The November issue of Banjo NewsLetter marks the 35th Anniversary of continuous publication for this cherished 5-string monthly. And how appropriate that it follows founder Hub Nitchie’s posthumous receipt of an IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award in October 2008.

This issue contains a number of well-deserved tributes to Hub, his wife Nancy, and his sons Spencer and Donald who have run the business since their father passed away in 1992. Among them are remembrances from Roger Siminoff who recalls his first discussion with Hub about the possibility of starting a banjo magazine, and a transcript of Tony Trischka’s remarks prior to the presentation of Hub’s award at IBMA this year.

New content is included as well, but the most compelling material comes from the rich history of the magazine and it’s commitment to support all styles of music played on the five string banjo. Photo copies of several tabs from the early days are included, along with a precious snapshot of the state of the banjo world in 1973.

A sample…

• Richard Keldsen, future president of Saga Musical Instruments, opened a retail store, The Fifth String, in San Francisco
• J.D. Crowe & The New South recorded a self-titled album not released by Starday until 1977
• Bela Fleck’s grandfather gave him his first banjo
• Earl Scruggs, Curtis McPeake and Doug Dillard each released albums following the Dueling Banjos phenomenon of 1973
• Jerry Garcia played with Old & In The Way. Their performance at the Boarding House in San Francisco was recorded and released on Rounder Records a few years later
• Pete Wernick was working on his Bluegrass Banjo book, which was published in ‘74 and became a best-seller, enabling him to quit his academic job and try to launch a career in music

Former subscribers who have fallen away may want to pick up this issue as a keepsake – if not be spurred into renewing with BNL. Single issue and subscription information can be found on the Banjo NewsLetter web site.

Grasstowne will be appearing on a rare Saturday edition of Blue Plate Special on WDVX FM in Knoxville, TN on February 9 at noon (EST).

WDVX broadcasts at 89.9 FM, and listeners worldwide can catch the show via live streaming from the WDVX web site. The station does not archive these live shows, so be sure to tune in when it airs on Saturday at noon.

The boys also recorded a show for XM’s Bluegrass Junction yesterday, which is set to run on Wednesday next week. They join host Kyle Cantrell for a visit, and surely talk about the two awards they received last weekend at SPBGMA. Look for that one at 3:00 p.m. on XM 14, February 13.
On another Grasstowne-related note… Banjo picker Jason Davis is on the cover on the February issue of Banjo NewsLetter. At 19, I’m not sure if Jason is the youngest banjo artist to grace the cover of BNL, but he is bound to be close.

We just got a note from Banjo NewsLetter publisher Donald Nitchie, to let us know that the May issue is in the mail to subscribers and newsstands.

Donald also passed along a thumbnail description of the May issue:

The May 06 issue features an interview with Ron Block, banjo player with Alison Krauss and Union Station. We also have an interview with maverick performer Eugene Chadbourne, with an introduction by Tony Trischka. We also will feature a tab by banjo player Andy Pond, as well as a review of Ray Hesson’s “Sunrise” CD, and a tab. Our regular columns include Jimmy Martin Banjo, Murphy Henry”s On The Road, Melodic Clawhammer, Old-Time from the Ozarks, and a review of Janet Davis”s “The Ultimate Banjo Songbook.” Also, Eddie Collins reviews the AcuTab DVDs “Learn to Play Bluegrass Banjo,” Vol. 2 and 3, and Mary Z. Cox reviews a cigar box banjo.

The April 2006 issue of Banjo NewsLetter has been mailed, and most subscribers should have it in the next few days if they haven’t seen it already. Editor Donald Nitchie tells us that this issue contains Greg Cahill’s interview with Robby Boone of Lonesome Road, and Bill Evans’ tab of J.D. Crowe’s backup on Your Love Is Like A Flower.

There is also a lengthy review of the new Gibson J.D. Crowe Black Jack banjo, written by Mike Kropp, which includes an interview with Erik Sullivan of Gibson, and the reactions of a number of pro players to this newest addition to the Gibson banjo line.

The Old-Time Way section (edited by Dan Levenson and Bob Carlin) features a profile of clawhammer player Rebekah Weiler, a review of Diane Jones” instructional DVD, a profile and review of the Field Recorders” Collective, and a review of Jimmy McCown”s new CD.

MP3s for the tabs in the April issue are already posted on the Banjo NewsLetter web site.

Nitchie also asked us to pass along that The Banjo Hangout is now hosting a number of forum categories especially for the magazine, allowing subscribers to discuss the regular columns and features of the print version online.