Raffle Ticket Winners …
We have one unclaimed Raffle Prize
Tanglewood TWT1 Soprano Uke & TGI Gig Bag
Ticket Colour YELLOW-Ticket Number 418
Call us on 01484 661460 if you have this ticket
Our other winners that claimed their prizes were:-
1st Prize Jo Crossland-Ticket Colour Turquoise-Ticket Number 598
Eastman PCH1-D Guitar – Retail Value £299.00
2nd Prize Andy McKeon-Ticket Colour Blue-Ticket Number 354
Ohana SK-28 Soprano Uke – Retail Value £219.99
3rd Prize Matt Maniakowski-Ticket Colour Turquoise-Ticket Number 598
Selection of Three Seydel Diatonic Harmonicas – Retail Value £161.97
4th Prize Paul Mathieson-Ticket Colour Purple-Ticket Number 547
Barnes & Mullins BMUK5C Concert Uke – Retail Value £119.00
5th Prize UNCLAIMED-Ticket Colour Yellow-Ticket Number 418
Tanglewood TWT1 Soprano Uke & TGI Gig Bag- Retail Value £49.00
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PLEASE NOTE : THE FOLLOWING BLOG IS HISTORY ABOUT THE EVENT THAT TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY MARCH 7th 2020
Dear Friends,
Here is our ‘Banjo 2020’ event latest update. Join us once more at ‘The North Light Gallery’ which is situated just behind Eagle Music Shop, Brooke’s Mill, Armitage Bridge, Huddersfield, HD4 7NR.
We’re extremely proud to celebrate Eagle Music’s 13th consecutive year as the #1 World Dealership for the Deering Banjo Company, USA.
We’re looking forward to another amazing event as things are really getting exciting!
Here’s a brief outline of the fantastic arrangements so far for the day
Don’t Miss out – Tickets are selling fast – Please Click Here to Buy Tickets
To pick up your tickets …Please just give your name at the door when you arrive at the event
Here’s an outline of ‘What’s Happening at ‘Banjo 2020’
This will be a memorable day of Banjo Teaching Workshops, On-Stage Banjo Presentations, Jamming Sessions and World Class On-Stage Performances from some of the world’s most respected players in the banjo world. The all-day event will be packed with a fusion of world class music including the best of American and Irish …This will all be topped off with a showcase evening concert with the Kruger Brothers
The Showcase Evening Concert
With the awesome Kruger Brothers All the way from North Carolina, USA with Special Guest percussionist Jody Call Jens Kruger 5-string banjo virtuoso, Uwe Kruger guitar/vocals master, Joel Landsberg bass virtuoso
Kruger Brothers: In their ever-expanding body of work – Jens Kruger (banjo and vocals), Uwe Kruger (guitar and lead vocals), and Joel Landsberg (bass and vocals) – The Kruger Brothers personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. Their original music is crafted around their discerning taste, and the result is unpretentious, cultivated, and delightfully fresh. (See Biography Below)
Picture: Audience appreciation for the ‘Kruger Brothers’ over the past twelve years at Eagle Music’s annual banjo events
‘Tilterwheel’ Evening Concert Support Artists
The Kruger Brothers evening concert will be supported by ‘Tilterwheel’ featuring Americana, bluegrass, swing, Celtic, and lots more!. Jonny Hulme 5-string banjo ace and singer, Simon Brady Mandolin, Guitar Vocals Cliff Woodworth Fiddle, Guitar Vocals and Ray Walmsley Double Bass
Meet the Makers
Interact throughout the day at ‘Banjo 2020’ with the world’s Master Banjo Makers ‘The Deering Family’ …Greg, Janet and Jamie Deering. (See Biography Below)
Greg Deering
Greg and Janet will host a ‘Banjo Set-up Table’ throughout the day where you will have the unique opportunity to sit alongside master banjo makers Greg and Janet and get expert ‘Banjo’ advice, or have your banjo tweaked and set-up by the makers themselves.
Afternoon On-Stage Performances
‘Gayle Skidmore’ Special On-stage Performance
Gayle Skidmore is an award winning American singer-songwriter, musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist from San Diego, California. She has written over 2000 songs,toured worldwide, and worked together with numerous world class artists …
In 2013, Gayle opened for Lisa Loeb, whom she has cited as one of her earliest influences. Gayle’s single “Paper Box” was featured in an episode of HBO’s “Looking”. Gayle was nominated for the San Diego Music Awards seven times of which she won best singer/songwriter in 2013, best pop album with Sleeping Bear in 2014, and best pop artist in 2015.
