It’s a bluegrass instrument… it’s a self-defense tool!

Here’s a story from Kansas City that won’t do much to repair the image of banjo players as hayseed yokels.

It appears that two friends were engaged in a heated argument this past Monday night about the relative merits of two bands. As these things are wont to do, outrage ensued, and one friend came after the other with a frying pan and a knife.

The quick-thinking, would-be victim responded with what was at hand – literally in hand – and smacked his attacker upside the head with his banjo. The protagonist was treated and released from a local hospital, and promptly arrested for assault.

Police report that a marijuana pipe was found at the scene, and that “the smell of alcohol was prevalent.” Who’da thunk it?

It’s a blow for sanity in a mixed-up world. But before you start getting ideas, just remember: banjos don’t stop fights… people stop fights.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2004 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.