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G&F Singers

St. Paddy`s Day in the Heartland

March 17, 2013

The BRC founder and his quartet `The G&F Singers` entertained  patients and families on the pediatric ward with a St. Patrick`s Day celebration that included “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.”

Veteran harmony singers, the foursome performed playfully interactive children`s songs with the kids and staff. Shamrock-covered surgeon`s caps sewn by a trio of nurses were distributed to the youngsters and siblings.  As always, the concert concluded with the Carter Family classic “Keep on the Sunny Side of Life.” It was a grand Spring day.

BRC Events

BRC enlists services of CFO

March 10, 2013

With income tax season approaching, the Banjo Rehabilitation Center has tabulated yet another deficit year.  To combat this annual short fall, young Clark has joined our ranks as the new Chief Financial Officer.

Pictured holding a vintage banjo-uke under repairs in our shop, the CFO studies the unique sound holes in the rim. These sonic ports were popular design features in the 1930-1950 era when Gretsch made the Clarophone banjo line (see BRC shop photo).


Although the resonator backing on the Clarophone was non removable, the sound holes loudly projected the instrument`s music.

 

 

 

The BRC welcomes young Clark to our financial staff.


BRC Events

A Valentine`s Day banjo for someone…somewhere

February 9, 2013

Since its inception almost two years ago,  the Banjo Rehabilitation Center has restored 13 banjos as fun and inexpensive starter instruments for entry level musicians.  As pictured, our young CEO personally inspects these rehabilitated banjos before sale. We have been humbled and pleased to receive kind and uniformly positive feedback from  new owners:

“Nicely packed & beautiful banjo. Very happy!”

“BRC rocks!…..GREAT  BARGAIN, Beautiful banjo.”

“A musical work of art!”

My most favorite transaction ever! LOVE my new banjo. A+….. Many thanks!

“Awesome!…. Thanks!!”

From the new owner of the above 5-string, “I feel lucky to get a BRC Banjo. Thanks again.”

The BRC considers each customer`s gracious endorsement to be a Valentine`s Day card, no matter what time of year received. Check-out our current clawhammer BRC banjo on eBay, February 9-16. (sold)

 

BRC Events

Let the Good Times Roll

January 2, 2013

    Welcome BRC readers to 2013! It is now going on 18 years since our Bluegrass ensemble Gainor & Friends began dedicating all donations, gig fees, and tips to the Children`s Hospital. We sold souvenir T-shirts (see stencil designed by the bandleader) at our first performance during the nearby Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival in 1995. Alas, only one faded T-shirt is extant today.

Our featured harmony singer on that autumn afternoon years ago was Tara, as pictured at the microphone, and she still sings with us today. Check-out the BRC Hall of Fame where she is our very first inductee for 2013.

Of note, our 2012 international BRC Hall of Fame member Raul, now a graduate of Berklee School of Music, recently did the sound mixing for a Coke commercial being aired in South America (where it is summertime). Watch this fun video clip and enjoy the youthful Latin energy of the ad. Music and dance transcend all language barriers. Well done, Raul.        ( so sorry, but link no longer available- BRC)

G&F Band

G&F Bluegrass Band shares Holiday Spirit

December 8, 2012

The BRC founder’s band ‘Gainor and Friends’ gave holiday concerts for the in-patients on the children’s and adults’ psychiatric wards last week at the University Hospital. The highlights of this songfest included Mr. Bones (see BRC Hall of Fame)  juggling clusters of sleigh bells and tossing tamborines to the tune of seasonal favorites. Staff and patients ended the festive performances together with  a communal sing-along of “Jingle Bell Rock” and “White Christmas.” It’s the Bluegrass Way.

The band members wish all BanjoRehab readers a blessed Season and healthy 2013.

Enjoy more G&F fun under the mini “Bands” header at Moonshyne Reunion, or just search the site for `Gainor & Friends`.