Archives:

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`.

BRC Events

Top fiddler is inaugural BRC Mom of the Year

November 17, 2012

Although a classically trained violinist, Sarah is devoted performer of Bluegrass music.  In addition to her flawless and powerful fiddling, she is an impeccable harmony singer who joined Gainor & Friends about 2 years ago- our lucky day! Sarah also sings with our G&F Trio on the pediatric ward of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A mother of 3 young boys, she is a too-busy mom who somehow finds time to jam with us every Sunday afternoon at the Broadway Brewery. Sarah is our final Hall of Fame inductee for 2012, and we appreciate her husband Clint and three sons sharing her with us. Thanks guys!

As our inaugural BRC Mom of the Year, Sarah’s name will be entered into the BRC Book of Life.

BRC Events

Flight of the Wedding Geese

October 27, 2012

The back entrance of the Banjo Rehabilitation Center overlooks Little Hulen Lake, and this pastoral scene was the sunny October setting of a recent marriage ceremony of two beloved workshop staff members. The BRC founder was the wedding singer (see photo) who led the congregation in such nuptial sing-a-longs as “Love Me Tender” and “Going to the Chapel/And We`re Gonna Get Married.”

Immediately upon exchange of the vows, an aerial gaggle of Canada geese swarmed over the wedding party. The honking birds raised such a cacophony, that the minister`s closing homily was almost lost to posterity beneath the winged armada (see and hear video). A dove fly-over would have been more suitable but difficult to choreograph compared to Mother Nature`s hand.

(Skip to the 1:25 mark for the geese landing to begin.)

Their BRC co-workers congratulate the young newlyweds and wish them every happiness.

P.S. Attention banjo buyers: Check-out the BRC banjo now available on eBay November 10-17 (sold). The new owner responded feedback, “Nicely packed & beautiful banjo. Very happy!”

Cell Perches & HVO

Master of the 5 String: Present and Future

October 14, 2012

The Banjo Rehabilitation Center happily calls Columbia, Missouri, its home town.  Columbia is a vibrant university community that boasts an autumn Blues & Roots & Barbeque Festival and the  springtime True/False Film Festival. Last month, the Del McCoury Band headlined again at the  B&R&BBQ festival where Rob McCoury blazed-away on his 5 sting banjo (see photo).  Also performing at the fest was the rediscovered folk rock artist Rodriquez. The documentary film “Searching for Sugarman” that chronicled Rodriquez`s unimaginable music odyssey was a hit at the 2012 True/False Film Festival (it won the 2013 Academy Award for best documentary).

Shortly after the recent R&B&BBQ festivities, the BRC website tabulated almost 150K search engine hits counted over the preceding year. To celebrate this milestone, our young CEO gave a congratulatory performance (see video) for the shop staff. Tunes included “Happy Birthday, Sam,” and “Old MacDonald/Had a Butterfly,”

The CEO and our BRC Board of Directors extend a heartfelt thanks to all readers who frequent the BRC website.