PUTNEY — Most contemporary banjo players point to the kings of bluegrass such as Earl Scruggs and Bill Monroe as inspirations and influences. Tony Trischka certainly does as well. But what makes him ...

The New American Banjo Festival isn’t just a celebration for enthusiasts of the banjo’s distinctive twang. “New American Banjo speaks to an idea of exploration of new styles of banjo playing, or folks ...

There could probably be no better evangelist for anything than the immensely respected Rhiannon Giddens, and the banjo is lucky to have her. The singer and multi-instrumentalist has been spreading the ...

It’s a common misperception that the banjo’s roots are planted in the American South. Slaves made the first versions of the modern banjo to bring music into their bleak existence. Their templates were ...

Classic Banjo, out August 6, features tracks by the best American banjo players over the past 60 years. Photo courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings The banjo conjures American musical icons: the ...