Category Archives: banjo

clawhammervsfrailing.com

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I updated clawhammervsfrailing.com early this morning. In addition to the original four-part essay there are twenty-three more articles discussing the craft of making music.

I have to admit that this little web site has been a lot of fun to put together. Taking away the day-to-day weblog material and focusing directly on the discussion of making music has allowed me to clarify some ideas that will be going into my next banjo book. It will be interesting to see where this all goes. Two short essays covering the same basic idea, Doing It Wrong and No Proper Anything, keep showing alone and together up all over the web in all areas of music. It is fun to see ideas getting out into the world.

Crisfield Banjo Retreat May 23 to 27

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Howdy, folks! Patrick here with some updates on the Crisfield Banjo Retreat being held May 23 to 27 at the Daugherty Creek Conference Center in Janes Island State Park.

Things are coming together nicely for the event. We have hired someone to do the cooking this year so we can have more time to spend with our guests. Banjo builder Lowell Jacobs will once again be there sharing his knowledge and love of banjos. My brother Carlos and our friend Randy Bott be there to help out musically.

Before you leave home for Crisfield it may be beneficial to get familiar with the layout of the town:

You can also get an idea of what Crisfield is like by checking out the online version of my book, Four Seasons on Brick Kiln Road.

What to bring:

  • Bedding
  • Flashlights
  • Towels, toiletries, etc.
  • Your instruments & music gear
  • Weather is pretty warm during the day and cool in the evening.
  • Any needed allergy medication.
  • Rain gear is usually a good idea.

Phones / Wireless
Cell phone and wireless reception is pretty spotty at the State Park. There is no wifi at the Conference Center.

The Conference Center land line number is: 410-968-3332.

The park office number is: 410-968-1565

Rules:

  • This is an alcohol free event
  • Please observe quiet time in the conference center after midnight
  • Please do not go for seconds at meals until everyone has been served

Instruments, cases and such:
Please be careful where you leave your instruments. Don’t leave your gear where someone may trip over it.

If you have any questions contact Dear Old Dad at (410) 968-3873.

Yesterday’s Banjo Shindig

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It was a long and busy day. I got to meet a lot of old friends for the very first time.

I always enjoy teaching and I love working with my dad, but I think the best part of the day for me was when I took a break and everybody in the room kept on making music and sharing with each other. A room full of strangers suddenly felt like a family gathering.

Thanks to the nice folks at Bedford Banjo Shop for sponsoring the event. Folks, if you are in the market for a banjo give Mike a call.

A big thank you and a high-five to Randy from Ohio for making the trip to help out. You are turning into one heck of a teacher, my friend.

Most of all, thanks to Amy for her love and support.

I am still worn out, so Invictus the cat and I are going to curl up together and watch a B-movie.

God bless,
-Patrick

Yoshi Aid

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Banjo playing artist Thomas Boatwtight’s cat Yoshi is having some serious health issues. He is asking for help on his web page.

yoshi

As of now, we’re looking at $600 by tomorrow evening. And that’s if it goes well. Hopefully we caught it early and he’ll get flushed out. If the problem is bigger, there’s no idea what the final total will be.
Thanks to my recent commission sale, the first costs aren’t such a hit. Definitely a sucker punch, but still standing. Hopefully we can put up a good fight and keep the little guy alive for a while longer.

Back when I had my BAHA implant surgery Thomas created an amazing print of legendary banjo hero Gus Cannon to help raise some funds to cover expenses.

gus

I will have copies of this print with me tomorrow at the banjo workshop in Bedford, PA. Be sure to buy a print and we will send the money to Thomas to help with Yoshi’s recovery.

You’ve Got a Friend

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Hi Patrick,

Been listening to a lot of James Taylor lately and I thought this song was really good for mother’s day. Still a bit rough around the edges but that’s how life is eh? Thanks again for the great stuff!

-Seth

500,000

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At some point yesterday Frailing Banjo Lesson One was viewed for the half-millionth time.

That isn’t counting the 35,320 views on archive.org.

The DVD version of Frailing Banjo with better quality files for all four videos in the series can be purchased from Pik-Ware Publishing.

Thanks to everybody for letting Dear Old Dad and myself share the recklessly precise art of frailing banjo with you.

See you all in Bedford tomorrow!