I still check this site now and then. Been playing mostly 3-finger style and claw-hammer banjo lately but still pick up my early banjo once in a while to keep my hand in. I have run into a couple of young folks (late teens to early 20's) at Civil War reenactments I go to that play the early stroke style on "period" banjos. Some are better musicians than I am. So I think there is still an interest in the old stroke style playing. We "older folks" just need to fan the flame a little to keep it going.
Funnily, I was contacted by Tim Twiss yesterday. He's finally retired and just completed a new book/compilation of early banjo tunes...
For me, the loss of the Antietam Early Banjo Gathering meant steep decline in my early banjo playing. I still occasionally break out the Ashborn and work thru the old pieces, but my focus has changed. Moving to South Carolina in 2020 gave me the opportunity to join a local Old-Time jam (I'm their clawhammer player) and a spin-off Irish Jam (Irish Tenor banjo). Retirement has allowed me to drive up to Palmyra, New York annually to play Classic banjo in the ABF rallies with Joel, et. al.
Tom Taggart
I still check this site now and then. Been playing mostly 3-finger style and claw-hammer banjo lately but still pick up my early banjo once in a while to keep my hand in. I have run into a couple of young folks (late teens to early 20's) at Civil War reenactments I go to that play the early stroke style on "period" banjos. Some are better musicians than I am. So I think there is still an interest in the old stroke style playing. We "older folks" just need to fan the flame a little to keep it going.
May 28, 2024
Vince Abadie
I'm only 4 months behind, but I thought I'd mention that it seems to have worked! ;-}
Jun 21, 2024
Trapdoor2
Funnily, I was contacted by Tim Twiss yesterday. He's finally retired and just completed a new book/compilation of early banjo tunes...
For me, the loss of the Antietam Early Banjo Gathering meant steep decline in my early banjo playing. I still occasionally break out the Ashborn and work thru the old pieces, but my focus has changed. Moving to South Carolina in 2020 gave me the opportunity to join a local Old-Time jam (I'm their clawhammer player) and a spin-off Irish Jam (Irish Tenor banjo). Retirement has allowed me to drive up to Palmyra, New York annually to play Classic banjo in the ABF rallies with Joel, et. al.
Jul 4, 2024