Minstrel Banjo

For enthusiasts of early banjo

Mark Weems
  • Male
  • Durham, NC
  • United States
  • 24 years
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Mark Weems's Discussions

Joel Walker Sweeney Early Banjo Convergence 2017

Started this discussion. Last reply by Scott Danneker Mar 1, 2017. 1 Reply

Dates are set for September 8-10th for this year at Appomattox Courthouse, Va.  Mark your calenders! Details from David Wooldridge to follow soon.Continue

Early Banjo Traditions

Started this discussion. Last reply by Paul Ely Smith Dec 12, 2016. 3 Replies

http://www.earlybanjotraditions.com/A great place to find Early Banjo Cd's, Books, or Lessons!Continue

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Latest Activity

Sule Greg Wilson replied to Mark Weems's discussion Dave Kirchner's Original Giant Early Tambourine (20 inches)
"That thing is MIGHTY heavy!    Also, looks like it's reversible: an eye to hang it from, or switch it to have a handle!"
Apr 6, 2022
Mark Weems left a comment for Matthew Aaron Romack
"Hey Matthew! how are things?"
May 19, 2021
Sule Greg Wilson commented on Mark Weems's video
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The New Negro

"So, Alain Locke did not coin that phrase after all; eh?"
May 19, 2021
Al Smitley liked Mark Weems's video
May 17, 2021
Mark Weems commented on Mark Weems's video
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The New Negro

"It's mentioned in Epstein and yes, that is its original name"
May 17, 2021
Sule Greg Wilson commented on Mark Weems's video
Jan 4, 2021
Sule Greg Wilson commented on Mark Weems's video
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Mid 19th Century Minstrel Tambourine

"Joel Hooks' idea re the "de-volution" of tambo is real.  If we look at '60s groups, a tambo is for tapping one one's hip and mildly shaking, period.  Percussion in the West I've experienced & read of is…"
Jan 4, 2021
Sule Greg Wilson commented on Mark Weems's video
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Mid 19th Century Minstrel Tambourine

"The scant descriptions that managed to stay in my head (no citations!) described very little subtlety in tambo playing.  Of course, I assume the prejudice of the writers towards sensationalism.  If we think of the cultures that were coming…"
Jan 4, 2021
Paul Draper liked Mark Weems's video
Jan 3, 2021
Sule Greg Wilson commented on Mark Weems's video
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The New Negro

"Hello!  Thanks for sharing.  Yes; I'd also love to see the original score, to try my hand at it, if you do have it.  Also--was there a name on that piece, or did you give it that title?"
Jan 3, 2021
Sule Greg Wilson commented on Mark Weems's video
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Newlin, Weems & Woods-Valdez at Bennett Place Historic Site, 2017

"Yep; a Remo frame drum played in semi-dumbek style....and a Goodtime!"
Jan 3, 2021
Sule Greg Wilson commented on Mark Weems's video
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Old Zip Coon

"Hello, Strumelia!  Yes; James Pentecost is correct.  That tambo was made by Deacon George, with that hand-beaten brass jingle tone!"
Jan 3, 2021
Joel Hooks commented on Mark Weems's video
Oct 2, 2020
Joel Hooks commented on Mark Weems's video
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Mid 19th Century Minstrel Tambourine

"Hi Mark, is everything okay?  Not that long ago  we could have a conversation... now insults? My post included a few questions that I don’t have answers for.  I feel like there is a connection between the old time alternate…"
Oct 1, 2020
Mark Weems commented on Mark Weems's video
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Mid 19th Century Minstrel Tambourine

"Poor Joel "classic banjo supremacist" Hooks, will evidently spend another 10 years driving people off of this site with his snobbery and bizarre need to denigrate folk music."
Oct 1, 2020
Chris Prieto commented on Mark Weems's video
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Mid 19th Century Minstrel Tambourine

"I tried email it to you guys but it might be too big. I uploaded to Google docs so you can download from there: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iLev-5NkrYgHv6Zug3H4DC4oGzyMuU_e/view?usp=drivesdk"
Oct 1, 2020

Profile Information

How did you find out about Ning Minstrel Banjo?
google search
How long have you played banjo?
24 years
What kind of banjo(s) do you own?
Pete Ross 4 string Mande Banza, James Ashborn Fretted Repro, Will Fielding Rooster

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Mark Weems's Blog

G.P. Knauff's Virginia Reels For Old-Time Banjo!

Posted on June 26, 2019 at 3:09pm 10 Comments

O.K. finally out after 7 years! 30 tunes published in 1839 in banjo tab. Wonderful Foreword by Thistle & Shamrock's Fiona Ritchie! Tab has both minstrel period tuning and modern pitch tunings for clawhammer players. Get yours right here: https://www.earlybanjotraditions.com/books

I also have a few new copies of Brigg's Book that I found recently. Once they are gone that's it!…

Continue

"Joe Sweeney" by Karl Denver

Posted on December 1, 2011 at 2:43pm 0 Comments

Just stumbled upon this - a real gas from the past! (1961)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlW1QhHFH1A&feature=related

Rob Morrison in Chapel Hill, Mark Weems in Durham

Posted on May 21, 2011 at 10:16am 11 Comments

Rob, two players within 15 miles and we don't know each other? please get in touch!

Comment Wall (11 comments)

At 9:28pm on April 27, 2011, Tim Twiss said…
Hi Mark. Welcome to the site. I think I saw you played Harpers Jig on youtube?? 
At 10:54am on May 13, 2011, Carl Anderton said…
At 3:03pm on July 13, 2011, Rob Morrison said…

Mark--

Even though I've been on this website for almost a year, I'm still trying to figure out how it works.  I just noticed your request. Looking forward to seeing Mr. Ayers.

At 12:21pm on February 26, 2013, Tim Twiss said…

Mark...want to do another vocal group number this year?

At 9:25pm on February 26, 2013, Mark Weems said…

Okay Tim, but I want to do something on my gourd as well.

At 3:26pm on February 27, 2013, Tim Twiss said…

Great. But if you would clarify your comment about the gourd...I don't see the connection...or conflict, if any.

At 11:17am on June 26, 2013, razyn said…

Following up our brief conversation at AEBGVI -- if we need to discuss further any of the actual southern stuff (as distinguished from its imitation by Yankees for comic effect), I'm here.  And the guy I was trying to recall with a New Orleans mulatto background was Picayune Butler.  There are probably archived arguments about him here somewhere, between (mainly) me and Carl Anderton.  We do that from time to time, keeps us young at heart.

At 9:56pm on September 6, 2013, Wayne Bartlett said…

No kidding!  We're transplants--I retired out of the AF at Maxwell, then my wife got a job teaching at U of Montevallo.  She's not there anymore, though.  I think you mean Mr. Tedrow's place, you bet--he's still driving that 1933 Ford too. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bob-Tedrows-Homewood-MusicTedrow-Concertinas/78954626217

At 9:45am on September 4, 2014, Kevin Gosner said…

Mark, What a nice to surprise to get a note from you!  I am still working on those songs from Swannanoa, enjoying your book and also finding so much good stuff from you and others on YouTube. Best to both you and Julee.

At 4:22am on October 31, 2014, Christine Bell said…

I am having trouble purchasing a copy of your book The Music of Old Joe Sweeny: Father of the Five-String Banjo & American Popular Music any suggestions please?

Thanks.

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