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Reutlinger Senior Center
December 28, 2021
After another respite caused by the Covid pandemic, the EBBC strummers were thrilled to have the opportunity to perform for the residents of the Reutlinger Senior Center between Christmas and New Years this year. Thirteen fully masked and vaccinated club members braved the risk of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 to bring some happiness to our enthusiastic friends and residents of the Senior center. We were warmly and graciously received by all!
Participants included Ardie Jarrett, Bud Pearce, Chris Doan, Chris Lardge, Deb Hodson, Don Granberg, Larry Risner, Linda Meyers, Paul Mack, Philip Myers, Rich Combs, and Slavka & Jan Ruzickar.
Our beloved fans Marilee and Bobbie Landers also participated as our cheerleaders in the audience!
Brookdale Senior Center
July 30, 2021
By: Slavka Ruzicka
Photos: Slavka Ruzicka
The East Bay Banjo Club entertained once again at
the Brookdale Senior Center in Danville, CA after a 12 to 14 month postponement from any group banjo playing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The club has been gradually working together to resume normal club activities, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic. The eleven members were enthusiastically received by a large group of residents that seem to miss us as much as we missed them!
Performers included; Bob Ehrhorn, Chris Lardge, Deb Hodson, Don Granberg, John Greitzer, Bud Pearce, Philip and Linda Myers, Mike Stein, and Slavka and Jan Ruzicka.
Based on the reaction to this performance, we will, no doubt, be asked back for future performances.
Bud gives last minute instructions
4th of July Orinda Parade
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
Orinda 4th of July Parade
July 4, 2019
By: Bud Pearce
This 4th of July, the East Bay Banjo strummers were, once again, delighted to participate in the Orinda parade. A total of fifteen members and one special guest (Anna Vybiralova from the Czech Republic) showed up to first decorate the float, and then ride it through the streets of Orinda and Orinda Village. The onlookers erupted, waving and clapping, as the upbeat sounds of our traditional music rang out from the float. For the first time, we included vocals, that seemed to enhance our performance. As in past years, we were joined by members of the Tabor Sister City (Anna and Slavka) in full costume who sang two songs in Czech at the Reviewing Stand.
Special thanks go to Karen Hefter for leading the group and to Bob Malucelli who made the sound system perform beautifully! Others included Don Granberg, Paul Mack, Linda and Philip Myer, Gary Kerr, Doug and Mimi Johnson, Terry Horner, Diane Malucelli, Betty David, Bud Pearce, and Jan and Slavka Ruzicka.
Lastly, we would like to thank our float sponsor GJEL (Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, and Larson) for helping to make this year’s parade a huge success!
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- Merrily we roll along, roll along!
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- Don and Diane begin decorating
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- Paul readies ladder as Don supervises.
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- Bob observes flag placement
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- Betty and Karen tape down fringe decorations
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- Bud and Phillip strum together
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- Bob and Paul Strum sneak a peak at their music
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- Float begins to approach Reviewing Stand
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- Czechs perform as we near Reviewing Stand
Reutlinger Community Center
Aug 22, 2018
By: Bud Pearce
Photos: Bob Nelson
The EBBC strummers experiences a warm and joyful reception from the large and enthusiastic residents of the Reutlinger Community Center. The residents reacted very positively from start to finish. Plenty of singing and dancing in the crowd.
EBBC performers included: Rich Combs, Kit Nelson, Chris Lardge, Don Granberg, Bud Pearce, Doug Johnson, Bob Ehrhorn, Linda Myers, Phil Myers, Dina Melamed, Clyde Dedmon, Paul Mack, Terry Horner, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Slavka Ruzicka, and Jan Ruzicka. Bob Nelson helped out with the photography.
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- Slavka and Jan relaxed and ready
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- Rich, Kit, and Chris in front row Slavka, Terry, Paul, and Clyde in back row
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- Paul Mack Announces Songs
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- Phil and Linda play a duet
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- Kit wows the audience
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- Doug, Bud, and Don play on in first row Clyde, Paul, Terry, Bob, and Diane in second row
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- Don sings “The Saints Go Marching In/ Mama Don’t ‘Lowe No Banjo Pickin’ Here” in final song
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- Dina ready to perform!
