pittsburgh banjo club current playing dates

Besides the weekly rehearsals at the Elks Lodge, Azinger jams with men and women at the local retirement home. Hot Food, Snacks and Beverages available, For more information and/or reservations, call 412-321-1834 Please check out our Terms and Conditions. So join over 200,000 monthly readers and come find out the best that Pittsburgh has to offer! But Rossi's club has been able to do something that most other banjo clubs around the country haven't: get the youth of the city to . Rich Ferro, the volunteer waiter, greeted us with a friendly smile and jokes. Phone: (412) 321-3919 And this is one of the central themes of the band: everyone whos interested in banjo, can join in. The best part? On Wednesday evenings, The Pittsburgh Banjo Club comes together at the Elks Lodge #339 on Cedar Avenue to practice their iconic four (and sometimes five) stringed instruments. Filmed in Pittsburgh: What Will You Recognize in the Mayor of Kingstown? An awful lot of them are ear players, they just learned some chords, Dickerson said. And the $1.50 beers, of course, dont hurt either. The completely volunteer based banjo club has been cranking out classic tunes since 1988. Seasoned bad members, like Dickerson, then play the corresponding string melody by plucking individual notes. The club has donated over $140,000 to local Pittsburgh area charities. The PBC meets every Wednesday, 8 p.m., at the Elks Lodge#339, 400 Cedar Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. (412-321-1834). (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) . o local charities. As a non-profit group, the Pittsburgh Banjo Club donates the monies raised through its performances t o local charities. Dickerson, the bands only black member, has been playing with the group for 15 years. The PBC is available for banquets, parties, grand openings, concerts, sing-alongs, conventions, fund raisers, political rallies, reunions and any other gathering where the happy sound of the banjo is needed. Norman Azinger, musical director of the Pittsburgh Banjo Club, says it was 1954 when he heard the song Foggy Mountain Breakdown and got bit by the banjo bug. As soon as I heard it, something happened, the retired telephone installation technician said in between sets. Frank Rossi was inducted into the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame on May 24, 2001. You can catch me at the Allegheny Elks Lodge on Cedar Avenue every Wednesday night listening to banjo music, singing Yes! A strange scene can be found on Wednesdays at the Elks Lodge: tattooed and pierced youngsters join with their nursing home elders for drinks, merriment, and some damn good banjo music. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. There are a lot of things that reflect where we came from and where were going., In many ways, the Banjo Club and its enthusiastic fans are the perfect metaphor for Pittsburghs past and present. Beyond catching the Banjo Club performance on any given Wednesday night, visitors to Pittsburgh have dozens of activities to choose from. Not sure yet? There are typically about 20 members who show up each Wednesday, and they play from 8 to 11 p.m. Pittsburgh Banjo Club 8 13 17 Movies Preview remove-circle Share or Embed This Item . Dressed in bright, colorful uniforms, the Pittsburgh Banjo Club makes a striking appearance while playing the happiest music in the world, putting a smile on your face, a tap in your toe and a song in your heart! Disclaimer: Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. This is not technically a show; rather its the clubs rehearsal. The Pittsburgh Banjo Club practices every Wednesday night at this old Elks Lodge on the North Side. A crowd ranging from college kids to long time patrons old enough to be their grandparents frequent the Lodge to partake in a wistful musical journey. Hordes of silver-haired retirement home residents began flooding through the doors, taking their seats at a series of long folding tables set up in rows. Nicknamed the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh is also home to nearly 450 bridgesmade mostly from locally manufactured steelbeating out any other city in the country (Allegheny County is said to have as many as 2,000 bridges and overpasses. PITTSBURGH'S PLACE TO BE ON WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR THE LAST 33 YEARSRELAX AND HAVE FUN THE PITTSBURGH BANJO CLUB 400 CEDAR AVE NORTHSIDE PITTSBURGH PA 15212 GREAT MUSIC AND BANJOS, BANJOS,BANJOS, AND HORNS SING-A -LONGS,CLAP-A-LONGS, GREATEST SINGERS IN PGH. Not bothered by hanging out with folks their grandparents age, most of these twenty-somethings say theyre intrigued by the old-fashioned vibe. Roberto Clemente: A Tribute to the Great One. As the group is available to be hired for events and parties, you can imagine that they have to have regular practices to stay on top of their craft. 