden, Jr., Oklahoma City, as continuing plans for our BANJO FEST celebration in September. to 1983, led the Riverboat Rascals the simple elegance of Stelling’s OK show band on board Disney's Hopefully, these and other activities visual dynamic, his contributions to Juston Givens, Oklahoma City, OK Empress Lilly Showboat in Lake which are keeping us very busy American.Banjo.Museum sound and playability make Geoff Jens Kruger, N. Wilkesboro, NC Buena Vista, Florida. A beloved (what a great time to get the carpet Stelling’s banjos internationally Michael Mason, O'Fallon, MO musician/entertainer in the classic cleaned!) will find us ready to hit revered. John Mumford, Centennial, CO jazz world, Erickson continues the ground running when we are Jack Murphy, Oklahoma City, OK AmericanBanjoMuseum to be a featured performer at able to open our doors again to our ROGER SPRUNG - Instruction Brian Newsom, Milford, MI countless jazz festivals, parties, treasured and missed guests. It & Education - An argument could Two-Time Hall of Fame Paul Poirier, Seekonk, MA and concerts around the world. be made that Roger Sprung was is interesting to note that in times Virtual Tours and Videos can Danny Rubio, New Orleans, LA the first progressive five-string Member such as this, appreciation for music Devin Tower, Palm Beach be viewed on the Museum's DON RENO - Historical - A banjoist. While his contemporaries and the arts seems to soar. While Inducted 2006 - Banjo Gardens, FL product of the North Carolina in the bluegrass world were we are delighted to do our part in Facebook Page or Website Promotion concentration of bluegrass experimenting with swing in the helping our country get through americanbanjomuseum.com Inducted 2015 - Four banjo pioneers, Don Reno’s 1940s and 50s, Sprung was one of the most difficult chapters String Performance AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 2 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 3 Events Community Outreach Pied Picker puppet show at the ABM Lucas travels to Ghana On March 7th and 8th David In January I traveled with my wife Stephens’ presented his puppet- and her team to visit the Village of filled banjo show THE PIED Hope in Ghana Africa. PICKER to an audience of kids and adults. The one-man show told In addition to bringing medical the story about a banjo player who supplies, and volunteers to build encountered a town with an influx needed resources, I was asked by of puppet roaches, fun characters, director Fred Asaré and his team to original songs, and a post-show teach a banjo music and art class. puppet demonstration. With nearly Fred had visited the banjo museum 80 attendees both days filling the on a trip to the states a few years event room to capacity the Museum back and loved the presentation was able to present the banjo in a and our youth programs. I took different way to those in attendance. over enough art supplies to make The performances were sponsored 300+ paper banjos and the kids by the Jane Henson Foundation. loved them. The art teacher, Rosina Lartey, was so taken by the story of the banjo and its African roots, that they continued art concepts based Krewe de Banjo Mardi Gras Party on design, story and music. Lucas Ross The American Banjo Museum held A Wine Pull was held during Community Outreach & its fifth annual Krewe de Banjo the festivities. Twenty dollars Promotion Coordinator Mardi Gras event Feburary 22nd. bought participants a cork with a The event began at 6 pm with corresponding number on a wine attendees donning masks and bottle with one bottle containing a Mardi Gras beads as the sounds $100 Mastercard gift card. Thanks of Steve Ham and his Jambalaya to Put a Cork In It and several The American Banjo Museum and COVID-19 Jass Band (joined by our own anonymous donors for sponsoring It’s difficult to put together a to open the museum again. Like and teaching virtual lessons. We exeutive director, Johnny Baier the wine pull. Next time you are newsletter as though everything many other museums, we are have put together a database of on banjo) filled the second floor in Bricktown, please stop by Put is normal in a time like this. So trying to do our part to bring cultural lesson instructors to hopefully with New Orleans jazz and guests a Cork In It located at 115 E. many people have had to sacrifice history to your living room as you make it easier for teachers to reach enjoyed hurricanes, wine and other California Ave. and let them know so much in order to combat the can’t come to ours. We hope you potential students who are also in libations. The dinner buffet included you appreciate their support of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It’s can tune in to our programs and isolation. This is available through Lobster Bisque, Red Beans & Rice, American Banjo Museum. Krewe a scary time for everyone as we all spread the word to all your friends a link on our website. We hope Cajun Shrimp Fondue, Sausage de Banjo was also made possible attempt to navigate a new normal. and family. If you’ve missed our that anyone in isolation who wants & Chicken Jambalaya, Garlic with a grant from the Oklahoma The