Thursday, October 8th

MARK JOHNSON - Five-String Performance

Primarily known as the inventor of the Clawgrass style of banjo (which many call the "third style" of five-string banjo playing after the clawhammer and Scruggs three-finger styles), Mark is both a highly respected player and composer of contemporary acoustic music.  Johnson's unique style doesn't really fit into a strict category...it’s very bluegrass but has overtones of traditional folk, progressive acoustic, Newgrass and old-time all mixed into one.  As a testament to his contributions to the expansion of the musical potential of the five-string banjo, in 2012 Mark received the third annual Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music.

HOWARD ALDEN - Four-String Performance

Although internationally recognized as a jazz guitar master, Howard Alden began his musical career in the 1960s playing the tenor banjo and has recently returned to his banjo roots.  As a young banjoist with an innate musical curiosity and uncanny sense of swing, Alden was ultimately attracted to the broader musical range and jazz acceptability of the guitar, lending his immense talents to concerts, recordings and major Hollywood film soundtracks.  However, recent years have seen him apply his decades of jazz study and musical maturity to the tenor banjo, elevating the instrument to new heights of acceptance in the jazz genre.

DAVID "STRINGBEAN" AKEMAN - Historical

Known to millions simply as “Stringbean,” David Akeman was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and comedian who is best remembered for his role as a main cast member on the hit television show Hee Haw and as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Akeman was well known for his "old-fashioned" banjo-picking style, a careful mix of comedy and music, and his memorable comic stage wardrobe. Before the comedy, Akeman helped define Bluegrass music during a three-year stint with Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys prior to teaming with Grandpa Jones in the late 1940s when they both became beloved and lifelong members of the Grand Ole Opry.

BRENT HAYES - Historical/Early

Considered one of the greatest plectrum banjoists of the early 20^th century, Brent Hayes - who was known by his stage name, Scargold - was a true concert artist of the highest order. Donning scarlet and gold Royal Canadian Mounted Police stage attire, Hayes wowed audiences both visually and musically, performing a variety of classical and popular music on an instrument that was just beginning to gain acceptance in a concert hall setting. Pioneering plectrum right hand strumming techniques such as duo-style (the impression that two people are playing at the same time) and using a foot operated muting mechanism that expanded the dynamic possibilities for the banjo, Hayes created a unique sound and style that established him as top performer in concert venues across the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.

BILL DENDLE - Education & Innovation

In addition to being a masterful banjoist, musician and entertainer, California’s Bill Dendle remains a tireless and world-renown advocate of jazz education for young musicians. Subsequent to a performance career which saw him entertain at Mickie Finn’s in San Deigo, Capone’s Warehouse in Monterey, California and The Empress Lilly at Walt Disney World in Florida, in his role as a respected educator Dendle has taught thousands of aspiring jazz musicians at camps and festivals around the country. Most notably, his leadership role of the Sacramento Jazz Camp is credited with the city remaining a center for traditional jazz activity as well as the banjo’s role in jazz being brought to the attention of mainstream jazz educators worldwide.