LIVE VIDEOS of our day at THE MIDLAND BANJO FEST

[thereallyniceman]

This weekend Lynn (thereallynicelady) and I went to the “Midland Banjo Fest” in Derbyshire here in the UK. The event is open to all styles of banjo playing and I am pleased to say that “Classic Banjo” was well represented. Claude Bervenich travelled all the way from Belgium to both accompany others and to play classic style solos. She is a superb player who told me that she does not know of any other banjo players in Belgium so has to travel to the UK to meet other like minded people… she drives all the way too. Now that IS dedication!

 

I met quite a few members of our group there and it was good to put faces to the avatars! It was also quite surprising that several people who I had never seen or heard of before called me “Thereallyniceman”. I guess there really are folk out there other than the regulars. A quick message to them: “Do pop in sometime, most of us don’t bite”

 

Lynn shot the videos as can’t hold a camera still enough and would give everyone travel sickness if I recorded them! I have been editing them all since we got back but Youtube seems to crop the edges a bit so there are a few half people on there, but the music is good.  There were a number of Trade stands and also private sellers so loads to look at and many banjos of all types and prices to play with.

 

We saw a new CE Weaver Banjo, which is David Wade’s personal banjo, and a fine instrument it is too. It is LOUD and attracted a crowd when played. I had a go and attracted a crowd too, but they were probably wondering who was playing so badly, so I left the playing to Richard. The instrument is definitely well made and makes use of an interesting design that incorporates a coordinator rod hidden inside a wooden perch pole…very clever.

 

I have uploaded a video of a trip around the Fest and of clips from the concert. There are all banjo styles played, and I even met one of my heroes of the banjo world Howard Shepherd who you may remember from Shep’s Banjo Boys. He is a nice guy and a great player of plectrum banjo.

 

The day’s recordings are now uploaded to the site and available on the VIDEOS page.  It is good to see that Declan Friendship has become a member since the Fest, and I would like to welcome him here. He certainly chose tricky tunes to perform in Hot Frets and At Sunset. I know from experience of my attempts of recording them. Declan, I hope that you will join in the discussions and post videos etc.. It is always good to hear from dedicated players.  A big welcome to other new members too.

 

We stayed at the hotel for the weekend and had a great time. Everyone was friendly and the trickiest part for me was being introduced to over 100 people, remembering who they all were. Simple for them, all they had to do was remember “thereallyniceman”, I had to remember Tom, Jim, Peter, Harry,……….. so by teatime my brain cell had seized up.

 

A special BIG thank you to all the players, as everyone said that they were happy for me to post their videos or clips on our site, and a special thanks to David Wade, Tom Ryan (I still have bow-tie envy Tom) and Keith Wilson who arranged it all.

 

If you can make it for the day next October 12^th I would strongly recommend it.  Contact David or Tom, or visit their website:  www.midlandbanjofest.com

[Mike Moss]

What fun! That was amazing, great selection of tunes as well. Great performances by everyone, I was particularly impressed by Claude Bervenich -- really excellent both at 2nd and 1st banjo, what a first-class player!

[thereallyniceman]

I have had a nice message from new site member Geoff Chidley and thought that I would pass it on to the Classic Style players who performed at the Banjo Fest...  you did Classic Style proud!

Quote:

Hi, I met you last Saturday and just wish to say that the Finger style playing was absolutely terrific.  Helmut and Claude just blew me away.   Their duet of Banjo Land was a masterclass of timing, pace and clarity.  If only.  Anyway please, convey my thanks to the organizers for an excellelant  afternoon and evening.

 

Thanks to your video links I am able to enjoy them again which also ceretainly helps on practising the numbers myself.

 

Regards Geoff Chidley

[David Wade]

Thanks Ian, where else in the world could you have banjo strings delivered to your breakfast table!