International Jazz Banjo Newsletter

This time news from me! I'll be coming over to headline at a couple of festivals.
Firstly....
St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Banjofest February 15th and 16th, 2008
Annually, BBA hosts the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Banjofest at the Allenberry Resort Hotel in Boiling Springs, PA. A *FULL* weekend of tenor and plectrum banjo! ...workshops, jams, afternoon massacre as well as evening shows, display area {free table space to all who have something to sell}, evening banquet and of course.. door prizes! Thursday evening dinner and jamming this year happened at the new Player's Club in the basement of the Allenberry main building . It has become the early bird kick off for the weekend's activities.
And then it's off to the West coast for the 23rd and 24 February.....
Each year the Sacramento Banjo Band sponsors an annual banjo music festival known as Banjo-Rama. World class banjo stars are featured as soloists and in ensembles. Eddie Peabody, probably the most famous banjo player ever, performed at the very first Banjo-Rama. In addition to banjo virtuosos, there are several exciting west coast banjo bands. It's quite a musical spectacle that could just as well have been named the banjo Olympics. These musicians are not just plucking chords like grandpa used to do on the back porch! They are genuine pros!
Sean Moyses
Bill Dendle and Gary Ryan
Dick and Helen Martin
Charlie Tagawa, Nori Tagawa with Mary Horne
Paul Doerner
Jack Convery and Friends
Bill Lowery
Steve Peterson
Their fingers and hands are sizzling hot, moving faster than the eye can follow, playing everything from classical to popular music. You'll be surprised and delighted at their imaginative arrangements, versatility, and precise execution. Primarily 4-string banjos are played at Banjo-Rama. Banjo-Rama proceeds are a benefit for charities like the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The general public is invited to the public show on Sunday which features entertainers, banjo bands, banjo displays, tape & CD sales.
I hope to see some of my American colleagues along the way!