American Banjo Fraternity Rally

Cost: Free - Attention: Kansas City -- potential banjo players Join a music club -- for banjo players, listeners, historians - American Banjo Fraternity One of the best ways to learn about music, and its development through the years, is to join with others. Some banjo players choose bluegrass, some choose clawhammer, and a few choose the classic styles from the 1900s. Classic finger styles from the 1900s are what we do. The American Banjo Fraternity has the goal of playing music that was popular during 1880-1920. Men and women excelled at what has been called classic, parlor, or finger style banjo. Performers of the era were very popular. This was the primary form of urban banjo playing. One historian estimated there were 10,000 banjo players in New York City in 1900. Using 5 string banjos of different sizes, nylon strings, and bare fingers (no picks), our players have recreated the music as it was played and recorded near the turn of the last century. Players and listeners -- our next meeting is May 17-19, 2012, and you are invited. There will be a free concert for all on May 19 at 7:45 pm. Our experts show you how it is done, and what it sounded like in US cities, university banjo clubs, and even in London. Meetings are often held in central Pennsylvania, but check the website to confirm the location. www banjofraternity.org