California Bluegrass Association
Bill Evans is an internationally known five-string banjo life force. As a performer, teacher, writer, scholar & composer, he brings a deep knowledge, intense virtuosity and contagious passion to all things banjo, with thousands of music fans & banjo students from all over the world in a career that spans over thirty-five years. On January 10 he will offer two events at the Strum Shop, 408 Roseville Square, Roseville, 916-787-8786, www.thestrumshop.com.
At 700 PM, Bill will present The Banjo in America, which includes the music from his three chart-topping CDs but also much more. Bill takes the listener on a musical adventure, following the banjo from its West African roots to the New World, performing musical examples from the 1700’s to the present day on vintage instruments. From an 18th century African dance tune to the music of the Civil War, & from early 20th century ragtime to folk and bluegrass banjo styles to Bill’s own incredible original music, The Banjo in America illuminates as well as entertains, exposing audiences to over 250 years of banjo music. From 400 – 600 PM, Bill, the author of Banjo for Dummies, will present his Bluegrass Jam Survival Skills workshop for all levels.
If you’re looking to gain more confidence playing with others, this is for you! Topics include the role of the banjo in a jam, how to accompany singers & other instruments, using your ear to hear chord changes & learning to follow the guitar, vamping, roll patterns & up-the-neck backup, using fill-in licks, negotiating kick-offs & endings, & using the capo to play in all keys. Also the “In The Mood” roll, down-the-neck backup using forward rolls & target tones, how to use Earl Scruggs’ great backup licks to enhance your sound, how to “hear” chord progressions, using the capo & back-up aesthetics (when to do what!), fiddle tunes, & more.
Tab examples will be presented for everything that will be covered in the session, but it’s not necessary to read tab well to get a lot out of this workshop. Audio &/or video recording is encouraged. Get ready to rock your next bluegrass jam session with this practical & fun workshop designed for all level players!
The cost of these events is $40 for the workshop, $15 for the concert, or $50 for both.
