G&F Band

For about a dozen years, the BRC founder’s band has performed every July at an annual street festival to benefit the Children`s Hospital. The local Harley Davidson dealership generously donates its expansive parking lot for these yearly festivities. Leather clad motorcyclists congregate on their great machines and listen to the Bluegrass pickers while kids and families frolick on the grounds. Sometimes, the thunderous engines of the two- wheelers momentarily extinguish the music.

About 300 kids attended the fest this year to enjoy the games, local sports celebrities, and entertainment. We were glad to be visited by one of our all-time favorite banjo fans as pictured below.

Sunny skies and mild temperatures made it a pleasant day for staff and families. Two of the BRC founder`s helpers from the University Hospital orthopedic department joined him for a photo during the gig.

On the left is Kelly who sings with the Gainor & Friends Band and the G&F Trio. On the right is Heidi who arranges for all of the band`s tips to be deposited with the Children`s Miracle Network. In the far left upper corner of the photo (wearing a black baseball cap) is a glimpse of Jeanne, the inexhaustible chairperson of the street fest and equally successful springtime Roast-a-Doc benefit gala.

This month, donations from Gainor & Friends to the Children`a Hospital surpassed the $20K mark since the band`s collections began in 1995. Congratulations to all you good folks.

Last weekend, the BRC founder`s band again entertained the patrons who thronged to the annual Roast-a-Doc fundraiser for the Children`s Hospital. The atmosphere was so festive among the hundreds of boisterous patrons, that the band members could barely hear their instruments or harmony singing voices.  One musician loudly queried the band,, “Wasn`t this gala supposed to a be a silent auction?”Another band member responded, “How can we stay together in this din? ” A bemused picker quipped, “Philosophically speaking, you Kant get there from here.” Entertaining the children was, as always, a joy for us.

After the gig, the band went to a nearby Mexican restaurant for our yearly family dinner together.

Thanks to all these musicians for their generous donation of time and musical talent to the Children`s Hospital.

P.S. Check out the open back BRC 5 string “Golden Eagle” banjo on eBay April 20-27.

Last month, the BRC website had its 5th birthday, and it has accrued 600K search engine hits. To celebrate these special milestones, our workshop has introduced the new “Freedom Eagle” open back 5 string banjo. Our first owner on eBay reported, the “Banjo looks even better in person and sounds great! Plus super fast shipping! A+.”

The BRC founder`s band wrapped up the birthday month by performing again to benefit the Children`s Hospital at its annual `Safe Kids Day` festival which fosters child health through safety at home, at play, and on the farm.

At the end of our set, the band jumped into a spirited and up-tempo rendition of “Salt Creek”, and a kinetic troupe of younger dancers began joyfully high-stepping to the pulse of the music at the foot of the stage.

We concluded our springtime season with our yearly family band dinner, and we all count our blessings as summer approaches.

P.S. Check-out the open back BRC 5 string Freedom Eagle banjo on eBay, May 15-22.

To Pick or Grin: that is the Question.  When we read verse, we allow poetic license. When we go to the cinema, we embrace the suspension of disbelief.  In the American vernacular of Bluegrass music, we seek the truth… or, at least as we know it…..But, it`s mostly mighty good fun and fellowship, and the BRC founder thanks his band “Gainor & Friends” for over 20 years of pickin` and grinnin` to benefit the Children`s Hospital.  Since 1995, this ensemble of musicians has donated over $17K in gig tips and fees to the Children`s Miracle Network.

Well done, y`all. We are blessed to play this roots music of noble heritage .You guys are the Best.

P.S. From the BRC: Hope everyone had a propitious  Groundhog Day, and check-out the refurbished BRC open back Peace Dove banjo on eBay Feb 7-14.

(graphic per oneCANOEtwo card/Letter Press)