In the summer of 2017 Gayle Skidmore was signed by the Dutch independent label “TRPTK” and released “The New York EP”. Gayle’s song “No Ordinary Life” was featured in the movie Little Women in 2018. (See Biography Below)
‘Phrase & Fable’ On-Stage Afternoon Performance
Phrase & Fable are based here in Yorkshire and perform a mix of mellow Americana and folk classics, upbeat traditional bluegrass standards and fine original songs, with some great harmony singing. Maria Wallace (vocals, clawhammer banjo, fiddle) is known for her powerful bluesy voice, as well as for her award-winning live music promotion company True North Music.
Phil Stott (vocals, guitar, mandolin) is a talented acoustic musician who has played in many bluegrass, folk and ceilidh bands over the years, including Cowbaby and the Doghouse Irregulars. Phil was also one of the organisers of the original Yorkshire Dales Bluegrass Festival in Silsden.
Since 2016, Maria and Phil have performed together at numerous bluegrass festivals with their full band The Reckless Abandoners.
Picture: Maria Wallace & Phil Stott ‘Phrase and Fable’
‘Kruger Brothers’ Afternoon Performance Workshop
The awesome Kruger Brothers will take to the stage in the afternoon and talk us through ‘How they put their awesome music together and perform it on stage’.
On-Stage Jam with the Kruger Brothers
Everyone is welcomed on stage to play a group jam after the Kruger Brothers on-stage workshop. This years tune back by popular request will be ‘Cripple Creek’ in the key of ‘G’ Major
Banjo Teaching Workshop with Jonny Hulme
Jonny Hulme – 5-String Banjo Masterclass – ‘Tips and Techniques for all Levels’ – Ticket Entrance Only – Private Room Group Workshop.Jonny Hulme is highly regarded in the UK as one of the most experienced, versatile, and creative banjo players of the modern era, and those that have already caught Jonny at a concert or workshop will know what we’re talking about! Jonny has actively taught for over twenty years, and takes immense pride and joy in the process of communicating and getting across to his students, to the best of his ability, all that is involved in his playing style of 5-string banjo. (See biography below)
Matt Chaffer …On stage afternoon Workshop Talk on ‘Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar Accessories & Care Products’
A key member of the Eagle Music team, and also a part time gigging musician. Matt will demonstrate and explain the different types of Accessories that are available for Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar musicians. Also he will explain the use of Care Products that are a must for keeping your instrument in prime condition …Matt will be available throughout the day to answer any of your questions after the presentation.
Customer of The Year Presentation
Eagle Music ‘Yearly Raffle Draw’
Amazing value musical instrument prizes sponsored by Eagle Music, Eastman Strings, Mainland Ukuleles and Tanglewood Guitars …You will be able to buy raffle tickets at £1.00 each and have the chance to win an instrument up to the value of a few hundred pounds!
Banjo 2020 – ‘Picking Session’
We’re delighted to continue the theme from recent years and welcome the return of Joe ‘The Old Grey Dog’ Mac and Bill ‘Saratoga Star’ Forster to run the picking sessions throughout the day
Special Guests at the Event
Howard ‘Shep’ Shepherd, Pat Kelleher, Bill Forster, Joe ‘The Old Grey Dog’ Mac, and so much more throughout the day …
Howard: ‘Shep’ Shepherd: ‘Mr Plectrum Banjo’ celebrating over fifty years of professional banjo playing. Howard ‘Shep’ will be with us on the day and be around to mingle with visitors, tell his amazing banjo stories and give advice where you may ask him for it!
Pat Kelleher
Pat will host his ‘Long Neck Banjo’ table and be available throughout the day to give you his best advice on all aspects of performing and playing Long Neck Banjos.
Eagle Music’s ‘Special Celebration Discount Prices at ‘Banjo 2020’
The Eagle Music stall at the event will offer you the opportunity to browse what will be the largest selection of Deering Banjos ever to be displayed for public viewing in the world.
It will be a golden opportunity to personally meet and interact with some of the world’s greatest icons in the banjo and traditional music world.
We look forward to celebrating ‘Banjo 2020’ with you.
Steve, Rachel and the Eagle Music Team
More Details about the Artists that will be with us at ‘Banjo 2020’
Kruger Brothers
Born and raised in Europe, brothers Jens and Uwe Kruger started singing and playing instruments at a very young age. Growing up in a family where music was an important part of life, they were exposed to a wide diversity of musical influences. The brothers were performing regularly by the time they were eleven and twelve years old, and they began their professional career in 1979. Jens’ and Uwe’s first public performances were as a duo, and in just a few years they were busking on the streets of cities throughout eastern and western Europe.
