International Jazz Banjo Newsletter

Hi everyone,

I had a fun experience for 3 months last fall, coaching banjo and guitar to 2 actors on a movie being filmed in Toronto (Canada), where I live part of the year. The movie, called “The Love Guru”, is being released this June, and will be a fun summertime movie, written and acted by Mike Myers, the star and creator of all the “Austin Powers” movies. It also features the beautiful Jessica Alba, as well as Justin Timberlake and many other popular North American stars.

There was a lot of music in the movie, but the best part is the fact that banjo was being used (although it was a 5-string). It’s amusing that the movie is supposed to be set in India, yet this Indian character plays a banjo! This actor is Manu Narayan, who performs on Broadway, and is very talented. I also coached him on guitar for another scene and he picked it up very quickly. If this film is being released in your part of the world, check it out for some light hearted fun.

Regarding banjo and guitar, I’ll be back in Pforzheim , Germany for 2 nights, May 30 and 31, performing at the Bottiche-Rathskeller. If you would like to reserve a ticket, please call Rainer Daub at (49) 723-135-6500.

I think that many tenor banjoists will be happy to learn that I have now finished a Volume 2- Book of Chord-Diagrammed song arrangements, as well as companion CD. This one is called 42 EASY READING SONG ARRANGEMENTS For Tenor Banjo (Completely Chord-Diagrammed). You may look up the information or purchase it online through my website: www.timallan.com.

From July 25 to August 1, I’ll be performing on the JazzSea Cruise, leaving from Seattle and heading to Alaska. There will be a number of Dixieland bands onboard this completely music-oriented Holland/America ship along with jamming opportunities for all musicians.
Aside from a concert performance, I’ll be conducting the Banjos Aweigh banjo band, composed of any banjo player who wants to play on the cruise. We will rehearse every day, then we’ll put on a special concert at the end of the cruise in the large performing theatre. I will also offer private lessons for various instruments. If you are interested in this cruise or, perhaps, the Caribbean JazzSea Cruise in January 2009, then look up www.jazzsea.com.