4th of July Orinda Parade

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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

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Orinda 4th of July Parade

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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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Reutlinger Community Center

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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.

 

 

Orinda 4th of July Parade

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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!

 

 

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Banjo-Rama 2016

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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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Marilyn Young Rememberance

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January 31, 2016

By:  Bud Pearce
Photos by:  Bob Nelson

 

Marilyn Young Aug 17, 1936 - Nov 8, 2015

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

EBBC Performers led by Jack Convery

Harry Higgins and Georgette Twain – In Memorium

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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-and-Daniel Edfited Final

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 TwainGeorgette 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.

Castlewood Country Club Playout

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December 9, 2015

By:  Diane Malucelli
Photos by:  Bob Nelson

On Wednesday, December 9, 2015, eighteen members of our East Bay Banjo Club came to Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton for a playout.  We performed for the Kaiser Retirement Group and we entertained 220 people after their luncheon.

Castlewood Country Club is on a hill overlooking the valley.  It is a beautiful and very impressive, large building that was decorated with trees, wreaths and lights for Christmas.  We performed on risers in their main ballroom so that we were above the audience.

Since it was such a large room, we really played and sang vigorously so everyone could hear us.  Betty David led us and Larry Risner sat behind the group to help with the rhythm.  Guy Black was our lead on bass guitar.  Our other players were Clyde Dedmon on guitar, Jesse DeTorres, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Ardie Jarrett, Garry Kerr, Chris Lardge, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Dina Melamed, Phil Myers, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, Jack Starr, and Sheila Welt.

We played traditional banjo songs, as well as Jewish and Christmas songs.  The singers were Jesse DeTorres, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Chris Lardge, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce and Sheila Welt.  Phil Myers led the Club on “The Bear Mist the Train” and Kit Nelson sang “Silent Night” as our last song.

Zio Fraedo’s Play Out

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The Retired Officers’ Military Wives Club
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015

By:  Sheila Welt
Photos by:  Bob Nelson and Diane Risner

This play out at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant was great fun!  The women in attendance were a fun group to entertain.  They enthusiastically joined in with our songs and danced with us during our closing number of “When The Saints Go Marching In.”  We entertained with the requested “oldies” and Jack Convery did a banjo solo of medley of the military songs.

Banjo Players:  Jack Convery, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Garry Kerr, Annie Lem, Bud Pearce, Kit Nelson, Bob Malucelli, Larry Risner, and Sheila Welt

Other Instruments:  Guy Black (Bass), Clyde Dedmon (Guitar), Dina Melamed (Washboard), and Don Granberg (Washboard)

Singers:  Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Bud Pearce, Kit Nelson, and Sheila Welt

Lindsay Wildlife Museum Playout

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October 11, 2015

by:  Karen Hefter
Photos by:  Bob Nelson

The Club had a wonderful afternoon helping the Lindsay Wildlife Museum celebrate their 60th anniversary.  The museum is an educational center and rehabilitation hospital for local California wildlife.  We performed for an hour outside, under some beautiful trees.  To celebrate the museum’s history, we worked a number of animal related songs into the show list.  Some featured animal songs were “Jungletown,” “Bye Bye Blackbird,” “Under the Double Eagle,” and “Alley Cat.”  Kit Nelson sang “Alley Cat” and Dina Melamed wore cat ears,  held up a cat poster, and added all of the ‘meows’ needed for her favorite song.

We had a great turnout from club members.  Our 18 fabulous performers were:  Guy Black, Tom Brunetti, Betty David, Clyde Dedmon, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Karen Hefter, Terry Horner, Garry Kerr, Chris Lardge, Annie Lem, Dina Melamed, Linda Myers, Phil Myers, Diane Malucelli, Bob Malucelli, Kit Nelson, and Larry Risner.  This was Annie’s first playout and we hope she joins us for many more in the future. Club member Bob Nelson was our photographer.  We also had a few spouses and other supporters join us for this performance.

Picnic at Lander’s Landing

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August 15, 2015

by:  Karen Hefter
Photos by:  Karen Hefter

The East Bay Banjo Club would like to give a huge thank you to Bobbi Landers for hosting the annual picnic at her home on the Delta once again.  It is so much fun to sit out on her deck at the edge of the water and, eat, chat, and, did I mention eat?   People trickled in throughout the morning and enjoyed sitting out on the deck and talking with each other.  The weather was hot but there was a nice breeze, at least in the morning.  Boat rides and waterskiing lessons were available to those who wanted to go out on the water.  Carl, this year’s exchange student from Tabor in the Czech Republic, gave it a try and got up on skis on his very first day.  Karen brought along a small monkey organ that she recently made from a kit and played it for the group.  Bud and a couple of other people also gave it a try.  Bob N. and Bud were in charge of the barbecue this year and they masterfully grilled corn on the cob and 4 kinds of sausages.  There were plenty of salads and delicious desserts as well.

