Five Etudes for 5-String Banjo book from Lluís Gomez
Spanish banjo maestro Lluís Gomez has released a new instructional manual for banjoists looking to build their skill and understanding of their instrument using a more classical approach to practice. Based in Barcelona, Lluis is recognized worldwide for his mastery of bluegrass, new acoustic, and Basque folk and classical music, and as perhaps the most […]
Mason Ruble Scholarship to Ozark Mountain Music Bluegrass Camp
The Mason Ruble Memorial Fund, created in honor of the talented young Kansas banjo player who lost his life in a tragic automobile accident last fall at only 20 years of age, will be offering a scholarship for one student at the 2024 Ozark Mountain Music Bluegrass Camp in Branson, MO. The Camp, for bluegrass […]
Powder Day video from Leftover Salmon
Andy Thorn, banjo man with Leftover Salmon, has written a song that serves as the band’s next single, and as the theme of their current tour, which is billed as the 2024 Ski Tour. The tune is called Powder Day, with a funky banjo theme that Andy says he made up in celebration of moving […]
Charles Osgood was a banjo player too
If you’ve followed any news today you’ve probably seen or heard that veteran CBS television broadcaster Charles Osgood died yesterday at 91 years of age. The effusive praise being shared in response is thoroughly deserved, as Osgood was a welcome and homey presence on our TVs and radios for more than 50 years. Known as […]
Photos from Remembering Earl in Shelby, NC
Tony Trischka’s Earl Jam band in Shelby, NC (1/13/24) – photo © Bryce LaFoon Bryce LaFoon was on hand with his camera this past Saturday for The Earl Scruggs Center’s Remembering Earl concert, benefitting the Center, and celebrating both their 10th anniversary and the 100th birthday of the great Earl Scruggs. He shared this gallery […]
Brown’s Ferry Blues video from Tony Trischka, with Billy Strings
Banjo master Tony Trischka is marking the 100th anniversary year of Earl Scruggs’ birth with a new album in his honor. Entitled Earl Jam: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs, and expected later this spring from the new Down The Road label, and includes 15 new recordings consisting mostly of songs and tunes that Scruggs never […]
Gibson All American 5 string for sale
Here it is… A one of a kind, unique and rare instrument; a banjo unicorn. Bernunzio Uptown Music in Rochester, NY has listed for sale the only prewar five string All American banjo Gibson ever made, with a flathead tone ring and one piece flange. This banjo has been discussed for years by collectors and […]
Todd Taylor Old Rugged Cross video
South Carolina banjo picker Todd Taylor is having a very busy and productive winter. Last month he released a new single and video for his song, Taylor’s Ride, and already in the new year he has an instrumental take on the gospel classic, The Old Rugged Cross. Taylor has cut the song in a southern […]
Earl Scruggs celebrated at The Ryman for his 100th birthday
The Earls of Leicester at The Ryman Auditorium (1/6/24) – photo © Bryce LaFoon Earl Scruggs, surely the most influential and imitated banjo picker to date, was celebrated and remembered at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Saturday night on what would have been his 100th birthday. Jerry Douglas served as the musical director for […]
Happy Birthday Earl Scruggs!
As most serious banjo fans, tomorrow, January 6, is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Earl Scruggs, born in 1924 in Cleveland County, NC. He lived another 88 years, along the way turning the five string banjo into a serious musical instrument for millions of music lovers, and helping create the sound we now […]
