Noon – 12:45pm The History of the Banjo, Doug Unger (held at his booth)
Doug Unger will chart the banjo’s evolution from Africa to the Western world, spanning two centuries. Doug is an accomplished musician, artist, Ohio Arts Council grants and fellowships recipient, master instrument builder, storyteller, and joke teller. Thanks to blogger Brad Kramer and Glory-Beaming Banjo for the photo.
Video: Traditions/Ohio Heritage Fellows, Doug Unger
1pm – 1:45pm Clawhammer Banjo from Scratch (for all beginners), Mark Olitsky
This is a beginning workshop for those who have always wanted to try their hand at playing clawhammer banjo, those who have begun playing and would like to get a jump start in the right direction, and for those who haven’t started playing banjo (yet) and are curious as to what this style of playing involves.
So bring your banjo – or borrow one for an hour – and join us for this introductory workshop.
2pm – 2:45pm Drop Thumb Palooza for Clawhammer Banjo, Doug Unger & Paul Kovac
Doug & Paul will open the door for aspiring clawhammer banjo enthusiasts: Questions answered, techniques & styles demonstrated, tunes & tunings discussed, and the path forward plotted with a good practice plan.
3pm – 3:45pm Intermediate (and beyond) Clawhammer Banjo, Mark Olitsky
This workshop is for those who already mastered the basics of playing clawhammer banjo.We will focus on clawhammer techniques, techniques for playing with a fiddler or band vs. solo, and possibly alternative tunings that you can add to your playing to give it more variety.
4pm – 4:45pm Old Time Banjo Jam, Clawhammer and 3-Finger, Mark Olitsky, Paul Kovac, & David Mayfield
Mark & Paul will jam & show how the clawhammer & 3-finger style can merge & compliment one another: Cooperating – not dueling banjos . . . all banjo players welcome. David will provide guitar accompaniment.
From left: Mark Olitsky, Paul Kovac, David Mayfield