After lunch, everyone got out their instruments and we had a jam session out on the deck.  In addition to all of the banjos, we had Don on the keyboard, an autoharp and a guitar played by some of Bobbi’s Czech friends, Annie’s husband Dan on harmonica, and Annie’s granddaughter Danielle on the ukulele.    Bud, Kit, Don, and Chris sang along with the group, as did some of the Czech guests.  The club had a great turnout and many people attended with their spouses, children, grandchildren, etc.   This year’s EBBC deck chair brigade included:  Guy and Mary Black, Betty David, Don Granberg and Bernadette, Karen Hefter, Harry and Red Higgins, Ardie Jarrett, Bobbi Landers, Chris Lardge, Bob and Diane Malucelli, Linda and Phil Myers, Kit and Bob Nelson, Bud and Gloria Pearce (plus other assorted family members), Annie and Dan Lem (plus other assorted family members), and Sheila Welt.  A wonderful time was had had by all, as evidenced by all of the smiles in the photos.

Atria Senior Living Playout

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August 14, 2015

By:  Diane Malucelli
Photos by:  Bob Nelson

We performed on Friday, August 14 from 3:30pm – 4:30pm at Atria Senior Living, 1400 Montego Street in Walnut Creek.  It is a very nice assisted living facility that was extensively renovated last year.  We played in a medium-sized community room for about 25 residents.  The theme was the Spirit of ’45 and it was intended to celebrate the end of World War II.

Betty David led us and Guy Black provided our bass.  Our other players were Clyde Dedmon on guitar, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Ardie Jarrett, Chris Lardge, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, and Sheila Welt.  We had our special guests of Jim Abele and Bob Nelson.  Our vocalists were Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Chris Lardge, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce and Sheila Welt. Bob Nelson was our photographer. There was a full piano in the room so Don Granberg played the piano with us on “Cuddle Up a Little Closer,” “Nobody’s Sweeheart Now,” and “Darkness on the Delta.”  Some of the residents sang along with our songs and one energetic lady danced to the songs while using her walker.

We ended our performance with Sheila singing “America the Beautiful” and Kit singing “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”  It was a very moving and patriotic tribute and a very nice playout.

Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living Playout

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July 21, 2015

By:  Diane Malucelli
Photos by:  Bob Nelson

On Tuesday, July 21, 2015, the East Bay Banjo Club performed at the Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living in Danville for the first time. This is an assisted living residence and there are many buildings and residents.  We performed for their ice cream social and the theme was “Remember the Good Old Days.”  We played in a large dining room and there were probably around 70 residents and helpers there.

We had 18 people playing instruments and six of them sang as well.  Our group included Guy Black, Tom Brunetti, Betty David, Clyde Dedmon, Jesse DeTorres, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, John Greitzer, Karen Hefter, Ardie Jarrett, Garry Kerr, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Dina Melamed, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, Larry Risner, and Sheila Welt.  The singers were Jesse DeTorres, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, and Sheila Welt.  Club member Georgette DeTorres was in attendance and Bob Nelson took photos.  Diane Risner attended as well.

It was wonderful to have Jesse back with us to play and sing.  John Greitzer played with us for the first time at a gig and he enjoyed it.  The audience was enthusiastic and sang along with the songs such as “You Are My Sunshine,” “California Here I Come,” and “Five Foot Two.”  They were dancing in their chairs and smiling.  Even the helpers were dancing and clapping with the residents. Kit Nelson ended with a beautiful “God Bless America.”  It was a good performance and a lot of fun for all of us.

Orinda 4th of July Parade

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July 4th, 2015

By:  Karen Hefter
Photos by:  Karen Hefter

The Fourth of July was a beautiful day, perfect for a parade.  The weather was warm, but a cool breeze kept us from overheating.  Spirits were high as we decorated our float with bunting, flags, signs, etc.  Bob Ehrhorn brought a sound system so that we could hear Betty better this year.  This was a big help!  The parade is always a fun event and it is great to see all of the smiling faces along the street.  People make lots of eye contact with us and cheer and clap along to our music.   Our players were:  Guy Black, Betty David, Clyde Dedmon, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, John Greitzer, Karen Hefter, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Dina Melamed, Linda Myers, and Phil Myers.  Kat and David Hefter joined us on the float and threw candy for the kids along the parade route.  Dina wore a special, star spangled 4th of July hat that she created herself, complete with an eagle, for the occasion.