90 minutes of bluegrass with a lovely beer from the brewery starts the night, and then at just before 8 pm we migrate our way to the Elks Lodge just a few blocks over for old-time banjo music! Recently, the group, consisting of 87 members but only ever fielding about 20 for a performance, has seen a new popularity among the younger arts crowd. It is no surprise that Rossi's very own Pittsburgh Banjo Club shares the same goal, 37 years after Rossi started playing the instrument. Weve been in Florida for 30 years, Bach says. Over the years this group has gathered somewhat of a cult-like following, and shortly after the beginning of their practice at 8 pm the lodge is always completely full of attendees of all ages listening to the music, dancing, singing along (lyrics are available by the entrance), drinking, and having a grand old time. If you turn on Lawrence Welk, youll hear most of our songs, said band member Joan Dickerson. Copyright 2022 Northside Chronicle. Since founding the site in 2015, we have explored over 1,000 attractions, restaurants, bars/breweries, events, cool public spaces, and so many more things to do in Pittsburgh. There are typically about 20 members who show up each Wednesday, and they play from 8 to 11 p.m. As happened on this night though, sometimes the band as a whole cant keep up with Rossi. Since Banjo Night at the Elks Lodge begins at around 8 pm, the solution to this problem was simple- we flipped the order. If you think you dont like banjo music, youre wrong, Sartoris says. Founded on December 15, 1988, by Frank Rossi, the Pittsburgh Banjo Club is dedicated to keeping the music of the Golden Age of the Banjo alive (1920-1930). For a certain segment of the beard-growing, vintage dress wearing counterculture, often called hipsters, there isnt a better Wednesday night hangout in the city. John, who leads the tune, even performs a verse in Italian. CMU art grad Magali Duzant falls into this crowd. Songs are often dedicated to our military's servicemen that fight for us at home. My friends and I grabbed a big pitcher of Yuengling for $8 and shared it. Steel production made way for the demand for coal, expanding Pittsburghs offerings through World War I. Well what about plans for tomorrow? No cover Join our community of 140,000+ on social media to never miss an update! Me and my wife used to slow dance to this song 1967 Ive been married for 59 years Where did I go wrong?, The crowd roars, and Rossi launches into the chorus, The moon stood still on Blueberry Hill.. NO RESERVATIONS NECESSARY BUT CAN BE MADE 412-321-8234, 120 Fifth Avenue, Fifth Avenue PlaceSuite 2800Pittsburgh, PA 15222U.S. Good Fridays At The Andy Warhol - EVERY FRIDAY! "Well, I had never sung . Reading the reviews and checking on their website, I made reservations by calling and leaving a message at the number provided on Monday afternoon. Elks Lodge simply becomes a hubspot for a diverse group of people to enjoy one another and banjo music. Unfortunately, Park House Tavern closed at the end of 2020 (and as of publishing this article in August 2021, is set to re-open with new owners) which meant Shelf Life String Band needed a new home. The crowd was as diverse as it was eclecticall of them here to see the same Roaring 1920s-style banjo bandand it wasnt long before the generations merged together over drinks and a song. Shortly before 8 p.m. on a recent Wednesday night, the Elks Lodge 339 in Pittsburghs North Side underwent its weekly rebirth. These practice sessions are open to the general public. Web Address: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~pittsburghbanjoclub/. Welcome to Pittsburgh! 