BRC Events

BRC is more than just a slogan

July 3, 2011

Since the inception of the Banjo Rehabilitation Center, its unique mother of pearl identifier “BRC” appears  inlayed on our products that are sold on eBay (see photos). As part of a public advocacy initiative, the support staff had a think-tank contest to develop an alternate message for the BRC label. The entries were:

Banjo Remain Calm, Bargain Real Cheap, Banjos ‘R’ Cute, Better Run Cacophony, Behold Righteous Celebration, Burn Routinely Crisp, Be Respectful Courteous, Back-off Really Contagious, Blues Rapidly Cured, Beguiled Readily Charmed, and Buying Requires Cash.

The safety-minded support staff unanimously declared the winner:

Banjo Remain Calm.

BRC Events

Bow wow ukulele: K-9 Security Patrol at the BRC

July 3, 2011

This sturdy little Concertone banjo uke (alias banjo ukulele, banjolele, or banjulele) is an antique gem and neighbor’s keepsake that was restored under our BRC pro bono program. There are two schools of pedigree hypothesized about the lineage of Concertone banjos ukes. Most collectors report that Concertone banjos were manufactured by Stromberg-Voisinet, which later became the Kay musical instrument company, and were marketed in the 1920-30’s through Montgomery Ward catalogue sales. Some collectors maintain Concertones were made by Slingerlands, the company famous for its drums, and these banjos were also retailed through Monkey-Wards. A fading hula girl on the aging calf skin head, probably sketched by an early owner, was re-traced to preserve the Hawaiian imagery.

(Image lost….)

 

Until the owner claims this precious restored keepsake, it will be under the watchful protection of our highly trained BRC K-9 Security Patrol.

Check out the below Comment.

Cell Perches & HVO

Investment in harmonicas and mandolins uncertain in economy

June 5, 2011

During new business at the annual meeting of the BRC Board of Directors, the executive officers study the feasibility of developing a harmonica or mandolin rehabilitation center (see link). Because there are no shareholders to decide strategic long term planning by vote, the board members determined by secret ballot (as stipulated in the BRC corporate by-laws) to table the issue until economic indicators improve.

In the meantime, our CEO will continue to hone his blues harmonica skills…

G&F Band

Rehearsals discouraged among bluegrass musicians

May 25, 2011

The BRC founder’s band “Gainor & Friends” is a loose association of bluegrass musicians who generously donate all tips to our local children’s hospital. Known as the Code of G&F, the improvisational spirit of the jam session band is embraced in its Latin  motto:  “E rehearsus unim dispersus ad infinitum” which roughly translates, “The band that rehearses together disperses forever.” Gainor & Friends will perform for any crowd that outnumbers the members of the band- a criterion that is occasionally not met at some gigs. Because the musicians are all enrolled in the Witness Protection Program, their real names cannot be given in the below links.

BRC Events

Introducing our Research & Development Team

May 22, 2011

The BRC Research and Development team, a dedicated threesome of indefatigable empiricists, study the mechanical properties of classic banjos to develop novel ideas that can be translated into innovative technology.  By submitting  the BRC founder’s precious banjos to cyclic real life (not laboratory) stresses and strains, the R&D team breaks new ground in futuristic banjo designing.  Sometimes, it is necessary to conduct this material research when the BRC founder is not at home. Stay tuned for exciting revelations from the R&D team.