What a wonderful day we had at Eagle-Deering’s ‘Banjo 2020’ UK celebration on March 7th, at the North Light Gallery, Huddersfield. Here are some snippets and photographs that were taken on this amazing the day.

Eagle-Music celebrating thirteen consecutive years as the #World Dealership for the Deering Banjo Company USA.
‘Banjo 2020’ …It was a memorable day with on-stage workshops, banjo presentations, jamming sessions, and world class on-stage performances from the Kruger Brothers, Gayle Skidmore, Tilterwheel, Phrase & Fable and Matt Chaffer. We also had an excellent banjo teaching workshop from Jonny Hulme.

Greg Janet and Jamie Deering welcomed everyone to the event and gave an insight into the latest developments at the Deering Banjo Company, USA. Jamie Deering was congratulated by Greg Deering on the excellent work that Jamie is doing, in her position as the CEO (Chief Executive Officier) of the Deering Banjo Company.

The on-stage workshops began with a brilliant knowledgeable presentation from Eagle’s Matt Chaffer explaining stringed instrument ‘Accessories and Instrument Care Products’.

Jonny Hulme hosted his ‘Chords, rolls, melodies, and creative thinking’ 5-string banjo workshop giving all that attended his many years of knowledge as a highly skilled master of the 5-string banjo and on-stage performing artist.

All the way from San Diego USA, but now living in the Netherlands, Gayle Skidmore’s afternoon ‘Music and Song Performance’ was stunning. Multi-talented instrumentalist Gayle played piano, 5-string banjo and ukulele banjo. Gayle held us transfixed with her beautiful pure singing voice and self -penned songs …

A special moment was when Gayle invited Jens Kruger onto the stage to join her and duet on 5-string banjo playing her moving original song ‘All My Life’. Gayle is a special artist, and she made a lot of friends at ‘Banjo 2020’.

The Kruger Brothers accompanied by Jody Call on percussion, treated us to a memorable afternoon on-stage performance workshop of how they put together their amazing music, arrangements and performances.

Music Masters at work! The Kruger Brothers then invited everyone on stage to play a Group Jam of ‘Cripple Creek and Duelling Banjos. What a fabulous joint performance by all, video to follow.

‘Phrase and Fable’ Maria Wallace (Of True North Music) & Phil Stott closed the on-stage afternoon performances with an excellent set of songs on guitar, 5-string banjo and fiddle. 

Maria also hosted a table during the afternoon promoting ‘True North Music’.

All the way from Dripsey in County Cork, Ireland, Mr Long Neck Banjo Pat Kelleher hosted his ‘Long Neck Banjo’ music table throughout the day giving banjo advice and contributing to the songs and music of the day.

The concert room closed at 6.00pm for the interval.

Joe Mcilvenny and Bill Forster ran and led the excellent annual picking session during the evening interval. It was a brilliant, well turned out session with lots of new faces and instrumentalists joining in the tunes. Bill and Joe were on top form bouncing tunes off one another and creating a great atmosphere in the room. We also had some tidy songs and guitar accompaniment work in the session from Pat Kelleher.

The concert room re-opened at 7.00pm for the evening concert.

‘Tilterwheel’ Jonny Hulme 5-string banjo ace and singer, Simon Brady Mandolin, Guitar Vocals Cliff Woodworth Fiddle, Guitar Vocals and Ray Walmsley Double Bass were the support artists for the concert. They gave a storming performance of Americana, bluegrass, swing, Celtic, and much more. Four brilliantly talented musicians that were much loved by all.

During the interval Greg Janet and Jamie Deering congratulated Eagle Music on being their #1 International Dealer for the thirteenth consecutive year running and made a presentation of a carved mahogany plaque.

Greg, Janet and Jamie then went on with a surprise presentation of a blue powder coated 5-string parlour size, 19 fret 5-string banjo and a personalised carved exotic wooden armrest to Steve.

Eagle Music’s ‘Customer of The Year’ was announced. This year it was won by William McLean, of Northern Ireland. Many congratulations William and thank you for being a special Eagle Music customer. Due to unforeseen circumstances, William was unable to attend the event.  

The Eagle Music Raffle was drawn on stage by Erin and Toby Price. All the amazing musical instrument prizes have now been claimed.

The ‘Banjo 2020’ event closed with what can only be described as a magnificent momentous showcase concert from the inimitable Kruger Brothers Their performance was just spellbinding. Maestro musicians Jens Kruger, Uwe Kruger and Joel Landsberg were accompanied by ace percussionIst Jody Call. The capacity audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation and encore.

The PA system and sound for ‘Banjo 2020’ was mixed and engineered throughout the day for all performing artists by David ‘Peabody’ Spiers who is without question a ‘Sound Genius’ and is part of the awesome Kruger Brothers tour team.

A big ‘Thank you’ to our wonderful Eagle Music Team for all their hard work before, during and after the event. We’re already talking about arrangements for ‘Banjo Fourteen’ 2021.

The Eagle Music Trade Stand was buzzing throughout the day ‘Thank You’ all for your purchases and for enjoying the special event prices that were offered on the day on all products and Deering Banjos.

A special Thank you to you, our valued customers for attending ‘Banjo 2020’ and for making it such a wonderful memorable day.

Steve, Rachel and all the Eagle Music Team.

Photo and Video Credits: ‘Thank You’ to Debbie Soden-Photography : Dave Mallinson : Alan Jones : Rachel Price and Steve Noon.