Benny Sidelinger seems like an unassuming sort of guy. His bio consists of an anecdote about an introduction he was once given at a local watering hole where he was rather anonymous at the time. Nevertheless, it’s a clever means of introduction, citing credits that include, performances with Allison Russell, a banjo jam with Michael Franti, a performance at the Rhythm and Blues festival in the Netherlands, and various other festival appearances that have taken him from Vancouver to Calgary to the Newport Folk Festival. That’s not to mention the various albums he’s contributed to by the likes of Po’ Girl, JT Nero, the Shiftless Rounders, the Blackberry Bushes, the Pine Hearts, and any number of others.
The narrative concludes by saying, “He seems to have been everywhere, played with everyone.”
While that may seem an overstatement, the fact is that his new album, Cherry Street, seems to have come out of nowhere. Said to have taken years in coming to fruition, it seems to be the product of an intensive effort involving a number of capable musicians, among them, co-producer Michael Connolly on guitar, fiddle, bass, vocals, and percussion, Aida Miller on vocals and mandolin, Tony Wright on fiddle, and Jason Haugland on drums. Yet at the same time, the results are uncluttered and straight-forward, mostly, but not exclusively, old time banjo-driven tunes flush with honest emotion.
They veer from a rousing take on the traditional standard, House Carpenter, and the steady shuffle of the oft-covered, Corrina, to a series of down-home rambles that include Dirt, Lilacs, and the familiar folk tune, Sugar Babe, as well as a handful of forlorn ballads, Every Goodbye, The Letter Carrier, and She Goes.
To his credit, Sidelinger needn’t rely only on lyrics to convey his astute emotions, as the opening and closing instrumentals Last Chance and a rugged cover of the age-old offering, Growling & Grumbling, prove conclusively.
Still, given any apparent disparity, the material fits together remarkably well, and despite the fact that the 13-song set consists of both original material and music culled from archival sources, it makes for a seamless garment throughout. One can only hope that Cherry Street allows Sidelinger to pursue similar avenues in the future. No doubt there’s more great music awaiting just around the bend.
The good folks with Landis Studios in Arkansas, the skilled silversmiths who offer the custom engraved sterling silver finger picks, have brought out new jewelry for your favorite banjo Valentines.
First up is a silver-plated brass banjo pendant, an exquisitely-detailed miniature with visible frets, inlay markers, bridge, tailpiece, armrest, resonator, tuners, and hooks. There is even a Landis script in the headstock. It can be purchased for $30 from the Studios’ web site on either satin cord to be worn around the neck, or on a key chain.
Also new are their micro banjo sterling silver earrings, slightly less detailed given their tiny size, but still clearly identifiable as five strings. Each banjo comes on an ear wire, but they will soon also have them on split rings and latch back ear loops. They sell for $30 each, or $55 for a pair online.
Landis also has pewter miniatures for mandolin, guitar, reso-guitar, and fiddle, plus a wide range of other designs struck in metal.
You can see all they have available by visiting them online.
Bayla Davis with her new custom Gold Tone open back banjo
Gold Tone Music Group has announced their newest endorser, and perhaps their youngest, in the person of Bayla Davis, a 17-year-old old time player from western North Carolina. In just a few years time, this talented young lady has turned heads all across the music world for her skillful playing, and her full-on embrace of traditional mountain music.
Last spring she was chosen to be featured on From The Top, a television show and podcast that highlights exceptionally talented teen musicians. For years the show focused on classical artists, but has only recently begun to showcase traditional music players like Davis and Wyatt Ellis.
Bayla says that she is delighted with her new banjo, one that was custom built for her unique stylistic preferences as a clawhammer picker who also plays bluegrass, and by having one made just for her.
“I am really excited to be endorsed by a banjo company! I actually thought only really famous instrumentalists could be endorsed, but I was really excited when some of my friends recently got endorsed, and then I got asked a couple weeks following! It really seems like the music world is beginning to take the younger generation seriously and professionally, and I am really thankful.
I’ve only ever played Gold Tone banjos, but the ones I currently have are only banjos that I have won or never picked out personally. I was invited to Titusville, Florida during my Christmas break from school to check out a custom banjo they had begun to work on for me, and to show me around the factory. I visited Mr. Justin and Mr. Wayne, who I’ve known for years at various festivals, but it was amazing to see them in their working environment, and to meet the luthiers
When I was asked what type of banjo I would be interested in, they were very surprised that I wanted something exactly like a resonator banjo (I play clawhammer, so that isn’t very common); however, I wanted an open back to promote my style and the culture of old time music.