CBS Records contracted with Jens and Uwe when Jens was just seventeen years old, and shortly thereafter, the Krugers hosted a radio show on SRG SSR, the Swiss Public broadcast group. Several years later, the brothers teamed up with bass player Joel Landsberg, a native of New York City who also had a very extensive musical upbringing in classical and jazz music (studying with jazz great Milt Hinton), thus forming a trio that has been playing professionally together since 1995. Together, they established the incomparable sound that The Kruger Brothers are known for today. The trio moved to the United States in 2002 and is based in Wilkesboro, NC.
Since their formal introduction to American audiences in 1997, The Kruger Brothers’ remarkable discipline, creativity and their ability to infuse classical music into folk music has resulted in a unique sound that has made them a fixture within the world of acoustic music. The honesty of their writing has since become a hallmark of the trio’s work.
In their ever-expanding body of work – Jens Kruger (banjo and vocals), Uwe Kruger (guitar and lead vocals), and Joel Landsberg (bass and vocals) – The Kruger Brothers personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. Their original music is crafted around their discerning taste, and the result is unpretentious, cultivated, and delightfully fresh.
In addition to their regular concert schedule, The Kruger Brothers perform these classical pieces regularly with select symphony orchestras and string quartets throughout the country.
Through their numerous CD releases, radio and television performances, lectures, and collaborative efforts, The Kruger Brothers’ powerful artistic statement continues to inspire and enlighten audiences and musicians around the world.
Originally from Switzerland, where the trio first formed, Jens Krüger and Uwe Krüger later moved to Wilkes County, NC. The brothers began playing North American folk music at an early age and were particularly inspired by recordings of Doc Watson, Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, and other progenitors of country, bluegrass and folk music. Their first public performances were as a duo, busking on the streets of cities throughout eastern and western Europe. Later, after gaining a recording contract as well as a radio show on SRG SSR, the Swiss public broadcaster, they teamed up with bass player Joel Landsberg, inaugurating a trio that has been playing professionally together since 1995. Landsberg is an American citizen from New York, NY. The first recording project to include Landsberg was Behind the Barn, Vol. 2, which was released in 1997.
Today the group is highly regarded within the world of acoustic music in North America, in particular by those within the industry. They have also gained the attention of some of the musicians, including Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Tut Taylor, and Bobby Hicks, that once served as models. Watson once remarked that, “The Kruger Brothers are just about as fine a band as I’ve ever played with. … I love to play music with them.”
Gayle Skidmore
Gayle started playing classical piano at the age of four and wrote her first songs when she was eight years old. During her childhood she often sang songs and played the piano together with her sisters and her parents.She and her sisters played the flute in middle school. By the time she turned 11 she learned to play her father’s 12-string guitar and started using open tunings and different finger styles.Gayle studied Theology in San Diego and at Oxford University.
Gayle’s Career
Gayle first started performing in local coffee houses in San Diego when she was 14 years old. While studying at Oxford she travelled and played shows in several countries in Europe. After going through some negative experiences with small labels, one of which having to be settled in the small claims court, she started her own independent label, Raincoat Records. Gayle plays electric guitar, banjo, ukulele, balalaika, melodica, harmonium, mountain dulcimer, flute, folk harp, glockenspiel, marimba, kalimba, vibraphone, organ, electric bass, stand-up bass, tambourine, mandolin, ocarina, accordion, trumpet, and percussion.
Gayles debut EP entitled “Gayle” was released in 2002, followed by “So Deep” in 2005. She gained nationwide attention with her third EP “Paper Box” when its title track was featured in HBO’s Looking, and with her fourth EP “Cowley Road”, which was listed on the first ballot for the Grammy Awards in 2009. In the years that followed she released several singles, two of which were engineered by Jason Mraz and another EP.
Gayle’s Full-length albums and coloring books
In 2010, Gayles first full-length album was released accompanied by an adult coloring book. This combination soon became a signature for Gayle Skidmore,notably before the start of the sudden increase in popularity of adult colouring books later in the 2010s Her second full-length album, “Sleeping Bear” (2014) also came with a coloring book. All of Gayle’s coloring books consist of a piece of art for each song, created by Gayle herself, and the lyrics to the song.
Gayle’s third full-length album and adult coloring book was released in April 2017. Music was recorded in three different locations,Ninkasi studios (Eugene, OR), Rancho de la Lune (Joshua Tree, CA), and Singing Serpent (San Diego, CA). The album was engineered by James Book of the Flys, and one of the tracks features Dave Catching Dave on guitars.
