The 4th of July Parade in Orinda came back from the pandemic, and the East Bay Banjo Club was an enthusiastic participant!  The crowd cheered as the strummers on this year’s float passed by and we all saw many smiling faces. We were very fortunate to be able to practice at the Oakmont Senior Facility several weeks before the parade to insure we sounded decent during the parade. After all, it had been over a year since any of us played the banjo together!

A special thanks to Rich Combs who stepped up to lead the group playing lead melody without the assistance of a bass instrument to keep time for the players. Regardless, we sounded fantastic, and heard loud applause at the reviewing stand and elsewhere as we played a selection of five songs. Our onboard sound system worked flawlessly as our playing and vocals rang out down the path of the parade.

Participants on the float included; Rich Combs, Chris Lardge, Slavka and Jan Ruzicaka, Diane and Bob Maluccelli, Paul Mack, and Bud Pearce.

Crowd looks on as float passes