Successful jam camps have wrapped up in Texas, at MerleFest, and in Gettysburg, and I have one more ready to go for Summer 2009, with a couple opportunities for the Fall. Click here for info, requirements, registration, scholarships, etc.

Jul 14-16, Oak Hill, NY preceding the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
Nov 13-15, Boulder, CO at the Boulder Inn
Nov 20-22, Boulder, CO at the Boulder Inn -- for Intermediates!

ALSO, for you banjo pickers! Catch up with me June 5-7 at the Midwest Banjo Camp in Olivet, Michigan. I'm back this year to teach and perform with amazing folks like Cathy Fink, Bob Carlin, Danny Barnes, Alan Munde, Bill Evans, Alan O'Bryant, Art Rosenbaum, and more. For more info: www.midwestbanjocamp.com.
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P.S. For any of you clawhammer/old-time pickers out there, the great Riley Baugus is teaching a banjo workshop in Lyons, Colorado on June 13th. For more info:
http://rileybaugus.com

As many of you know, Steve Martin recently released his first banjo album ever -- The Crow: New Songs For the 5-String Banjo. I helped produce the CD and I'm featured on a couple of tracks. It's now been issued on Rounder Records with an extra track and an informative and entertaining booklet. As of TODAY, you now can order your copy through DrBanjo.com! Click here for details!

Along with a stellar cast, I play on "Pretty Flowers," sung by Vince Gill and Dolly Parton, and on the instrumental, "Words Unspoken," that Steve and I co-wrote. Martin created all the material on the record except several traditional tunes in a clawhammer medley. This record will show what a good player Steve really is, as well as a creative force on the banjo.

Other special guests include Earl Scruggs, Tony Trischka, Tim O'Brien, Mary Black, David Amram, and producer John McEuen. Steve even does some singing, on the hilarious "Late For School." An interesting record!

Special note! You can catch S____ M____ on TV, coming up in a most unusual setting:
A ______ I____ on FOX.

Shhh! Top secret! Don't tell anyone!

Sign up for a jam camp!!

We are now taking sign-ups for the next two Colorado Jam Camps in Boulder at the Boulder Inn: Nov. 13-15 for beginners, and for intermediate jammers:  Nov. 20-22. Take advantage of the early-bird discounts now available!

Other camp locations, for folks traveling, or with friends in other parts of the U.S:
April 20-23 in Boomer, NC, preceding MerleFest (with an intermediate track)
May 12-14 in Gettysburg, PA, preceding the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
July 13-16 in Oak Hill, NY, preceding the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
Click here to visit the Camps page on DrBanjo.com for complete info, a helpful FAQ section, and letters from former campers.

pete@drbanjo.com
www.drbanjo.com

Pete Wernick & FLEXIGRASS dates:

Fri. Apr. 10, Denver at Swallow Hill -- Daniels Hall, 8pm. 71 E. Yale. 303-777-1003. Finders & Youngberg open. A special meeting of two banjo-driven bands, at one of Denver's best venues!  check out http://www.swallowhill.com/ for more details!

Attention Banjo Pickers! Pete's holding a 'Basic Banjo Workshop' at Swallow Hill Sat. Apr. 11, from 10:30am-12:30pm

Sat. Apr. 11, Bertolin Barn in Longmont on Wasatch Road. A new favorite venue out in the country, Jim & Becky Bertolin's newly built, folksy barn with full stage and artsy accoutrements! Visit http://www.bertolinbarn.com for directions and complete info.

Thur. Apr. 30, Boulder Draft House (formerly RedFish) in Boulder.  It's at 2027 13th St. (just off the Pearl Street Mall near Spruce). 303-440-5858.

Pete & Joan Wernick hold their own Boulder Draft House show Thur. Apr. 16. Don't miss this rare chance to see Dr. & Nurse Banjo!

Click here to go to the full calendar for more info and all performances, including some shows Pete is playing with Long Road Home.

Hey folks,

I've got my jam camps scheduled for 2008 and I thought you pickers out there would be interested... People travel from all over the United States to come to my camps--because of the personalized instruction, comaraderie and fun! Check out my website for more information and if you have any more questions you can always email me from my contact link there (please don't message me on MySpace). Here's the official press release; hope to see you there!

Pete

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PETE WERNICK ANNOUNCES 2008 BLUEGRASS JAM CAMPS

Pete Wernick ("Dr. Banjo") will bring his renowned Bluegrass Jam Camps to communities across the country throughout 2008. Jam Camp is geared to "closet pickers" of all bluegrass instruments. "Many people want to start playing bluegrass, but they don't realize how easy it can be." says Wernick. "It's available for anyone, 8 to 88. They just need a little help."

Pete and his wife Joan show inexperienced players how to fit into bluegrass jam sessions and develop confidence in making music together. Each camp (most of which precede bluegrass festivals) is a multi-day immersion into the world of jamming, with hands-on instruction as students play in small groups. Participants are required only to be able to change smoothly between a few simple chords.