They put together an open back Tubaphone banjo, with three rings, and very low action for a loud and bright sound. They put on an Ome armrest, and they used a gorgeous Gold Tone neck with all the frets and no scoop (usually something only resonators have). I played it for the first time with my siblings in Mr. Justin’s office, and the only thing that was changed was the string gauge sizes: I like to have different weird sizes for the strings specifically so nothing buzzes. I’ve found that clawhammer is a rougher style that can hit the strings in a certain way that promotes annoying pick noise and a ring – and the luthier was able to adjust them in minutes.
I have officially named my new baby banjo “Frankenstein,” because it is a banjo made up of many other parts of different banjos. I feel like average open back banjos are muffled and softer, but because I play more bluegrass and contemporary on clawhammer than I do old time, I wanted to be able to be heard just as loud and clear as other players, but with my own style.”
Well done Gold Tone!
Young Ms. Davis is currently absorbed in applying to music colleges, looking for the best fit for her particular interests.
Hey music schools… time to reach out to this talented artist!
The American Banjo Museum, located in Oklahoma City and dedicated to promoting and preserving banjo players and music of all kinds, has announced five new members to their Hall of Fame. They will be officially inducted during the weekend of October 9-11 as part of their annual Banjo Fest weekend in Oklahoma City.
Two of the new members will be well familiar to our readers, Noam Pikelny of Punch Brothers fame, who is going in for Five-String Performance, and Dom Flemons, noted multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and folklorist, who goes in for Promotion.
Also to be inducted in 2025 are 20th century four string virtuoso Fred Van Eps in the Historical category, Sean Moyses for Four-String Performance, and banjo builder Vinnie Mondello for Education & Innovation.
The Museum has provided the following thumbnail biographies of their newest Hall of Famers:
Noam Pikelny – Five-String Performance – Born in Skokie, Illinois in 1981, Pikelny began playing the banjo at the age of eight, studying at the Old Town School of Music. Best known for his current band, the Grammy award-winning Punch Brothers, Noam’s extraordinary talent and eclectic musical tastes found him performing in groups such as Leftover Salmon and the John Cowan Band, in addition to his own solo endeavors. Respected by a diverse musical community, Pikelny was named IBMA Banjo Player of the Year in 2014 and 2017 and, in 2010, was the first recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. Currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, Pikelny and the Punch Brothers continue to excel in and expand the perceived boundaries of bluegrass, folk, and acoustic music.
Sean Moyses – Four-String Performance – From his first banjo ukulele strums as part of a family band to a present day one man show, Sean Moyses has devoted his life to music and the banjo. Inspired by Eddie Peabody, Moyses has taken a journeyman approach to a musical career, adapting his skill set as needed, and devoted enough to go where the work was. Whether performing as part of British and European jazz bands, lending his formidable stage presence to comedy shows, or taking listeners on a unique musical journey from ragtime to classics to pop, Sean pours his kind heart and impressive talent into every show he does. Admittedly born with an “old soul,” Moyses bridges the gap between the banjo’s glorious past and its modern-day identity.
Fred Van Eps – Historical – After learning to play the banjo by studying the recordings of Vess Ossman, Fred Van Eps went on to even greater popularity than his mentor. A fixture in the Edison studios in the early 1900s, he – as both a soloist and leader of different bands – made hundreds of audio recordings which documented the technical skill and musicianship which was required of banjoists during the instrument’s Classic Era of the late 1800s. Having been chosen to appear in early experimental sound films, as well as marketing the Van Eps Recording brand of banjos, is indicative of the artist’s popularity during the first three decades of the twentieth century.
Dom Flemons – Promotion – Dominique “Dom” Flemons is an American old-time, and blues multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. He is a proficient player of the banjo, fife, guitar, harmonica, percussion, quills, and rhythm bones. Known as The American Songster, Flemons’ repertoire of music spans nearly a century of American folklore, ballads, and tunes. A founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops from their inception in 2005 until 2013, Flemons played a key role in black culture’s recapturing of the banjo’s African heritage. In addition to performing and recording with numerous artists and bands including Mike Seeger, Taj Mahal, and the Old Crow Medicine Show, Flemons has released numerous albums under his own name, including Black Cowboys (which was nominated for a Grammy award in 2018).
Vinnie Mondello – Education & Innovation – With a family musical performance and instrument manufacturing lineage going back three generations, Vinnie Mondello seemed destined to become the “go to” banjo builder and repairperson of the current generation. Utilizing mechanical skills and philosophy developed while working on high performance cars and boats, Mondello willed himself to learn the necessary skills and passion for maximizing a banjo’s tone, playability, and appearance. While the goal of his repair work is to match the original manufacturer’s fit and finish as closely as possible, the custom instruments crafted in his shop have set new and exacting standards in tone and décor.
More details about Banjo Fest 2025 and the gala Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be announced in the near future.