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- Chris sings “Honey Pie”
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- Bob Belts one out
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- The gang performs
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- Gang toasts with root beer floats after performance
Orinda 4th of July Parade
July 4, 2018
By: Bud Pearce
Photos by: Bud Pearce
Well, it was yet another fantastic experience to perform at the Orinda 4th of July Parade! The weather was great! The crowd was enthusiastic! The sound system worked better than ever!
We arrived early only to find out, after waiting for some time, that we were in the wrong parking lot! However, we quickly recovered from this setback by decorating the float in record time with everyone pitching in to make it happen. A special thanks to Paul Mack for providing us with coffee and doughnuts while we waited for the float. Also, a big shout out to our excellent sound man, Bob Malucelli, while, under enormous time pressure, was able to make our sound equipment work flawlessly. As a result, the crowd reacted more enthusiastically to our performance and we were able to stay together! As an added bonus, we were able to project the vocal talents of Slavka Ruzicka singing “Tancuj Tancuj Vykrucaj” and “Beer Barrel Polka” in her native Czech costume. These songs paid homage to the Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation who sponsored our trip to the Czech Republic in 2005.
Performing on the float this year were; Karen Hefter, Terry Horner, Don Granberg, Paul Mack, Bob and Diane Malucelli, Phil and Linda Myers, Bud Pearce, and Jon and Slavka Ruzicka. Usually one of the most fun events of the year, and this year was no exception!
Banjo-Rama 2016
May 15, 2016
By: Sheila Welt
Photos by: Bob Nelson
The Lion’s Gate Hotel in Sacramento was a beautiful venue, and the parking was easy. The drive from Concord was approx. 80 miles.
We played from 1:40pm until 2:10pm.
Banjo Players included: Tom Brunetti, Rich Combs, Jack Convery, Betty David, Bob Ehrhorn, Barbara Findley, Karen Hefter, Red Higgins, Deb Hobson, Ardie Jarrett, Trent Jones, Bob Malucelli, Linda Myers, Phil Myers, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, Larry Risner, Jan Ruzicka, Slavka Ruzicka, Jack Starr, Marilyn Starr, and Sheila Welt.
Bass: Guy Black
Vocalists: Bob Ehrhorn, Red Higgins, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, and Sheila Welt
The audience seemed to enjoy our presentation and responded with much clapping.
The vendors were well represented and had a lot of goodies for us to purchase. It appeared that some of them were doing a very brisk business.
It was a good play out and great fun!
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- EBBC on stage!
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- Tom, Bob, Deb, and Artie intensely playing!
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- Kit sings “Doctor Jazz”
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- Bud sings “When You”re Smiling”
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- Sheila sings “Your Cheatin’ Heart”
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- Bob Ehrhorn WOW’s the crowd!
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- Trent Jones takes a well deserved bow!
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- POV of EBBC Players at Banjo-Rama
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- Red sings “The Crawdad Song”
Marilyn Young Rememberance
January 31, 2016
By: Bud Pearce
Photos by: Bob Nelson
Marilyn Young
Aug 17, 1936 – Nov 8, 2015
Several East Bay Banjo players were privileged to perform at Marilyn Young’s memorial service on January 31, 2016. The service was to celebrate the life of Marilyn Young, who was a long time member of the East Bay Banjo Club, and held many offices such as President and Booking Agent during her time with the club. Family members and friends related how Marilyn was a sweet and caring person in story after story. It was clear from these stories that Marilyn loved the banjo and being part of the club. East Bay Banjo members who remember Marilyn could have also told many stories of her sweet disposition and caring attitude.
The story that I remember about Marilyn, that echoes many of the traits that friends and family related, was when Marilyn, very concerned about the safety and preparedness of club members about to travel to the Czech Republic, stood up and spoke about her list of “must haves” while in the Czech Republic. From toilet paper, to duct tape, to a sign that said “HELP” to place in the hotel window when the situation was most dire, she made it very clear that she had researched the matter of personal safety and security abroad thoroughly and developed a comprehensive list of items to have when traveling abroad. But most importantly, she presented her list as her “suggestions” on how we could all be safe and avoid unnecessary trouble that she was genuinely concerned might happen to us while traveling. It was not a lecture, but a gentle reminder that she cared about us.
Marilyn will always be remembered as kind and caring person with a positive attitude no matter what the situation. She is the type of person that every club yearns for to spark peace and harmony.