In answer to many student requests, two of this year's camps will be tailored to intermediate level, with jamming experience assumed.

One recent first-time jam camper shared her positive experience: "I came to jam camp new on my instrument, and intimidated. By the end I was pretty comfortable and now often go to at least 2 jams a week. I'm testimony to how effective it is to follow Pete's advice to just get out there and play, play, play. It just gets better and better."

Pete also encourages bluegrass music teachers to facilitate their students' jamming. Pete says, "Once a person gets comfortable and confident playing in a group, a world opens up. The playing situations keep them learning and practicing." Pete invites teacher referrals to the Jam Camps, and recommends teachers host jam sessions for their own students.

2008 Bluegrass Jam Camps
March 5-7—Argyle, TX, preceding the Argyle Bluegrass Festival
March 28-30—Boulder, CO, at the Boulder Inn
April 11-13—Boulder, CO, Intermediate Jam Camp at the Boulder Inn
April 21-24—Boomer, NC, preceding Merlefest, includes new Intermediate Track
May 13-15—Gettysburg, PA, preceding the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
June 3-5—Morehead, KY, preceding the Clack Mountain Festival
July 14-17—Copake, NY, preceding Grey Fox Festival

For more information about any of the camps, visit www.DrBanjo.com.

Hot Rize Plays Steve Martin's Wedding

It's been hard to keep this under my hat, but now it can be told: Hot Rize performed July 28 at the wedding of Steve Martin to Anne Stringfield, at his home in Beverly Hills, California. Due to Steve's concern about disruption by paparazzi, we were asked to not discuss the event in advance.

Steve had contacted me some months ago about providing bluegrass music for the wedding. I asked if he wanted me to get some musicians from the area, or ask "whoever I want". He said to get whoever I want. When I asked, what would you think of having Hot Rize, he said, "I'd kill for Hot Rize." Thank goodness that wasn't necessary. Bryan Sutton, who generally plays guitar with us, was not available, so we got David Grier, who did just fine of course.

Steve and his wife Anne gave a lot of thought to the music they wanted, and they took my suggestion to use Romance Is a Slow Dance, a great song of Tim's, to begin the ceremony. Then Tim fiddled a beautiful Irish air as the bride and her father came forward. The ceremony, performed by "Reverend" Bob Kerrey (former U.S. Senator), was followed by a rousing banjo tune.

Steve had indicated that if Hot Rize was there, "it would be a sin" not to have us do a mini-set for the guests. He added, "as in, I would go to hell." So following dinner, Steve introduced us and we did five songs including Blue Night, High on a Mountain, and a song I wrote for Steve and Anne, This is Our Time. For the last two tunes, we were joined by Steve on banjo, and played Steve's tune The Crow and finished with Foggy Mt. Breakdown. We were very well received, with the guests applauding for solos and many nice comments afterwards. In attendance were such notables as Tom Hanks, Diane Keaton, Carl Reiner, Eugene Levy, and Martin Mull. Steve and Martin both participated in the jamming that went on into the night.

Steve arranged that all guests receive a copy of the band's So Long of a Journey CD as a party favor. As they filtered out and the party wound down, we continued to play informally, with Steve and Anne asking for one more rendition of Romance Is a Slow Dance.

The next morning we headed for LAX, and I made it all the way to Elkins, WV for Bluegrass Week at the Augusta Heritage program, which is where I'm writing this from!

In closing, I'll say it is truly an honor for Hot Rize to be appreciated in such a high class way by such a respected figure of American culture as Steve Martin. People ask me what sort of person he is, and I can say in all honesty that he is one fine gentleman, with the wonderful quality of showing interest in other people and making them feel appreciated. Almost impossible to fathom that, given his irreverent style of humor, but it's true. I also am often asked about whether Steve might do one thing or another for "the bluegrass cause", and I can only say time will tell. Naturally if he has any desire to do that, I will be glad to facilitate!

Hi Pickers,

Pete Wernick here, getting in touch to let you know about our next four Bluegrass Jam Camps.

*Former campers/experienced jammers -- If you've already been to a jam camp and are now playing regularly with other musicians, I'm wondering if you might have a friend or family member who would benefit from a jam camp -- someone who is new to playing, or who took lessons for a while and then set it aside. These upcoming camps would be a good opportunity for them to get up and running. And for experienced jammers, we are starting something new in November: A new Intermediate Jam Camp in Boulder (see below). It could be just the thing for you to expand your jam horizons.

*Closet and new pickers -- Our camp is a full-immersion experience that has launched hundreds of jammers to date. No jamming experience is necessary; in fact we cater mainly to shy closet pickers. Only requirements: You must be able to tune your instrument (electronic tuning devices welcome) and change smoothly between G, C, D, and A. Fast playing is not expected, nor is the ability to solo required. You don't need a lot of skill to start jamming at a slow and easy pace, but you can have a great time!

