This Year:
The 2009 MBF event date
was Saturday 17 October.
Thanks to all our guests
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.
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 wizardry 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
Russ Chandler
As well as being a keen driving force in the English Classic Banjo scene, Russ is an accomplished Clawhammer player and proved very popular at last year’s Midland Banjo Fest.
He also runs the successful Walthamstow Folk Club”.
Our Raffle Draw, was sponsored by Clifford Essex Music Company Ltd, prizes included a Years Supply of Banjo Strings (twelve sets of your choice); a One Year Subscription to BMG Magazine.
WORKSHOPS
Elias Sibley
ran a very successful classic banjo workshop, everybody who attend
appreciate his help and guidance.
GRAND BANJO BASH
In tradition
we finished with a Grand Banjo Bash,
with the help Howard Shepherd; Bill Somervile and the Banjokers and Ray
Bernard. Five Foot Two, Bill Bailey and When
the Saints
have become the standards and everybody joined in.
TRADE STANDS
Trade Stands this year included : Colin Jones; Ray Bernard; Keith
Wilson; Clifford Essex Music Company Ltd and the British BMG Federation.
Please contact
Tom Ryan
to reserve your table for next
year
as we understand that last year trade was quite brisk and tables may be
at a premium.
AND FINALLY...
Thanks to the management of the Bretby Conference Centre, click here to link to their web site.