Spring 2025 ABF Rally Results

[Joel Hooks]

You folks missed one heck of a rally!

Turn out was good with several first timers who came with amazing solos under their fingers.  Jamming was fairly constant with many people were working on collaborations. 

Several folks, including myself, have been drilling down on mastering accompaniment and it really makes for enjoyable social playing. 

Even our "banjo orchestra" turned out well.  We played three pieces including a new composition by Gavin Rice, which he did a great job arranging for club. 

Round Robins were solid.

We even had a breakaway outlaw session of stroke style on fretless banjos (this is becoming a regular feature-- Bb being the choice pitch for our "tubs")

Friday evening Aaron Jonah Lewis played for something like two hours.  They, I would argue, are the best classic banjoist currently playing/active.  They could go toe to toe with Parke Hunter, Ossman or Van Eps.

Saturday evening Gavin Rice played a series of 1920s popular songs that he arranged for 5 string classic banjo.

The Fall Rally dates are set for the weekend of October 16th, etc., mark your calendar and start working on your solos. 

Image is of the "late night crew" staying up past bedtime.

[Trapdoor2]

A little bird told me that you recorded the orchestra playing Monroe Waltz. Can you share it?