EBBC Performers led by Jack Convery
Harry Higgins and Georgette Twain – In Memorium
January 11, 2016
By: John Greitzer
The East Bay Banjo Club lost two four string banjo legends and members over the holiday season. Harry Higgins passed away on December 23rd at age 81 and Georgette Twain died on January 4th at age 90. The banjo community lost two of its long-time leading lights with their passing.
Harry Higgins
“Legendary” would be an understatement in describing Harry Higgins. From his 17 years leading the Dixieland-style band at the original Red Garter in San Francisco, and band leading at Kezar and Candlestick parks for the San Francisco 49ers and Giants, to his more recent years with the East Bay Banjo Club and playing at Peet’s Coffee in Walnut Creek, Harry left his mark on countless delighted audiences over the decades. He reflected recently on how lucky he was to have been the bandleader at the Red Garter. “I just fell into it,” he said. “I was able to earn a living with it. I was really lucky.” Of course, it was his immense talent as much as luck that brought him that long stint as Red Garter bandleader. Harry was elected in 2008 to the National Four-String Banjo Hall Of Fame.
As a recent active member of the East Bay Banjo Club, he was well-loved both by long-time EBBC members and by newer ones as well. Even some of our most recent members have stories about how Harry helped them with banjo-playing tips, showed them how to replace a banjo head, or talked about chord-melody theory with them. For Harry, the club was a family affair. He would lead the club in songs sung by his wife of over 60 years Elinor, known as “Red” to EBBC members. But by far, his greatest delight was mentoring his granddaughter, Danielle, playing the banjo next to him, and encouraging her to sing many of the songs he loved. We are all certain that when Harry left us, he was hopeful that Danielle will continue his legacy in the world of the classic plectrum banjos.
Georgette Twain
The “Queen of the Banjo” and a lifetime member of the EBBC, Georgette Twain was a leading four-stringer since the early 1960s and continued touring the country until her recent illness. In recent years she performed with her daughter Cecilia, an accomplished violinist. Though Georgette moved to Nevada years ago, some of our long-time EBBC members still corresponded and visited with her up to the time of her death.
Her father encouraged her take up the banjo when her singing career was ruined by polio. She was a student and prodigy of Eddie Peabody, and became widely admired for her incredible technique and showmanship. Georgette was named to the Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame in 2007.
Her influence on the EBBC goes back many years when she taught many club members how to play the banjo. In fact our current Music Director, Betty David, and our newly elected President, Jack Starr, both took lessons from Georgette in their early playing days.
EBBC will miss both Harry and Georgette. We wish their families well.
Kensington Playout
May 26, 2014
By: Bud Pearce
Photos by: Bob Nelson
The East Bay banjo strummers helped the seniors at Kensington Senior Living Center celebrate Memorial Day 2014. The performance got off to a somewhat rocky start, due to a problem with the audio system. With only one speaker working and no way to increase the volume, the audience could not hear Betty David’s opening remarks. The first songs were a salute to all branches of the Armed Forces (Marines, Navy, Army, Coast Guard, and Air Force), but we relied heavily on Kit being able to start each vocally. Again, the audio system caused less than desirable results. We must correct these problems if we expect our audiences to enjoy our performances.
Some excitement occurred during the performance when the EMT’s arrived along with an ambulance to take care of a medical emergency somewhere in the facility. Fortunately, most of the audience was unaware of the happenings, as their backs were turned to the facility entrance.
Despite the problems, the East Bay performers did their best to provide a fine memorial day celebration. Performers included Betty David, leader, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, Karen Hefter, Chris Lardge, Dina Melamed, Guy Black, Sheila Welt, Don Granberg, Herb Moore, and Ardie Jarrett.
Snow Train 2014
February 6, 2014
By: Bud Pearce
Photos By: Phil & Linda Myers
All aboard for the Snow Train 2014! Several East Bay strummers boarded the train early Tuesday morning, February 4, bound for Reno, Nevada. The train made several stops along its journey from Oakland to Reno. Most passengers boarded in Martinez, but players also boarded in Emeryville and Sacramento, including Dick Martin, who rode a train from Oregon to Sacramento to join Jack Convery as a banjo “headliner”.
