Banjo Bonanza

Posted at 6:00 AM on June 27, 2009 by Dale Connelly (6 Comments)

Tonight on Radio Heartland on Minnesota Public Radio News, banjos invade the first hour with the local ensemble Two Many Banjos. Built around the songwriting of Marc Gartman, TMB dispenses with the traditional lead guitar and creates a full, fun sound with fiddle, bass, washboard, and a pair of banjos. How many is too many? I'll ask.

The famous tune "Waltzing Matilda" was written by an Australian journalist, "Banjo" Paterson. In hour two, we'll hear Tom Waits' boozy riff on that familiar theme, and then turn the tables when Australians Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson show us what "Americana" sounds like when it falls under the influence of the land down under.

That's tonight from 9 to 11 on Radio Heartland.

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Comments (6)

Just want to let you know your radio show
has reached San Clemente, CA.

I always look forward to my weekends, when
I can tune into Radio Heartland, do my chores,
and enjoy my garden.

The eclectic collection keeps it interesting!

And, I have bought several of the CD's associated
with the music. I teach pre-school and enjoy
introducing the kids to all sorts of music.

Thank you, Dale.

Best,
Sandy Gilman

Posted by Sandy Gilman | June 27, 2009 1:01 PM

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Thanks for listening, Sandy.
It's a pleasure to know you're tuning in in California.
Are you able to take Radio Heartland into the garden with you?
The only way I can think of to do that would be with a smartphone application. I'm proud to know that through your enjoyment of Radio Heartland, some of our music finds its way to pre-schoolers.
Keep up the good work!

Regards,
Dale

Posted by Dale Connelly | June 27, 2009 1:14 PM

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Since our little cottage by the sea is
just that, "little," I can hear you pretty
much everywhere.

Yes, I play much of the music inspired by
your show at outside play time at our
Child Development Center at Irvine
Valley College in Irvine, Ca.

The interesting thing is that our school
has kids from all over the world -- just last
week I sat at a table with 8 kids, and 8 different
countries were represented. Many of the kids
come to us at age 2 with no English whatsoever.

What a wonderful way to teach them about
"America" -- through our music.

Of course the teachers always ask where I got
the great music. Many of us have fond memories
of the music you play!

We're trying to convince our Director to wire
us for Internet, and install outdoor speakers. Imagine
the possibilities!!

Anyway, here I am listening and enjoying a
nice, sunny, Saturday afternoon.

I doesn't get much better than this...

Thanks,
Sandy

Posted by Sandy Gilman | June 27, 2009 1:37 PM

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altho I only got to hear the last half hour (i work til 10:30 Sat nites) just wanted to say how much i enjoyed listening to Kasey and her husband's music
also, i raised my daughter on this music, and now my grandsons listen to all the Keepers cds and we love them
by the by, Dale, more cuts from Keepers car cd would be nice in future; and of course Ann Reed
thanx

Posted by shelley | June 28, 2009 7:52 PM

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Dale,
Thanks for a great show. Unfortunately I only got to listen to about half. Is a re-broadcast planned? Is there an "on-line" archive edition posted?
Thanks again
Jim Bob

Posted by Jim Bob | June 29, 2009 7:08 AM

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Please tell me where I can get the Tom Waits version of Waltzing Matilda. I can't find it. Heard it on the Morning Show last year and have been searching ever since. It's so beautiful! Please advise.

I miss the Morning Show!

Best regards,
Debbie

Posted by Debbie | August 14, 2009 5:35 PM

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