The Carolina Chocolate Drops perform live at the Minnesota State Fair

St. Paul, Minn. — Though Carolina Chocolate Drops play in the tradition of black banjo players since the 1930s, they use tradition as "a guide, not a jailer." The band came together through an online discussion group for contemporary black banjo musicians and learned the art of short-bowing from revered musician Joe Thompson.

Since then, they have played all over the United States and Europe, performed with Taj Mahal and appeared on MPR's Prairie Home Companion. Their latest album, "Genuine Negro Jig," was released in 2010 through Nonesuch.

The Drops stopped by the Current booth at the Minnesota State Fair for a live performance.

Songs performed: "Your Baby Ain't Sweet Like Mine," "Sandy Boys" and "Hit Em Up Style."

Guests

• The Carolina Chocolate Drops