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- Dick Martin (left) leads song with Morgan Olk on keyboard (right)
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- Tom Brunetti on the way to Reno
Fetze Pijlman playing tenor banjo
The event took on an international flair this year with the addition of Mr. Fetze Pijlman from Hilversum, Holland. Mr. Piljman, who organizes the Holland Jazz Banjo Festival (www.Jazzbanjo.nl), enjoyed playing traditional jazz on his tenor banjo while seeing the sights the High Sierra Mountains offer in the winter. There were some preliminary discussions about some American banjo players journeying to Holland to participate in the Holland Jazz Banjo Festival in the future. Jack was very excited about that possibility, which reminded us of our trip to the Czech Republic in 2005. Don’t be surprised if some East Bay strummers are performing in Europe in 2015!
As is customary, we played many traditional jazz tunes while riding the train to Reno. Kit Nelson sang using the sound system provided by Jack, and many of those riding in the car sang along using song books provided by Jack. We were also accompanied by a keyboard player, who managed to set up his keyboard between the seats and allowed just enough room for people to pass by in the aisle. The conductor, trying to avoid being a killjoy, held back his admonishments and looked the other way during his strolls through the train car. We arrived on schedule in Reno. After checking into our rooms, we were on our own to eat, gamble, or see a show. Some even jammed a little in their rooms!
The next day, everyone gathered in the Hobby Horse Room to practice some tunes that we were going to play that night in the Sapphire Lounge in Harrah’s. During the practice session, every player was given the opportunity to select a song to be played on stage. It was a huge thrill to play with talented people outside the EBBC.
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- Chris Lardge rehearses
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- Bob & Deb Hodson (father/daughter) rehearse
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- Bob Nelson is inspired to play the banjo with Phil
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- Bud and Kit Rehearse
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- Brunetti brothers (Tom & Jim) rehearse
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- Rex, Dick, and Ana lead reshearsal
Jack, Kit, Bud, Dick, and Ana on stage
Our appearance on the stage at the Sapphire Lounge was fun, even though a little cramped. The audience, comprised mostly of folks from our train car ride up to Reno, enthusiastically sang and danced to the music we created in the lounge. Frankly, the crowds in the casino were extremely sparse, so we could have easily attracted more people into the lounge, had business been better in Reno. While on stage, we were all informed that the train would arrive late the next morning. We were all advised to dial Amtrak directly to avoid missing its arrival. Some thought it was actually good news, since it meant we could sleep late the next day, and Harrah’s was willing to extend us all a late checkout.
Jack Convery leads practice session
The next morning, Jack awoke each of us with a phone call that informed us of a bus that would leave in lieu of the 8:30 departure of the train. Apparently, the train was going to be close to five hours late due to a problem with a freight train blocking the tracks. Most people opted for the bus, which took us to Sacramento. From there, we were able to catch a train back to the Bay Area, stopping at all stops covered on the original trip to Reno. All is well that ends well! The train from Sacramento arrived at the East Bay stops before our original train schedule dictated we were to arrive.
Mickie McDonald in Memoriam
Members of the East Bay Banjo Club were very saddened to learn of the loss of Mickie McDonald on January 5, 2014. Mickie was one of the stalwart members who rarely missed our weekly practices or Club performances. She was always thrilled to sing or harmonize with others the songs that the club performed, and she knew the words to more songs than probably anyone else in the club. She took great pride in never needing music to play a song. Her jovial nature and her desire to decorate for parties made her a natural candidate to organize the annual Club end of the year party. Her relentless search for old original sheet music yielded the foundation for many arrangements in our music book today.
She had deep and genuine concern for anyone in the club. It wasn’t uncommon for her to call and inquire about a member’s well-being when they missed a number of practices or were known to be experiencing troubled times. On several occasions, she would visit members in the hospital or their homes to cheer them up and let them know they were not forgotten. For years, she presented members with their birthday card that she had signed by all members she could locate. Mickie had a particular fondness for our youngest members, and would sometimes present them with stuffed animals.
She will be remembered for her passion for the music our club keeps alive, her jovial nature, and for her genuine concern for the well-being of members of the club.
Salem Lutheran Playout
September 17, 2013
Reporter: Bud Pearce
Photographer: Linda Myers & Bob Nelson
The crowd grew in numbers as the banjos rang out in the “Gathering Area” at the Salem Lutheran Senior Center in Oakland, CA. Betty David led the strummers playing tunes that were well known to smiling faces in the audience. After the performance, several residents approached the club members with lots of questions about the banjo, and expressed their gratitude for the chance to hear traditional jazz with lyrics they knew well enough to sing along as the vocalists sang the tunes.