Gayle’s Awards and achievements
In 2013, Gayle opened for Lisa Loeb, whom she has cited as one of her earliest influences. Gayle’s single “Paper Box” was featured in an episode of HBO’s “Looking” Gayle was nominated for the San Diego Music Awards seven times of which she won best singer/songwriter in 2013, best pop album with Sleeping Bear in 2014, and best pop artist in 2015. In the summer of 2017, Gayle was signed by the Dutch independent label “TRPTK” and released “The New York EP”. Gayle’s song “No Ordinary Life” was featured in the movie Little Women in 2018.
Jonny Hulme
Jonny Hulme is highly regarded in the UK as one of the most experienced, versatile, and creative banjo players of the modern era, and those that have already caught Jonny at a concert or workshop will know what we’re talking about! Jonny has actively taught for over twenty years, and takes immense pride and joy in the process of communicating and getting across to his students, to the best of his ability, all that is involved in his playing style of 5-string banjo
Coming from a non-musical family in south Manchester, out of the blue came an inspiration for Jonny to learn an ‘away from the norm’ instrument, and with his favourite band at the time being The Pogues, alongside fortunately having the natural ability to discern two particularly appealing sounding instruments from records, namely the banjo and mandola, he then decided to embark on the journey that has brought him to where he is today. He has enjoyed sharing the stage, recording with, and collaborating with some of world’s finest players over the years.
Jonny developed his playing style in the company of, and listening primarily to, musicians from both bluegrass and Celtic genres. The compositions he creates sit somewhere between these two musical feels.
Join Jonny for this fun and informative workshop, where he will talk you through and demonstrate his creative thinking & detailed techniques, in playing effective Celtic style tunes on 5-string. You can take away his examples, and have a crack at it yourself!
Handouts will be provided to visually aid understanding the content, and accompanying sound files will also be available to those that think they would be of benefit.
This workshop will be aimed at an easy to intermediate level of ability, with the only prerequisite being the basic ability to play ‘Scrugg’s style’ 3-finger picking rolls.
The Deering Banjo Company
Here’s a Small part of the Deering Banjos Story
Greg Deering began learning woodworking from his father at the age of two by watching him build model airplanes. Growing up in San Diego, he received his first tools and tool box which he had carefully laid out in his wagon on his third birthday. Many of these tools he still has today. That is how important this was to him. It was a career in the making.
At the age of 13, Greg purchased his first banjo by investing pay from his paper route into a used banjo. He learned to play Kingston Trio songs on his banjo with his best friend Tom playing guitar.
Greg made his first banjo as an industrial arts major at San Diego State College. In 1970, at 19 years of age he joined other enterprising young college students at the American Dream Co-Op and began doing instrument repairs and building banjos. This co-op would become the birth place of at least four now world renowned instrument manufacturers – a true tribute to the concept of the American dream! The American dream became the theme of Greg’s life when he and Janet started the Deering Banjo Company in 1975 as a family business. Together they not only raised two children but built, piece by piece, the Deering banjo factory.
Today, over 40 years later, the Deering Banjo Company has seen many a milestone including the launch of the Goodtime Series in 1997, the relocation to a new 18,000 sq.ft. premises in 2001 and the launch of the Eagle II in 2009, a breakthrough in banjo tone with the development of the new Twenty-Ten™ tone ring.
In its young 41 year life, Deering has delivered the finest hand built American instruments to over 100,000 happy musicians and counting… one banjo at a time.
Pat Kelleher
Pat Kelleher who hails from Dripsey, County Cork, Ireland is an accomplished musician and singer and has played and sung for over 30 years and is now renowned in Ireland and abroad for his folk singing and in particular his Long Neck five string Banjo Playing in many styles.
Pat has performed in theatres and festivals all over Ireland and has toured in the USA, Germany, Switzerland and the UK.
He has had many influences during his life, notably Luke Kelly of The Dubliners, Tommy Makem, Christy Moore, Pete Seeger, Furey Brothers, Peggy Seeger, Stan Rogers, Eric Bogle, Tom Paxton to name but a few. Pat has performed with many of the artists afore mentioned.
He has been sought after as a session musician for recording and has recorded some material himself, home produced. These CD’s are now available for purchase and download from this site. Click here.
Pat has been fortunate to have travelled as a guest musician to the UK, USA and Germany and all over Ireland.
He specialises on the long neck banjo invented by the great folk icon Pete Seeger. He teaches the 5-string banjo and frequently gives banjo workshops on both the clawhammer and long neck folk styles.
If you want to contact Pat directly, email to pat@longneckmusic.com
For all other enquiries, email info@longneckmusic.com