A big thank you goes to Bobbie Landers for arranging this playout for us year after year and for coordinating the hay and truck logistics.  Extra thanks go to Bob and Diane Malucelli, who brought coffee and donuts for the float decorators.  They also brought all of the signs, decorations, etc, as well as the all important ladder needed to get on and off the float!  They are kind enough to store all of these items for the club all year long.

Castro Valley Masonic Center Playout

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July 2, 2015

By:  Sheila Welt
Photos by:  Bob Nelson

This evening was dedicated to the youth groups that the Masonic Lodge sponsors.  A young lady from the Rainbow Girls spoke to us about patriotism.  She was an eloquent speaker and her presentation was enjoyed by all.  The Rainbow Girls, Job’s Daughters, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts brought in the Colors.  The Rainbow Assembly served the diners their chicken dinners, which included dessert. The crowd was welcoming and enjoyed our entertainment.  We played patriotic songs, as well as some of our traditional songs.

Those playing were:  Guy Black, Tom Brunetti, Betty David, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Ardie Jarrett, Bob Malucelli, Kit Nelson, Jack Starr, and Sheila Welt.  Vocalists were:  Kit Nelson, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, and Sheila Welt.  Don Granberg also played the washboard.  Bob Nelson was our photographer.

The cooks had hot dogs ready for those of us who arrived early to set up, which we greatly appreciated. They also offered us dinner after the meeting and some of our group took it home in carry-out containers.   We only had one little glitch with the sound system, which Bob Malucelli found and fixed very quickly.  He needed to replace a fuse.  Overall, we were all very pleased with the evening.

Aegis of Pleasant Hill Playout

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June 19, 2015

By:  Diane Malucelli
Photos by:  Bob Nelson

The East Bay Banjo Club playout was on Friday, June 19 at Aegis of Pleasant Hill, which is a beautiful assisted living residence.  We played in the garden in front of the colorful flowers and cascading water fountain.  It was sunny at first when we set up the equipment, so we moved our chairs around to get some shade.  As the sun moved, it became shady and very pleasant to play outside.  About 45 residents and visitors came to listen and they sang along to some of the songs.  We saw a special resident with our gold vest on and Betty recognized him as Jack Hicks.  Jack is still a member of EBBC.  Bob and I talked to him afterwards and he has many membership cards and has been part of our club for 45 years.

Betty David was our leader for the day and Guy Black played the bass.  The vocalists were Don Granberg, Kit Nelson and Sheila Welt.  The banjo players were Tom Brunetti, Betty David, Don Granberg, Ardie Jarrett, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Kit Nelson, and Sheila Welt.  Dina Melamed played her washboard and Clyde Dedmon played his guitar. Bob Nelson was our photographer. We ended with “When the Saints Go Marching In” and the workers danced with the residents and everyone enjoyed the music.  It is a fun place to play and it is full of nice people.

Stoneman Village Playout

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May 26, 2015

By:  Sheila Welt
Photos by:  Bob Nelson

It was a beautiful day for an outdoor playout.  The weather was sunny, with enough breeze to keep the heat down. Our audience was spirited and sang along with many of our songs.  A lot of the residents came up to talk with us after our performance.  It was good to see friends from past EBBC performances in attendance.

Banjo Players in attendance: Tom Brunetti, Jim Blankenship, Betty David, Clyde Dedmon, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Ardie Jarrett, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce and Sheila Welt.  Singers were:  Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce and Sheila Welt.  Bass:  Guy Black.  Washboard: Dina Melamed.

Set Up, Break Down and Sound Crews included:  Tom Brunetti, Bob Elrhorn, Ardie Jarrett, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Bob Nelson, and Sheila Welt. Our photographer for the day:  Bob Nelson.

An interesting side note to this playout: There was a  scheduling conflict between our playing and some kind of meeting that was scheduled for the same time slot.  We were informed that we needed to turn off the mics because we were too loud and the people in the meeting couldn’t hear each other speak.  With mics off, the singers could not be heard and it was difficult for the banjos to stay in sync with each other.  Regardless of the restrictions, the audience enjoyed our performance and the EBBC had a good time.

Sacramento BanjoRama 2015

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5-17-2015

by:  Karen Hefter
photos by:  Bob Nelson, Karen Hefter

The EBBC made a very strong showing at the 2015 Sacramento BanjoRama.  We were one of the largest banjo bands present that day, with 19 performers up on stage. We also had more singers than any other banjo band.  Our performance was very spirited and was very well received by the large crowd.  We started out with our club’s theme song, “The Banjo Picker’s Ball,” and our club members sang the song with gusto the second and fourth times through.  This gave the performance a very strong start.

