This Year:
The 2008 MBF event date is Saturday 18 October. Now arriving at it's 10th
anniversary we are currently working on the programme.We are planning
to make this anniversary show go in some style, don't miss it. Any idea's on how
to celebrate this event - please contact Reg Stranks asap.
May I submit my most sincere apologies for the lateness of this years
information. Unfortunately, directly following last years show I was
afflicted by quite a severe case of shingles. This lasted until around
Xmas. Following this I have developed a continuance of the same problem.
Nevertheless on with the show!
Andrew May has kindly stepped forward to assist me with organising & running various parts of the MBF. Andrew is a professional in the field of Sales & Publicity and will be handling the publicity side of the MBF along with a certain amount of the MC work of which I am extremely grateful. Our two stalwarts David Wade on the PA system and Glenys on the door, continue with their ever solid support, of which I am ever thankfull for,particularly at this time. My many thanks to you all.
Starring This year (amongst many others)
Howard Shepherd
Howard, long recognised as one of the country's finest banjo players
who's band "Shep's Banjo Boys", achieved national fame via the long
running TV show "The Comedians".
Apart from touring in the UK & abroad, Howard led Shep's on"Pebble Mill
- Golden Shot - Wheel Tappers & Shunters Club & repeat cruises on the
QE2".Currently, in addition to playing various gigs throughout the UK,
Howard often stars on the Orient Express.
Elias
Sibley
Probably one of
the youngest classical banjo performers in the world today is Elias
Sibley, who started having lessons with James Allgrove when he was ten
years old. Elias has attended many banjo rallies since he first started
playing the banjo; he has
also performed at the Reading International Banjo Festival
several
times, and at the Bath International Banjo Festival,as well as
many other venues. Elias also composes music for the classical banjo.
David
Price
David is a lifelong jazz musician, successful band leader and banjo player of universal distinction, and has many television and radio appearances to his credit. His extensive knowledge, humour and audience rapport have given his appearances and courses widespread appeal.
Joe
Gordon
in 1966, (although they came from different musical backgrounds,) Joe teamed up with Sally Logan,, and they rapidly established themselves on record and TV as one of the country's leading acts. World wide appearances soon followed. Several tours of USA and Canada,... shows in Australia; New Zealand; Germany; Italy; Turkey; Greece; and most recently, appearances in "Burns Concerts" in Russia! A special highlight was a 'show-stopping' appearance, with the late Andy Stewart at New York's marvellous CARNEGIE HALL"
Ray
Bernard
The Ukelele Man. Specialised in Al Jolson No's in the 50's,later as vocalist in Ken Griffiths orchestra. Founder member of the George Formby Society, Ray became President from 1976 to 1979 and along with many literary contributions to the musical media, has entertained with his musical wizadry throughout the UK. In addition to his television appearances on Pebble Mill at One and Look North, radio performances on BBC Nightride, Hometown Saturday Night and Woman's Hour, Ray has appeared live on stage at the Empire Theatre, Liverpool, Theatre Royal, Hanley, Queens Theatre, Burslem along with many Festivals & Concerts throughout the country
Banjovi Revival
The band formed in 1992 following the
death of Percy Wootton who, for various lengths of time, taught Joyce,
Jenny, Pauline & Ray. Percy played with Trois in his youth. Maggie our
keyboard player joined later.
We play to various day centres. Red Cross, WI etc., together with Fetes,
birthdays and even larger venues. Unusual for us to get together as work
commitments and distance are a factor, but whoever are involved, the end
result is the same - enjoyment for the group, a good time for the
audience. All donations are passed on to various charities. To December
2007 over £22000 has been raised.
CD,s
All of the above artiste's will have CD,s available for sale on
various stalls around the hall for those of you that wish to enjoy a
little more of their entertainment at home. Their will also be the last
few remaining CD's of the 2008 MBF at the cash entry table for
prospective collectors.
2008 MBF DVD
To celebrate the 10th
anniversary of the MBF we are exploring the making of a video DVD of
this year’s event. Further details will be passed on to you as we
progress this item. Would anyone playing in the Concert who do
not wish to be included in this video please let me know
prior to the event, in writing.
WORKSHOPS
If you have any wishes for a workshop on any particular style, technique
or with any particular tutor then please let us know asap and we will
see what can be arranged.
FREE ‘PRIZE BANJO’ DRAW
Yet again our many thanks to our
stalwart sponsor
EAGLE MUSIC SHOP
who
are
yet again donating a ‘Banjo & Gig bag’ for our
Free Prize Banjo Draw. The draw will be made at the end of the
Concert and presented to the winning ticket holder in person only (not a
representative). If the winning ticket holder is not in attendance,
WEB SITE
The domain
"www.midlandbanjofest.com"
is registered
and is now
our new home.
GRAND BANJO BASH
Those of you in attendance at the end of last year's Concert will
remember that we finished with a Grand Banjo Bash. Building on
this success we have now decided to make this a permanent fixture.
Once again we will go into our: Five Foot Two, Bill Bailey and When
the Saints to conclude the show. Bring your banjos, everybody joins in!
CHORDS ( Get Practising!)
|
Five Foot Two Eb / G7 / C7 / C7 F7 / Bb7 / Eb / Bb7 Eb / G7 / C7 / C7 F7 / Bb7 / Eb / Eb G7 / G7 / C7 / C7 F7 / F7 / Bb7 / Bb7 -Bb+ Eb / G7 / C7 / C7 F7 / Bb7 / Eb / Bb7 (Eb at end ) |
Saint's F / F / F / F F / F / C7 / C7 F / F7 / Bb / Bbm F / C7 / F / F |
Bill Bailey F / F / F / F F / F / C7 / C7 C7 / C7 / C7 / C7 C7 / C7 / F / F F / F / F / F F / F /Bb / Bb Bb / Bbm/ F / D7 G7 / C7 / F / F |
Our professionals: Howard Shepherd, David Price, Dave
Thompson, Joe Gordon
and Ray Bernard will
lead you
adding their style and expertise
in chord/melody throwing it backwards and forwards between them.
TRADE STANDS
Once again we welcome our trade stand
guests, the fee is again £10.00 per table. Please contact
Reg Stranks to reserve your table a.s.a.p
as we understand that last year trade was quite brisk and tables may be
at a premium.
AND
FINALLY...
Don't
forget to book your rooms at the Bretby Conference Centre, prices still
as last year, +44 (0)1283 553440. or click
here to link to their web site. Book early to avoid
disappointment. It was fully booked last year.