Museum has closed our doors daily streams they are still available to learn/improve an instrument Flat Bread, and Caramel Praline Arts Council. to the public for the time being in on our Facebook page as well as will take this time to do so virtually Cheesecake. accordance with our state and city linked on our website. and support the global musical guidelines. Although our doors are community in a way it desperately closed we are still continuing our Many musicians in our global needs right now while improving mission of promoting America’s community make their living their own skills. instrument, the banjo, through through shows and in person our new daily virtual program. experiences. For many of these We can’t wait to see everyone Everyday at noon we have been folks two weeks without income when our doors re-open. As of now going live on Facebook with due to COVID-19 related cancelled we plan on re-opening our doors on concerts, workshops, interviews, shows can be devastating. Without May 1st, but that is very tentative. and in-depth tours of the museum’s the ability to travel and perform in Keep an eye on our social media artifacts. We plan on continuing person, most are turning to online for the latest update, and stay safe. these everyday until we’re able live streams with virtual tip jars

4 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 5 ABM News Support

Country Music Studies Program at Letter from the Board to share the beauty and resources Ned Luberecki New Staff at the Banjo Museum ETSU as well as waitressed at the of our collections and archives with Laura McNutt As I sit here in my office, at home, historic music venue, The Down all who are willing to take the time Kevin McNutt Orchestra for two years prior to holed up to stay away from the Home. to visit us on Facebook. We exist Nina Molin graduating Summa Cum Laude Corona Virus, as I have done most for you and continue on because of John Mumford with BA in History and Music. days, I spend some time each day Rachel is excited to be at the you. Kim Nakae at noon, (central time), to tune into American Banjo Museum where Marilyn North Upon graduation Rachel moved the American Banjo Museum's she will be eventually taking over I hope you will join me in supporting Janice O'Bryan to Colorado to tour for a summer lunch time live on Facebook. Today Janet Raines’ current position as the American Banjo Museum, Katie Odom with the internationally recognized as I am watching Johnny Baier’s Events and Sales Coordinator our staff and its mission with your Edward Owen group Thunder and Rain. From interview of Roy Clark, I can’t help generous donations. If you would Annie-Alexandra Pike there she moved to Johnson but think of all the wonderful things Rachel moved to Oklahoma City like to discuss ways to support us, Charles Preston City, TN and started Graduate that have happened and continue this January and resides near the feel free to contact me through the Matt Ritz School at East Tennessee State to happen at the American Banjo Paseo district with her dog Hazel. Museum, I would love to help you Kathleen Shelton University. At ETSU she majored Museum and what a great way help the American Banjo Museum. Richard Shinske in Appalachian Studies, a unique for the Museum Staff to share the Stay safe and healthy! Margie Smith-Robbins program which allowed her to treasures of our Museum with the Paul Poirer, Board Member Jack Snyder focus on traditional bluegrass world! Cindy Solomon music in addition to the history Barry Tripp of the region. Rachel is currently Sharing our exhibits and archives in the process of completing her online is another of the innovative, ABM Membership We’d like to welcome to the Couple Membership thesis on the Bureau of Freedman, interactive, and entertaining things American Banjo Museum, our The American Banjo Museum Jim Bottorff & Alicia Valencia and Abandoned Lands in Knoxville that have been going on at your latest employee Rachel Reichert. wishes to recognize and thank Scott & Mary Anderson and Jonesborough, TN. While in Museum. Just in the last few weeks Rachel comes to us from Stevens new members and those that have Robert & Janice Bicknaver Johnson City, Rachel worked as we have had Pick a Tune with Point, Wisconsin by way of East renewed their membership the William & Suzie Cude PR and Marketing Coordinator Lucas”, the Pied Picker Puppet Tennessee. Rachel was born in first quarter of 2020. Edwin & Bernice Evarts for the Bluegrass, Old-Time and show with David Stephens, and central Wisconsin to Sharon and Bruce & Jo Ewing the Krewe de Banjo Mardi Gras Dale Reichert. She spent much of Individual Membership John Heiman party. These are extraordinary her childhood around Bluegrass Nita Kaye Adams Eric O'Reilly & Sarah Sparks community outreach programs for music hanging around her banjo Bill Bird George & Carol Peabody sure but more importantly, they are playing father’s regionally touring Dolores Borrow Glenn & Sandra Snyder fulfilling our mission as “the place bluegrass band. Her father likes to Max Bowman Scott & Karen Whitfield claim her first words were Bob Wills, for all things banjo”. These