Huber Banjos has announced that Russ Carson, the crackerjack banjo player with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, is the latest endorser of the banjos, with the introduction of the new gold-plated Russ Carson Signature model Huber.
Russ joins Sammy Shelor and Ron Block as endorsing artists with their own signature model banjo.
It’s part of Huber’s Truetone series, incorporating the very latest in prewar replica components, including the latest iteration of the HR-30 tone ring, made no-hole style for Russ’s preference, along with a fat Engineered Rim. Carson wanted a maple banjo, so Steve Huber chose to use a wider AAAA-grade curly maple neck, with a sunburst maple resonator. The headstock is a double cut, with a Flying Eagle pattern, and Hearts & Flowers in the fingerboard.
Russ says that he loves the banjo, and is leaving it with Huber during SPBGMA so that others can check it out this weekend.
“I will be taking this banjo on the road very soon, but first you can check this beast out for yourself in the Huber Banjo suite in room 4094 at SPBGMA 2025. After that, be sure and come to a Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder show near you and hear the quality for yourself!”
The Huber Russ Carson model Truetone banjo will sell for $6,950. It’s not up yet on the Huber web site, but anyone interested in ordering one can contact them online.
In addition to picking with Ricky, Russ is the proprietor of the 81 Crowe YouTube and Instagram channels on social media, where he demonstrates tunes, techniques, and gear for his more than 26,000 subscribers. No doubt you’ll be seeing a test drive of his new Huber there soon!
Australian bluegrass singer turned Nashville resident Kristy Cox has brought in two new members to her touring band, Grasstime. Both are experienced players who should be familiar to many in the bluegrass community.
Cody Tinnin has come aboard on bass, and Allan Sanders on banjo. Tinnin spent a decade on bass with The Stillhouse Junkies, but left them at the end of last year and has joined up with Kristy. Sanders has been playing banjo and guitar, and singing bluegrass for some time.
They join Cox on guitar and lead vocal, Robbie Morris on guitar and vocal, Jason Bailey on mandolin, and Ellie Hakanson on fiddle and vocals.
Morris, who also serves as bandleader, welcomes these two new members of Grasstime.
“Cody and Allan are incredible musicians and even better people. Their talent, experience, and love for bluegrass music fit perfectly with what we’re building together. I couldn’t be more excited for the journey ahead.”
And the boss lady agrees, saying that she’s psyched for the season to begin.
“Cody and Allan bring a whole new energy to the band. Their artistry and dedication inspire all of us. I’m excited to hit the stage and studio with this amazing lineup.”
Here’s a couple of peeks at the new lineup during a recent show at Nashville’s Station Inn. First a snippet from Kristy’s latest single, Front Porch of Paradise…
…and their take on a Hank Williams classic.
Clearly a strong sound.
Head on over to Kristy’s web site to learn more about her and Grasstime, and check when they might be playing in your area.
Once again this year, the state of South Carolina will dedicate a day to their native son, Todd Taylor, as they celebrate South Carolina Banjo Day on March 11.
The honor was first bestowed on Todd in 2018, both in recognition of his achievements as a banjo player, and in recognition of his having overcome serious health issues throughout his life. He had suffered illness for a number of years leading up to a diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy, as well as additional issues related to the disease since.
In a cruel sort of irony, Taylor has just been diagnosed with colon cancer, and is starting treatment quite soon, so one imagines he will especially appreciate his “day” in March.
The following is the proclamation passed in 2018 by the South Carolina state legislature, and read on the floor of the Senate.
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly are pleased to recognize Todd “Banjoman” Taylor as an outstanding citizen who has positively impacted the State of South Carolina;
Whereas, in 2012, Mr. Taylor received the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his musical contributions to the State of South Carolina;
and Whereas, it would be fitting and proper to pay tribute to the accomplishments and public service of this son of South Carolina by annually recognizing the second Tuesday in March as “South Carolina Banjo Day.”
Now, therefore, Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring: That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize Wednesday, March 14, 2018, and the second Tuesday in March of each year thereafter as “South Carolina Banjo Day” in honor of Todd “Banjoman” Taylor’s musical contributions to the State of South Carolina.
Remember, come March 11, 2025, to think of your favorite banjo player, and if you play one yourself, be sure to pick one for Todd!
Colton Powers, the hard-charging’ banjo picker and tenor singer with Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, has announced that he will be leaving the band to start work on a new project he is working on.
He shared the following statement online…
“I’ve been a part of Midnight Run for around seven and a half years. It’s been one heck of a ride as I’ve seen several iterations of this band come and go. I’ve done some thinking and I have decided to leave Seth Mulder & Midnight Run.
