May 2-4, 2014

By: Karen Hefter
Photos by: Garry Kerr, Linda Myers, and Bob Nelson

The East Bay Banjo club would like to thank our hosts, the Sacramento Banjo Band, for a fun-filled, 3 day banjo extravaganza. The workshops were excellent and very informative and all of the featured performers were inspiring.  Jam sessions went on all day long (and well into the night).  The Slovenian group, Navihanke, was a high energy surprise that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. There was plenty to do all weekend long and, when there was a bit of down time, you could get your banjo worked on by Renee Karnes, a Hall of Fame luthier, or shop for a new addition to your banjo collection.

The EBBC had a great turnout for our performance, with 20 players present. Betty David led us in a solid performance of a variety of banjo favorites. Danielle Torres, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, and Sheila Welt were our singers for the day and 10 year old Danielle was especially popular with the crowd. The EBBC had the youngest band member present out of all of the clubs! We were fortunate to have Fredy Kinadeter play the tuba with us and we are grateful that he was able to join us. Our players were: Guy Black, Tom Brunetti, Jack Convery, Betty David, Barbara Findlay, Don Granberg, Karen Hefter, Harry Higgins, Bob Hodson, Deb Hodson, Chris Lardge, Kit Nelson, Fredy Kinadeter, Herb Moore, Linda Myers, Phil Myers, Bud Pearce, Larry Risner, Danielle Torres, and Sheila Welt. Club members Bob Nelson, Garry Kerr, and Red Higgins supported us in the audience and Bob and Garry took pictures.

A special treat followed the EBBC’s performance. First, our own Jack Convery performed with Dave Marty. Then, Harry Higgins and his granddaughter Danielle Torres were invited on stage to play with Jack and Dave. Danielle sang several songs and even played the banjo and sang at the same time. To top off this wonderful performance, Harry’s wife, Red Higgins, came on stage and sang with Danielle while Harry, Jack, and Dave played their banjos. The crowd really enjoyed the entire performance.

The EBBC at Banjo-Rama 2014

Harry, Danielle, Jack, and Dave

Danielle wows the crowd.

Chris poses with Navihanke.