KY Historical Society to host banjo making workshop
If you are a fan of traditional Appalachian music, you will enjoy learning about how to make a traditional mountain banjo. The Kentucky Historical Society will be hosting a special 2-day workshop event with professional woodworker and sculptor, J. Daniel Graham. The event will take place at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History on Saturday, November 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Participants will go behind the scenes of the Kentucky Historical Society to see examples of traditional techniques used to create Appalachian musical instruments. Georgetown College professor, J. Daniel Graham will guide the class in assembling their own mountain banjo using a variety of Kentucky hardwoods. Then the workshop will conclude by playing the new banjos in a group lesson, taught by Georgetown musician, John Ryster.
No woodworking experience is necessary and all materials will be provided. Cost of the workshop is $275 per participant, with a reduced rate of $255 for Kentucky Historical Society members. The price includes all materials, admission to the museum, a boxed lunch, and snacks. Registration and pre-payment are due by October 31, 2019. Class will be limited to 12 participants.
For more information, call 502-782-8118, email khseducation@ky.gov, or visiting online at https://history.ky.gov/event/handcrafting-traditional-mountain-banjos.
Jessica Blankenship is the owner and founder of Kentucky Country Music website with over 20 years experience in music journalism, concert planning, photography, and promotion. Jessica is a Kentucky Colonel and alumni of the 2019 Leadership Kentucky BRIGHT Class and a recipient of the Laurel County’s Ten Under 40 Award. Listen to her each week on WFKY on Friday mornings for the Nashville News Roundup.