It has just been announced that celebrated Nashville banjo picker Charlie Cushman has been added to the faculty for the 2006 Roanoke Bluegrass Weekend. Charlie is a master of the Scruggs banjo style, and one of the most sought after session players in Music City. Students at RBW will also benefit from his vast knowledge of banjo set up and maintenance, skills which both Gibson and Deering banjos have called upon him to offer their respective companies of late.

Roanoke Bluegrass Weekend is a three day seminar to be held November 10-12, 2006 in Roanoke, VA, with simultaneous workshops offered for banjo, mandolin, guitar fiddle and voice/harmony. The faculty this year includes such noted bluegrass legends as Kenny baker, George Shuffler, Roland White, Don Rigsby and Eddie Adcock.

RBW offers scholarships to exceptional young musicians, with four full-cost awards being offered this year. The scholarship is funded by an annual raffle for a professional quality instrument donated by Gibson. This year’s drawing is for a new RB-250 banjo.

Full application details can be found on the Roanoke Bluegrass Weekend site.

Update 8/12: Charlie had to bow out as an instructor as well, when he was given the opportunity to be a member of the band on Vince Gill’s upcoming fall tour. Roanoke Bluegrass Weekend has announced that Craig Smith will teach on Sunday (11/12) in his place.