Banjo Legend Earl Scruggs Among honored Guests to

Inaugurate American Banjo Museum in Bricktown

 

Oklahoman Roy Clark, John McEuen and Lt. Governor Jari Askins also on hand for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

 

  

OKLAHOMA CITY—The American Banjo Museum, the nation’s premier museum celebrating America’s instrument, the banjo, is opening in Bricktown September 10^th, 2009.

 

Banjo Legend Earl Scruggs leads a prestigious guest list of some of the nation’s most significant banjo notables who will be attending the grand opening of the museum on September 10^th, 2009 and will be available for media interviews. Oklahoman Roy Clark, another celebrity who has lent his support to the museum will also attend the dedication. 

 

John McEuen, founding member of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, will also help celebrate the opening of the museum by performing throughout the week along with Buddy Wachter, considered to be the most influential four-string banjoist of this generation; the Byron Berline Band, playing traditional bluegrass and swing; the Young Family Bluegrass Band; Georgette Twain the Queen of Banjo; jazz banjo entertainer Debbie Schreyer; and Doug Back classical/jazz banjo player.

 

Lt. Governor Jari Askins will also be on hand as guest speaker for the grand opening of the museum at 1:00 p.m.

 

The American Banjo Museum is a $5 million, world-class 21,000 square foot facility honoring the rich history, vibrant spirit and unlimited future of the banjo.  The museum contains more than 300 instruments, the largest collection on public display in the world.  Examples include replicas of primitive banjos developed by African slaves in the Old South, Minstrel Age instruments from 19^th century, post WWII instruments used in bluegrass, folk and world music, and museum’s core collection of ornately decorated banjos made in America during the Jazz Age of the 1920’s and 30s.   

 

“When you hear a banjo, you can’t help but smile,” noted Johnny Baier, American Banjo Museum Executive Director. “Museum guests will be transported to a whole new world of sound and history as they walk through the doors of the magnificently renovated Bricktown warehouse. The banjo truly is America’s instrument.” 

"The banjo plays the happiest notes in the world. And now, with the American Banjo Museum open, this remarkable and truly American instrument is finally getting its due recognition," said John McEuen, noted banjo performer and founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  "As an entertainer I've witnessed the incredible wide appeal of the banjo.  When I pick up the banjo to play, the audience always applauds the instrument before a single note is played!" 

 

“The music and instruments on display at the American Banjo Museum are unique treasures, and Oklahoma is honored to add a collection of this caliber to our state,” said Lt. Governor Jari Askins.  “Fans of all music will be drawn to the museum. It is a major win for Bricktown and Oklahoma.”

 

The banjo was born in the African slave culture and endured for 200 years in America.  Replicas of several of these ancient instruments are on display as visitors enter the museum.

 

As the museum experience continues, visitors will see examples of banjos made during the late 19^th century during the so-called Minstrel Age of music when the banjo moved from the plantation to the stage and concert hall gaining broad public interest. 

 

For the bluegrass music fan the name Gibson is synonymous with quality banjos.  A special gallery in the museum will spotlight a large collection of Gibson “Mastertone” banjos manufactured during the company’s golden years of the 1920s and 30s, including an extremely rare, pre-war Gibson five-string banjo valued at more than $175,000.00.

 

The second floor will be home to the museum’s centerpiece collection of more than 200 four-string banjos from the Jazz Era of banjo music.  “These magnificent instruments are in superb condition, with ornate designs and tonal sound qualities which are literally frozen in time.  Many of the raw materials and metallurgic processes used in casting the metals for these instruments can no longer be duplicated,” continued Baier.  “Each banjo in this exclusive collection is a work of art, with layers of designs, engravings and carvings that give each one a very distinctive look.”

 

During the grand opening weekend of September 11, 12 & 13, admission will be free to the public from 11AM to 6PM.  Visitors will enjoy a video theatre presentation featuring highlighted banjo appearances in Hollywood movies, live performances from banjos best, and even a sing-along in a replica of a Shakey‘s Pizza Parlor (the restaurant chain which historically provided guest with live banjo music).  And, for those wishing to take home a souvenir of this historic occasion, a large selection of banjo related merchandise, including recordings and publications, will be available in the museum gift shop.

 

The American Banjo Museum is located at 9 E. Sheridan in Bricktown, downtown Oklahoma City.

 

Photos from the day

 

 

 

 

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