events Garry Carroll AMERICANA FEST get folk into our building, then the so she was destined to play fiddle, FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! Jim Cox Family Membership magic begins. Events like these although her mother disputes that. Virginia Demerson Steve Boyd help us raise awareness, tell the At age 5 she started playing violin George Donaldson Michael Dalby story of the banjo from its early in the Suzuki program, and at age Saturday, June 27th, 11AM-5PM John Doyle Timothy Dang roots and let people experience the 15 started performing Americana Greg Englebretson Juston Givens music of the banjo. All of this is only music as part of the Wednesday Jerry Eyster Michelle McAllister FEATURING MUSIC BY: possible because of the generosity night house band at The Northland George Flink Paul McNutt of Banjo Players and people just Ballroom in Rosholt, WI. At age 16 Barry Gainor Ernest Messner The like you! Rachel founded her own band, The Byron Berline Band James Gibbons Erin Smith Back Alley Blossoms, which toured Jeffrey Grosser, D.D.S. Robert Stevens When you consider the times we through-out the Upper Midwest for SINNER FRIENDS (TN) Kevin Grove Jeffrey Woidke several years. find ourselves in right now, this effort Scott Hannan by the ABM to bring the Museum to Ellen Harmon Lifetime Membership JOHNNY BAIER you, our followers and to the public, Rachel started college at the Ron Hinkle J. Shayne & Beth Carter worldwide, is clear evidence of our University of Wisconsin Stevens LUCAS ROSS Budd Hoaas David Ogden Point later transferring to the staff’s commitment to the Museum’s John Hoft University of Wisconsin Superior Wayne Cantwell mission; “Preserve, Present and Norval Kennedy To become a member, gift a Promote the Banjo”. While we must where she majored in History and PLUS KIDS CRAFTS, UKULELE WORKSHOPS, DOOR PRIZES, & MORE! Christian Lawlor membership, or upgrade your current Music. Rachel served as Principal be closed to the public because of Leonard Leedy membership call 405-604-2793 or $10 GENERAL ADMISSION INCLUDES: COVID-19, we can and will continue Violist in the UWS Chamber Shows, Prizes, and Activities (children 15 & under are free) Madeline Lombardi visit americanbanjomuseum.com. 6 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM 7 9 East Sheridan Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Save the Date...BANJO FEST...September 10-12, 2020

admission when you bring an instru- SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1 PM Upcoming Events... ment and participate. Guided Tour Join ABM Executive Director, Johnny MAY SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2 PM Baier, for a guided tour of the Museum. SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1 PM Pick-A-Tune with Lucas Ross While this special tour includes Performance For those that have never played the everything a typical museum visitor Wayne Cantwell will perform traditional banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn experiences, Baier's focus on special music of the open prairie on banjo, fiddle, to Pick a Tune with Lucas”. Limited treasures as well as behind the scenes and mountain dulcimer. Performance is seating, by reservation only! access will provide a unique perspective free with museum admission. to our one-of-a-kind facility. SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1 PM WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 12 PM Celtic Open Jam SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2 PM Performance Join other players for an Open Celtic Pick-A-Tune with Lucas Ross Join ABM's Executive Director and Jam Session. Free admission when For those that have never played the banjo and wanted to try, come “Learn Banjo Hall of Fame member Johnny you bring an instrument and participate. to Pick a Tune with Lucas”. Limited Baier perform for our monthly Brown seating, by reservation only! Bag Lunch Concert. Admission is free when you bring your packed lunch. JUNE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 12 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 11 AM-5 PM Performance Americana Fest SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1 PM Fun for the entire family! Enjoy a day Join ABM's Executive Director and Banjos in Space of food, fun, and entertainment for one Banjo Hall of Fame member Johnny A family friendly music, puppet, banjo, low price. Adults $10, 15 & under free Baier perform for our monthly Brown bee variety show that will take you on a with accompanying adult. musical journey to the Space - the only Bag Lunch Concert. Admission is free place where the INSTRUMENTS get to when you bring your packed lunch. play. Under 16 free, adults half-price. Events are subject to change due SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1 PM to COVID-19 please visit Ukulele Jam SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1 PM www.americanbanjomuseum.com Bluegrass Jam Join other players for an Open Ukulele Join other players for an Open Jam Session. Free admission when or call 405-604-2793 Bluegrass Jam Session. Free you bring an instrument and participate. to confirm events