In April 1967, six Flint banjo nuts founded the Flint Banjo
Club (hereinafter referred to as the FBC), no doubt as a result of cabin fever resulting from the preceding relentless winter. Today, the membership has swelled to 50 banjo
nuts (with several females or "nutettes".) C. O. Johnson, one of the original
six founders, is still strumming away with the ensemble.
The FBC has collected a
number of awards and is considered one of the best banjo clubs in the country (just marginal in
the city). Members have diverse professional backgrounds and most
are retired (there's a joke in there somewhere).
The FBC has performed throughout the state and across the country, performing in concert in
prestigious halls including the Whiting Auditorium, as well as hospitals, schools, and senior
homes. The club has raised well over $50,000 for community projects and in particular,
scholarships administered by Mott Community College.
Banjorama Details:
Since 1974, the annual "Banjorama"
has been the club's primary fundraiser and has featured a variety of banjo and non-banjo
entertainment. The evening of entertainment is scheduled for September 11, 2010, at the St. John Parish Hall, 450 North Dayton, Davison, MI. Each Banjorama seems to top the previous years. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Food and Refreshments are available. Show starts at 7:00 p.m. Buy your tickets early, because this is generally a "sold-out" evening.
Banjorama Entertainment
Picks and Sticks String Band
Their 'Rollercoaster' style of emotional performing creates an amazing animated and entertainig atmosphere and an on-stage presence that no one will forget. A gumbo mixture of acoustical folk, swing, traditional, light pop, western, jazz, and ethnic tunes that captivates audiences.
You can read more about their group at their website: Picks and Sticks Website
Mel Collie
Camedian Banjoist Mel Collie has, for over 30 years, been performing in dinner, theater, and other venues.
His vaudeville type variety act is based on old tyme music hall shows he attended in London, England, in the wonderful "50's."
Mel says it's been a joyride sharing banjo music combined with laughter with audiences.
You print out the above flyer by clicking "here": Printable Banjorama Flyer
Flint Banjo Club
Below are photos of the FBC performing at previous Banjorama.
Flint Banjo Club Activities
The fun-loving Flint Banjo Club enjoys friendships and activities together. Below is a picture taken of a "bus-tour," which took the members to Bay City and then on to Bronners Christmas Store. (Note: Click on the small picture to see a larger one.)
Parades are a favorite venue for the FBC. (Click any of the small photos to see a larger picture.)
Montrose
Blueberry Festival Parade
Somewhat like an epidemic, the FBC has spawned 16 smaller banjo/entertainment groups in and
around Michigan. Like the FBC, these groups often reinforce their performances with the
addition of bass, piano, tuba, trumpet, double-belled euphonium, tipple, and trombone.
Court Street Methodist Church Concert
The club is shown performing at the Court Street Methodist Church in Flint.
