Richard Cifersky has announced his departure from Dale Ann Bradley’s band. He had been touring with her since he arrived in the United States this spring from his native Slovak Republic.
An experienced, professional banjo player, Cifersky spent more than a year raising the money and preparing the paperwork required to be granted a work visa to come to the US and play bluegrass. The terms of his visa allow him only to work in the music industry, so Richard is hoping to find a gig with another bluegrass group.
He is currently based in Knoxville, TN where he works with country/bluegrass duo, WestWend.
Richard is also a dedicated bluegrass entrepreneur, having launched a number of bluegrass and banjo-related ventures. His 24/7 online bluegrass radio project, Radio Velvet, recently ceased operation in the Slovak Republic, but his Banjolit company, which creates and markets innovative products for banjo players, remains in operation.
The job with Bradley was a big help in obtaining the necessary immigration status for Cifersky, and he expressed gratitude for her assistance.
“After five months working for Dale Ann Bradley, I am excited to see what the next step in my music and personal life will be. Dale Ann and I had a conversation about her personal and band preferences for the banjo player in her band, and we agreed to discontinue our cooperation. I had amazing time with her band and, for me, it was a new experience to work with US musicians. I would like a say my personal thanks to Dale Ann for all her help, and I wish her all the best for her future plans.
Right now I will start working on my own band, and will continue working with my friends Jonathan and Wendy from WestWend. Also I am excited go next month to the studio and work with Anteflow Records on my new duet CD, which will be part of the fairytale book I have written.
I am also open for any new cooperation with other musicians as this is one of the reasons why I came to the USA. I would like to learn and be a better player. Maybe to some I am not a straight bluegrass banjo player, but I am happy and proud that many people like my style, and they know that is me on the stage.”
More information about Richard and his music can be found online, where anyone seeking a banjo picker can contact him directly.
