American Banjo Museum Quarterly Spring 2016 Special Exhibit . The Banjo World of Steve Martin 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 Banjos 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 The Jerk, 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 album, 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 Edie Brickell on the public. We are honored to present album, Love Has Come For You, 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 So Familiar 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. Bright Star, which is set to open on In 2001, he shared a Grammy Broadway in March. award with Earl Scruggs 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, 4 AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM Special Events “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”.