We played a total of 9 songs, which featured 6 of our fabulous singers: Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Red Higgins, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, and Danielle Torres.  The singers were all real crowd pleasers and the audience happily sang along to many of the songs.  One of the crowd favorites was “Crawdad Song,” led by Banjo Hall of Famer Harry Higgins and sung by his wife Red Higgins and granddaughter Danielle Torres.  Bud Pearce always gets a lot of enthusiasm from the crowd when he sings “Hello Ma Baby” with his tiny plastic megaphone. The other singers were equally well received.

This year’s BanjoRama performance was a real showcase of our club’s talents – songs were led by 4 different banjo players and sung by 6 of our singers.    Our performers included:  Tom Brunetti, Jack Convery, Betty David, Clyde Dedmon, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Karen Hefter, Harry Higgins, Red Higgins, Garry Kerr, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Dina Melamed, Phil Myers, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, Larry Risner, Danielle Torres, and guest performer John Stafford on bass.

Later on in the day, our own Jack Convery was featured in his own solo set and he started out performing solo, accompanied by Evan Dale on bass.  Next, Jack invited John Stafford up with his clarinet for another song.  As time went on, Jack slowly built up the group on stage by inviting several outstanding EBBC members, including Kit Nelson, Harry Higgins, Danielle Torres, and Bud Pearce, to join him one or two at a time. Jack ended his set by playing Dueling Banjos with a friend who played the 5-string banjo.  Jack’s set was a half hour of outstanding music!

Pittsburg Senior Center

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May 16, 2015

By:  Diane Malucelli
Photos by:  Dianne Risner

The EBBC playout on Saturday, May 16th was at the Pittsburg Senior Center and it was for their Senior Health Fair.  They had tables with health information throughout the building.  They had a wide variety of  entertainment before our performance, such as follies dancers, singers and tap dancers.  We played while people ate lunch, but we were delayed about a half hour because of the equipment setup. We played for about 45 minutes.

Betty David and Larry Risner led our group and Guy Black was our bass player.  The other banjo players were Tom Brunetti, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, and Bud Pearce.  Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg and Bud Pearce were our vocalists.  The audience really enjoyed our music and several of them got up and danced to our music.  There were two ladies that danced together and a gentleman that did a soft shoe dance.

The organizers of the event would love to have us come back again next year but we explained that we need to have setup time factored into the schedule.  We’ll see what happens next year.  It was a fun event and the seniors seemed to really enjoy it.

Sheep Shearing Day at Forest Hill Farm

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April 18, 2015

By:  Karen Hefter
Photos by:  Bob Nelson and Karen Hefter

It was a beautiful day for shearing sheep (and playing the banjo) at Forest Hill Farms in San Ramon.  We played in a (mostly) shady corner, outside the old barn, from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm.  This was one of our longest playouts ever!  It was very low key and was well attended.  Betty and Larry took turns leading the club, since the playout was so long.  We had lots of singers for the day, including Sheila, Bob, Kit, Terry, Don, Chris, and Bud.   Our players were:  Guy Black, Tom Brunetti, Betty David, Clyde Dedmon, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Karen Hefter, Terry Horner, Ardie Jarrett, Garry Kerr, Chris Lardge, Dina Melamed, Linda Myers, Phil Myers, Kit Nelson, Dick Neumann, Bud Pearce, Larry Risner, and Sheila Welt.  Bob Nelson was our photographer.

We also set up our “Try A Banjo” area and it was staffed by Karen, Phil, Sheila, and Ardie.  As usual, we had a great response to this. Lots of kids, including an adorable one and a half year old named Mary Ella,  tried our banjos and ukuleles and we even had several adults who were able to learn the chords to Camptown Races well enough (in about 5 minutes) to play the song along with one of our banjo players. They took business cards and might actually show up at a club practice and learn to play the banjo!  We can hope…  We also had a few people who wanted to try their hands at the washboard and gut bucket.  One man played the gut bucket so long that I was afraid that Terry wouldn’t get it back!

We also had an old friend, Jack Burros, visit our area.   Jack currently plays with the San Francisco Banjo Band and is a former member of the East Bay Banjo Club and the Oakland Banjo Band.  He borrowed a banjo and played along with us for awhile.  He even sang a song, which was fun.  Another man, who introduced himself as Gary,  visiting from Indiana, came up and asked to sing “Indiana.”  We are a flexible bunch and let him sing along with Bob Ehrhorn.  All in all, it was a fun day.