Banjo Exhibition

Lover's of the banjo will be delighted by a fascinating exhibition
The Banjo: From Africa to America and Beyond at the Frank H. McClung Museum, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, through to April 30, 2006.

Developed centuries ago by enslaved Africans in the North American and Caribbean colonies, the banjo has been in the U.S. since the 1600s, and it has defined and been defined by some of the most significant events and attitudes in American history. It is this origin and early history of the banjo that is the focus of the exhibition, which features the largest collection of pre-bluegrass banjos ever assembled in the South, including some from the nearby Museum of Appalachia. If you cannot get along to the exhibition, the exhibition website contains a notably informative description of the instrument's history complete with pictures.

Occasional Performances in the Museum auditorium accompany the exhibition, including:

Sunday, March 5, 2006, 2:00 East Tennessee Banjoist Showcase, featuring various styles and instruments.

Saturday, April 15, 2006, 2:00 (Six time Grammy nominee) Mike Seeger, playing Music from True Vine - the home music made by American southerners before the media age.