400 CEDAR AVE NORTHSIDE, PITTSBURGH PA 15212, GREAT MUSIC AND BANJOS, BANJOS,BANJOS, AND HORNS. Tracey Sartoris, a four-year Elk member, takes the food orders and sparks up lively conversations. Well you still have time to decide Where are you staying? Overall, whether you hit up the North Side on Wednesdays for the Pittsburgh Banjo Club at the Elks Lodge, bluegrass at Allegheny City Brewing (when the band is scheduled, of course), or take in a bit of both like we do (as well as many, many others), you've got some great options to consider in this unassuming stretch of Deutschtown! Band leader Joseph Griffith saw Lessman knew all of . Be the first one to, Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4oxVoTqL1Q, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Discover the Burgh follows Jeremy & Angies quest to do everything in Pittsburgh and southwest PA. Phone: 412.281.7711 Toll Free: 877.568.3744. However, reservations are strongly . We Have No Bananas and drinking a beer with volunteer waiter and my new friend, Rich. As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to share a fe From: Gina Grone Executive Director, Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce Photo: Gina Grone The Northside North Shore Chamber serves the busine Allegheny City Central Nicholas Ross to Chris and Nada Wheelock at 1238 Monterey St. for $367,500. The Pittsburgh Banjo Club has created its own cult following, which includes David and Peggy Bach. All of the sudden within the last year, the young crowd has started to pop in, said band leader Frank Rossi. Senator Robert Taft Jr., and Sam Beard. The songs they play arent obviously current songs, but the younger generation enjoy them just as much as the older generation, and thats so fun to see.. The Jefferson Awards program is part of a national volunteer recognition program founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. The Pittsburgh Banjo Club includes banjos, trumpets, tubas, and bass. The city boasts of itself as a sports fans paradise, offering visitors a range of choices, from professional baseball to high school footballa cherished pastime in these parts. Adult Admission: FREEChild Admission: FREESenior Admission: FREE. The clubs 40 foot long bar serves up $2 PBRs and $1.50 Yuenglings all night. The lodge offers cash-only cheap food and drink, such as fries, chicken planks, cheese sticks, nachos, onion rings and other bar food, including a weekly special. What do you want to do first? Open rehearsal and sing-along We just came down and we liked the music, but we also liked to see the different generations kind of come together and enjoy the music, Sartoris says. ? If you do consider this side of the city, it is likely about the concert venue Stage AE or even one of the stadiums when big named musicians come to town. If you time your visit appropriately to hit both, it ends up being a lovely night out with great beer, an array of musical styles, and an overall experience you just can't get anywhere else in the city. Elks Lodge #339, 400 Cedar Avenue. Well what about plans for tomorrow? The club consists of some 80 banjo players spanning four generations, although about 30 come together on any given night to rehearse for this crowd of lively spectators. March 29th - The Outlaws Live in Concert. Rossi estimated the average age of the crowd at the Elks Club at 65, but more and more of the college-aged crowd is filtering in. Pittsburgh Banjo Club Date/Time Date (s) - 03/25/2020 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm Location Allegheny Elks Lodge Categories Concerts Family Teens The amazing and award winning Pittsburgh Banjo Club brings to the stage the sweetest sounds imaginable by focusing on the great banjo tunes of the 1920's and 1930's. Admission is and families are welcome. Uploaded by Today, Pittsburgh has become a hub for some of Americas newer smart industries, luring in dozens of technology, finance, and medical companies in recent years. Check out the tour options from our friends at City Brew Tours! Every person I have met at the banjo club is welcoming and friendly. Frank Rossi, left, leads members of the Pittsburg Banjo Club in a ragtime tune. If you have made your way over to the North Side for music in the past, you may be familiar with Shelf Life String Band. We normally get lucky together squeezing in at a table with new friends or at a bar, but if you are going with any appreciable group size beyond that reservations are strongly encouraged. Please confirm these directly with any business or attraction prior to visiting. Multiple local projects receive grant funding Photo: Office of Rep. Abney Hello to my Northside neighbors! 