The performers were honored to have jazz trombone legend Bob Mielke in the audience. Bob Mielke worked with, or sat in with, some of the traditional jazz legends like Turk Murphy, Lu Watters and Bob Scobey to name just a few.
The “Top Ten” performers of the day included: Tom Brunetti, Debra Hodson, Bud Pearce, Kit Nelson, Betty David, Terry Horner, Phil Myers, Linda Myers,
Diane Malucelli, and Bob Malucelli.
Providing moral support and mingling with the audience was Bob Nelson. Bob also helped capture some significant camera angles.
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- Front row is intense.
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- Back row happy and relaxed!
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- Kit sings “Cuddle Up A Little Closer”
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- Bob Mielke & Kit reminisce about jazz of the past
Kensington Playout
August 25, 2012
By: Bud Pearce
Photos By: Bob Nelson
Video By: Karen Hefter
A large crowd arrived early to enjoy the music that is not only familiar to them, but brings a smile to their faces as well! Nineteen members performed at this gig, most sporting straw hats. With Betty David at the lead, we quickly played through most of the tunes on Show List #1, and completed the hour with folks asking for more.
It’s clear they loved us because people spontaneously danced!
East Bay strummers included: Mickie McDonald, Don Granberg, Jesse DeTorres, Bud Pearce, Kit Nelson, Betty David, Chris Lardge, Bob Hodson, Deb Hodson, Phil Myers, Linda Myers, Karen Hefter, Guy Black Sheila Welt, Ardie Jarrett, Herb Moore, Ken Williamson, Bob Malucelli, and Diane Malucelli.
Bob Nelson photographed the event and sold CDs while Georgette DeTorres provided moral support.
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- Mickie and Sheila sing “This Land Is Your Land”
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- Jesse sings “Hello Dolly” as Sachmo
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- Ladies dance spontaneously
“Bill Bailey” and “Just Because” from East Bay Banjo Club on Vimeo.
Stoneman Village Playout
June 28, 2013
By: Bud Pearce
Photos and video by: Bob Nelson
What a better time to have an ice cream social than on one of the hottest days of the year! With the temperature in the triple digits outside, the EBBC strummers got the residents of Stoneman Village Senior Center in a patriotic mood by performing a mixture of patriotic tunes and some good old traditional jazz. The residents seemed to enjoy the performance as much as the ice cream! The crowd rose to their feet on the last song, “God Bless America,” ending the performance with rich applause to our final bow.
Gearing up the audience for the approaching 4th of July holiday were EBBC members Guy Black, Tom Brunetti, Betty David, Don Granberg, Karen Hefter, Garry Kerr, Mickie McDonald, Phil and Linda Myers, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, and Ken Williamson. Bob Nelson assisted with set up and took care of the photography and video.
Yankee Doodle from East Bay Banjo Club on Vimeo.
Delta Hawaii Memorial Park Playout
May 11, 2013
By: Don Granberg
Photos by: Linda Myers
We got started a little late, but we started out by playing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and “Bill Bailey” to a crowd of 100 to 150 people. We played from 7:40 to 9:10 pm to the enthusiastic crowd. We had dancers from the crowd enjoying themselves doing waltzes, the can-can, and slow social dancing. The crowd clapped to the songs and sang along to many of their favorites. We had 12 members playing out their hearts. Garry Kerr, Ardie Jarrett, Sheila Welt, Don Granberg, Dina Melamed, Mickie McDonald, Phil Myers, Linda Myers, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, our leader Betty David, and our dazzling Bass player Guy Black all attended this play out. Guy was also our main man for set up. Dina as well as Don entertained with their washboards.
Bill Cooper – In Memoriam
August 26, 1950 to April 4, 2013
The Eastbay Banjo Club lost a large part of its heart and soul when we learned of the sudden passing of Bill Cooper, our dedicated Music Director since 1978. Bill’s passion for the banjo and traditional jazz music inspired many, many others to learn and then promote the joys and happiness the banjo brings to the world. He raised the spirits of countless numbers of people while leading the club on stage and during practice. He accepted and encouraged banjo players of all skill levels to practice and perform the music he and the audiences loved. Bill was not only a highly accomplished banjo player, but arranged all the music for the club. His rich collection of arrangements will be played to the delight of audiences for years to come.