When I first joined, it was Seth, Jasper T. Lorentzen, and Jereme Brown. They soon parted to pursue their careers with The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys. Soon after came Max Etling, and Robert Russell, who was then followed by Ben Watlington. Max, Ben, and I stayed with the band for a long time. After a couple of years we brought Max Silverstein, who’s seen this iterations and the next. Once Ben and Max left, we were joined by Joseph Sharp, then Tyler Griffith and Chevy Watson. Since being a part of this band, I have traveled to somewhere around 25 countries and 30 states.
This doesn’t mean that I’m not going to be playing music though! I’ve got some stuff in the works, and it’ll take a little bit to get it all worked out and ready to go, so look for me out there, I’ll be around! If anyone needs some fill in on banjo as well, drop me a line!
Thank you all so much for your support and for enjoying the music…
And most of all, thanks for the memories.”
Bossman Mulder wishes him well on the way out.
“I have truly enjoyed the past seven-plus years of making music with Colton. There have been lots of good times, and I’ll miss singing with him. However, change is a natural part of the journey, and I look forward to seeing him strike out on his own. I know great things are in store.
With change comes a renewed sense of energy and excitement, and I’m looking forward to getting out on the road this year with some new faces as we continue to bring folks the music they have come to love with Seth Mulder & Midnight Run.”
We look forward to news, both on Colton’s next venture, and the new faces with Midnight Run.
Popular Kentucky banjo builder and repairman Arthur Hatfield suffered the loss of his shop to fire on Saturday, January 10.
A wooden musical instrument shop contains a good many combustible materials, and by the time the fire department got to the building in Glasgow, KY, the shop had been consumed.
Fortunately, Arthur was not hurt, but all of the tooling and equipment used to build the Hatfield Banjos was destroyed, along with everything he was working on at the time.
Arthur has been building and repairing banjos for more than 30 years, doing it full time since 2001. Also a banjo player, he had toured with Carl Story as a younger man.
A friend has established a GoFundMe campaign to raise fund to help Hatfield rebuild. They have raised roughly $7,000 of the $50,000 goal in just two days, and more will be required to put things back to what they were. Anyone who loves the banjo, and the Hatfield Banjos in particular, may be moved to make a contribution online.
We are waiting to hear back from Arthur and will update once we learn the extent of his losses, and whether insurance might help him get the shop back in business.
UPDATE 1/15: We have heard back from Arthur, who says that everything in the shop is gone, and that he had no insurance to cover the loss. This makes the GoFundMe campaign all the more crucial for the rebuilding which he hopes to accomplish.
He also told us that the fire department believes the blaze began near a propane wall heater.
Johnny Pennington, 74, of China Grove, NC, passed away on December 27, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. He was the son of the late musician, luthier, and songwriter, Ralph Pennington. His sister is former North Carolina Bluegrass Association president, Vivian Pennington Hopkins. She shared some memories of their childhood, growing up in western North Carolina when her older brother started learning to pick at age 10. Learning from his dad and growing up surrounded by music, he also picked up a great deal on his own.
“I didn’t pay much attention when he was learning to play the guitar when we were kids, but I think he probably drove all of us crazy when he was trying to learn to play the banjo. I was so proud of him.
My fondest memories are of him and other family members getting together during any holidays and pickin’ music. Those were the good times that I miss. I wanted so badly to include him on my album (a tribute to our dad), but his health was declining. I valued his opinion on the song arrangements as we recorded them. He knew our dad’s music better than anyone, and I was so glad that he liked and approved of how it was progressing.”
Pennington and his brother, Larry, first performed in their dad’s band, the Carolina Gentlemen. Johnny picked banjo, Larry played guitar, and Ralph was on fiddle and mandolin. In the early ’70s, Johnny toured the east coast playing banjo with Nelson Young & the Sandy Valley Boys, including performances at Disney World as part of the Country Bear Jamboree. The band also recorded an album with Dwight Moody. For years Johnny played locally in North Carolina bands, including playing banjo with Moving on Bluegrass, and guitar with Bob Shue & the Carolina Mountain Boys.
Howard Honeycutt, his former band mate and guitarist in Moving on Bluegrass, reflected…
“Johnny played for five years with us, 1973-78. Johnny, JW Blackwelder, and I were all about the same age, we were all born in 1950. We always got along and had a good time. He was a good musician, could sing any part, and his timing was impeccable. Johnny would kick off a song, have us go out and play in another room, and then come back. We would always still be together.
He was innovative. He wanted to play grass, but in a different way. We played Memphis Mandolin and Great Balls of Fire. The Seldom Scene had released Paradise in ¾ time. He had the idea and we did it in 4/4 time.”
Johnny also followed in his dad’s footsteps by building and repairing musical instruments.
No formal service will be held, but the family requests contributions be made in Pennington’s memory to the American Cancer Society, or a wildlife charity, due to his commitment to cancer awareness and his love of nature.