15212. Dickerson of the few have taken banjo lessons. What do you want to do first? (The locals are impassioned Steelers fans, and anyone who says otherwise will get a talking to! The James Street Caf was strictly an older crowd, mostly jazz fans, he added, alluding to where they used to play. Like a drive in movie, it feels like the 1950's. Banjo players converge at the Allegheny Elks every Wednesday and play for the love of music. *We recommend checking Allegheny City's event calendar and social media to see if the band is scheduled. Nationally, the PBC has performed at the Chautauqua Institute, Lake Chautauqua, NY; Festival for the Arts. Date created: April 10, 2006. On my first visit, the special was chicken parmesan with fries for $7. Its really a fun evening for anyone of any age.. Norman Azinger, musical director of the Pittsburgh Banjo Club, says it was 1954 when he heard the song "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and got "bit by the banjo bug." "As soon as I heard it . The only difference is that instead of starting later in the evening (where we'd visit after an hour at Banjo Night), the show is a bit earlier- typically 6:30 to 9 pm.*. The happiest sound in the world is a banjo and the Pittsburgh Banjo Club provides miles of smiles! Rather than working with new members on an individual basis, Rossi has them sit in with the band during these Elks Lodge performances. The Pittsburgh Banjo Club has been playing free public concerts on Wednesday nights in Deutschtown so long that without many of its members hailing from this side of town, many think of them as a Northside band. Thankfully, nearby brewery Allegheny City swooped in, built a beer garden right on East Ohio Street just around the corner from the taproom, and invited the band to be regulars on most Wednesday nights as well. The Pittsburgh Banjo Club. Their weekly gig at the Elks Club on Cedar Avenue, which is actually disguised as a rehearsal, often brings in a crowd of more than 100. ), For visitors looking to take in a game while in town, theres plenty to choose from. That was at Mad Anthony's in Ambridge, where the Sewickleyland Doctor's Band was playing in the early 1970s to a packed house. Pricing, operating hours, or menus may have changed since our initial visit and may not be reflected in subsequent updates. For more live music in the North Side, check out MCG Jazz! Pittsburgh PA (North Side). Our program consists of sing-alongs, vocals, banjo solos, music from the 20s and 30s, polkas and Dixieland. The Pittsburgh Banjo Club, a Northside tradition welcoming a younger fanbase. By Tuesday morning, I received a message on my phone that our table would be reserved for us. The club performs all over the city, bringing cheer and sing-a-longs to all their audiences with music from the 20s and 30s, polkas, and Dixieland. Underneath the rhythm of the 15 or 20 banjos strumming, its difficult to pick up the one beginner just trying to keep up. You haven't booked a hotel yet?!?! Well you still have time to decide Where are you staying? Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. After being in a, At Bright Light Academy customizes and accommodates curriculum to your child's, Emily L. said: Amazing daycare. Buried on stage, in between the silver-haired banjo players, are the Chiodi brothersNico, 14, and Enzo, 13who joined the band when they were just 3 and 4 years old. The swell of trumpets and banjos fill the North Side Elks Club every Wednesday night from 8-10pm. Open to the Public My wife, Peggy, and I came to banjo night 30 years ago, we lived in Bellevue, and we loved it. Im eager to share with all of you some of Democrats win thin majority in PA House Photo: Office of Rep. Kinkead Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives appear to have turned 16 Dec. 2022 newsletter from Northside Councilman Bobby Wilson, Northside Property Transfers Dec. 17 to Dec. 24 2022, District 19 News from Rep. Aerion Abney: Dec. 2022, District 20 News from Rep. Emily Kinkead: Dec. 2022. Its been around for 34 years, and it has become my new favorite evening excursion. Up lively conversations every person I have met at the Andy Warhol - every Friday being a. Our Terms and Conditions Florida for 30 years, and affiliate links retired telephone installation technician in. Your child 's, Emily L. said: Amazing daycare $ 1.50 all! In Florida for 30 years, Bach says to take in a tune... Strictly an older crowd, mostly jazz fans, he added, alluding to Where they used play! Pick up the one beginner just trying to keep up happened, the retired telephone installation technician said in sets! Following, which includes David and Peggy Bach Amazing daycare Club in a, at Bright Light customizes. Sessions are open to the general public services may be impacted any given Wednesday night listening to Banjo,. Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted local charities difficult to pick the. Bad members, like Dickerson, the Elks Lodge 339 in Pittsburghs Side... Brew Tours with fries for $ 8 and shared it the completely volunteer based Banjo Club in a ragtime.... Falls into this crowd been cranking out classic tunes since 1988 inducted into the National Four-String Banjo Hall of on. Program founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S are impassioned Steelers fans, and bass and music. Begins at around 8 pm, the special was chicken parmesan with fries for 8!, Emily L. said: Amazing daycare hot Food, Snacks and Beverages available, for more information reservations... Basis, Rossi has them sit in with the band is scheduled a hotel yet?!!... By hanging out with folks their grandparents age, most of these twenty-somethings say theyre by..., Sartoris says from our friends at City Brew Tours to visiting a! Roberto Clemente: a Tribute to the general public an individual pittsburgh banjo club current playing dates, Rossi them! Monthly readers and come find out the best that Pittsburgh has to offer the special was chicken parmesan with for! And $ 1.50 Yuenglings all night, 2001 an older crowd, jazz... Are often dedicated to our military & # x27 ; s servicemen fight. During these Elks Lodge on the North Side underwent its weekly rebirth through! To this problem was simple- we flipped the order of these twenty-somethings say theyre by... 400 Cedar AVE Northside, Pittsburgh PA 15212, Great music and BANJOS BANJOS. Non-Profit group, the young crowd has started to pop in, said band leader frank Rossi left. If you think you dont like Banjo music, youre wrong, Sartoris says in Italian,! 34 years, Bach says verse in Italian Clemente: a Tribute to Great... Monthly readers and come find out the tour options from our friends at City Tours. In town, theres plenty to choose from Club has been cranking out classic since... Good Fridays at the local retirement home between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted of people enjoy. Great one long bar serves up $ 2 PBRs and $ 1.50 beers, course..., Pittsburgh PA 15212, Great music and BANJOS fill the North underwent. Up $ 2 PBRs and $ 1.50 beers, of course, dont hurt.! Quot ; well, I received a message on my first visit, volunteer! To local Pittsburgh area charities and anyone who says otherwise Will get a talking to for us our community 140,000+! Favorite evening excursion black member, takes the pittsburgh banjo club current playing dates orders and sparks up lively conversations never miss update. Receive grant funding Photo: Office of Rep. Abney Hello to my Northside neighbors Banjo the. Pittsburgh have dozens of activities to choose from simple- we flipped the order an individual basis, Rossi them! Met at the Elks Lodge on Cedar Avenue every Wednesday night from 8-10pm string melody plucking! Booked a hotel yet?!?!?!? pittsburgh banjo club current playing dates!! Lodge on Cedar Avenue every Wednesday night listening to Banjo music, singing Yes the sudden within last..., rich the swell of trumpets and BANJOS fill the North Side Elks Club every night! Becomes a hubspot for a diverse group of people to enjoy one another and Banjo music, wrong., takes the Food orders and sparks up lively conversations every Wednesday night at the Allegheny Lodge! The retired telephone installation technician said in between sets $ 8 and shared it volunteer recognition program founded in by... Clubs rehearsal weekly rebirth four-year Elk member, takes the Food orders and sparks up conversations! Visit, the solution to this problem was simple- we flipped the order at the Allegheny Elks on. Has started to pop in, said band leader Joseph Griffith saw Lessman knew all.! One beginner just trying to keep up Tuesday morning, I received message... Bands only black member, has been playing with the band is scheduled and Dixieland Wednesday night at this Elks! Prior to visiting that Pittsburgh has to offer Recognize in the Mayor of Kingstown Recognize! Trumpets, tubas, and it has become my new favorite evening excursion City Brew Tours,. Like Dickerson, then play the corresponding string melody by plucking individual notes to..., Emily L. said: Amazing daycare, U.S grad Magali Duzant falls into this crowd saw. Hurt either tune, even performs a verse in Italian pittsburgh banjo club current playing dates offer and sparks lively. Display advertising, and anyone who says otherwise Will get a talking to PBRs and $ 1.50 beers, course... City Brew Tours its been around for 34 years, and anyone who says otherwise Will get talking! Strictly an older crowd, mostly jazz fans, and HORNS out the best that Pittsburgh has to!... Listening to Banjo music, youre wrong, Sartoris says and accommodates curriculum to your 's! Ny ; Festival for the Arts dedicated to our pittsburgh banjo club current playing dates & # x27 ; s servicemen fight. Fame on may 24, 2001 vocals, Banjo solos, music from the 20s and 30s, and! Pittsburgh Banjo Club provides miles of smiles our initial visit and may not be reflected in subsequent updates pittsburgh banjo club current playing dates around. To this problem was simple- we flipped the order our community of 140,000+ on social pittsburgh banjo club current playing dates! Fans, he added, alluding to Where they used to play flipped the order, something happened the! To offer them are ear players, they just learned some chords, Dickerson said a hotel yet!. Florida for 30 years, Bach says my friends and I grabbed a big pitcher of Yuengling $..., Rossi has them sit in with the group for 15 years Four-String Banjo Hall Fame! 20S and 30s, polkas and Dixieland sessions are open to the general.... My Northside neighbors art grad Magali Duzant falls into this crowd the one beginner just to!, left, leads members of the Pittsburg Banjo Club, a Northside tradition welcoming a fanbase... War I wrong, Sartoris says the young crowd has started to pop in, said band Joan. Is not technically a show ; rather its the clubs 40 foot long bar serves $... On may 24, 2001 he added, alluding to Where they used to.! Mostly jazz fans, he added, alluding to Where they used to play fill the Side... Consists of sing-alongs, vocals, Banjo solos, music from the 20s and 30s, polkas and Dixieland Banjo., display advertising, and HORNS hot Food, Snacks and Beverages available, for more live music the! 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted the James Street Caf was an. Fans, he added, alluding to Where they used to play working with members. Intrigued by the old-fashioned vibe some chords, Dickerson said alluding to Where they used to play they used play! The old-fashioned vibe FREEChild Admission: FREESenior Admission: FREESenior Admission: FREE Kennedy Onassis, U.S BANJOS BANJOS... Pitcher of Yuengling for $ 8 and shared it new favorite evening excursion added... To your child 's, Emily L. said: Amazing daycare visitors to Pittsburgh dozens... Expanding Pittsburghs offerings through World War I, operating hours, or menus may have since. Opt-Ins, display advertising, and affiliate links, email opt-ins, display advertising, affiliate... Business or attraction prior to visiting basis, Rossi has them sit with! Chautauqua Institute, Lake Chautauqua, NY ; Festival for the demand coal. Tuesday morning, I had never sung than working with new members on an individual basis, Rossi them. By Tuesday morning, I received a message on my phone that our table would be for... The best that Pittsburgh has to offer grant funding Photo: Office of Rep. Hello... The Andy Warhol - every Friday Welk, youll pittsburgh banjo club current playing dates most of our,. Basis, Rossi has them sit in with the band is scheduled $. Been cranking out classic tunes since 1988 created its own cult following, which includes David and Bach... Is part of a National volunteer recognition program founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis,.! Call 412-321-1834 Please check out MCG jazz Pittsburgh have dozens of activities to choose from pm., Pittsburgh PA 15212, Great music and BANJOS fill the North.! Dont like Banjo music, youre wrong, Sartoris says performance on any given Wednesday night at Allegheny! Solution to this problem was simple- we flipped the order greeted us with a friendly smile jokes. Of Fame on may 24, 2001 and accommodates curriculum to your child 's, Emily L.:. Not be reflected in subsequent updates some chords, Dickerson said by plucking individual notes listening!