*Teachers -- We welcome your referrals, and I also encourage you to hold your own jam classes for your students. Please get in touch for some flyers to share with your students.

July 16-19
Our fifth annual jam camp in Copake, NY, is right before the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. We still have space for any instrument and we're giving deep discounts to bass players! Click here for more info.

September 19-21
We're starting a new camp in a fabulous location, a campground right on the scenic American River, near Sacramento in Coloma, CA. This precedes a new festival including a lot of top acoustic performers. Jamming, camping, and a festival right on a pretty river sounds good to me! Click here for more info.

November
We're also doing two weekend camps this fall in beautiful Boulder, CO. One is our regular Bluegrass Jam Camp (Nov. 2-4) geared to closet pickers. Click here for more info.

The other is our first-ever Intermediate Jam Camp (Nov. 16-18) -- geared to pickers with experience, geared to upgrading their bluegrass ensemble skills. Many of you who've been to one of my jam camps would qualify for this session, and would enjoy and benefit from playing with other non-novice jammers. Click here for more info.

Instructional DVDs
As you may know, I have some recent DVDs, that have helped a lot of people start playing bluegrass for the first time, or get back into music. They make good gifts for new or shy or closet pickers.

The latest is Bluegrass Banjo Backup, Basic Level. This video uses excerpts from two of the jamming DVDs, taking the moves I do in the jams, and showing you how they're done in slow and clear detail. I show the rhythmic patterns and many popular fill-in licks that help the music sparkle! Everything shown is also tabbed in an accompanying booklet.

Bluegrass Slow Jam for the Total Beginner helps new players learn by watching and listening (not reading), that is, the good "old" way -- We even show the four chords on all six bluegrass instruments, for easy use by every new bluegrass player. The chords are shown on screen and the tempos are as slow as appropriate for a brand new picker. We start with several songs using just two chords!

Intermediate Bluegrass Jam Session offers 22 standards, each with two opportunities to solo, and the band providing solid backup. There are chords on screen, lyric and chord books that come with both these CDs. Click here to check out these and many more DVDs, CDs and books!

New CD
Some upcoming news that we'll soon be writing you about, is the imminent release of the long-awaited first album by Pete Wernick & Flexigrass! We have cuts available for download, and will soon be announcing the release of the full package, including an unusual and fun CD cover. We hope you'll check out this special record and some of our CD Release Parties across the Front Range!

There's info about all this and more at DrBanjo.com. Stop on by. And I hope to see you, or a friend or relative you send, at jam camp!

Keep pickin',
Pete

Hi Folks!

We're well into 2007, time to touch base with our friends, fans, and campers all across the country and around the world and tell you what's up with us. First, I invite you to have a look at our newly updated web site (www.DrBanjo.com) The home page offers more features, and easier navigation throughout.

You can watch video clips of the FLEXIGRASS band in action, and two songs from the newly released Hot Rize/Red Knuckles DVD.

Preview Cuts from the New FLEXIGRASS CD!

I was in the studio most of last week, mixing the new FLEXIGRASS album. We've been putting sample cuts on the web sites (both DrBanjo.com and Flexigrass.com) to preview the CD's Spring release. This is our band's best work ever. Have a listen!

Click Here to Listen to Flexigrass!

Calling All Closet Pickers--Jam Camps for You!

Pete is bringing his celebrated and successful Bluegrass Jam Camps to communities and festivals all across the country in 2007. All bluegrass instruments are welcome, and as always, no jamming experience is necessary. With only four chords (G, C, D, A) required, you will be jamming the first morning!

Pete's years of experience teaching these camps all over the country allows new and experienced players alike to get in on the music learning and fun that comes only with real jamming! The key is multi-day immersion, with gentle and encouraging coaching by Pete and Joan. Ask any jam camper -- it works!

Also, the national magazine Making Music will feature the camps in its next issue, about to hit the stands around the end of February. It will feature interviews with Pete and several campers, and pics of Pete's recent jam camp with Steve Martin in California (see also our Look Back at 2006 photos on the home page).

Upcoming 2007 Bluegrass Jam Camps
Feb 27-Mar 1 - Argyle, TX (pre Argyle Bluegrass Fest)
Mar 30-Apr 1 - Boulder Inn, Boulder, CO
Apr 23-26 - Wilkesboro, NC (pre MerleFest, at YMCA Camp Herring Ridge)
May 15-17 - Gettysburg, PA (pre Gettysburg Bluegrass Fest)
May 30-Jun 1 - Morehead, KY (pre Bluegrass 'n More Fest)
Jul 16-19 - Copake, NY (pre Grey Fox Fest)

We are taking sign ups now, with discounts for early registration. Please visit our camps page on (DrBanjo.com) for complete information, registration forms and a helpful FAQ section on what to expect.

You might also like to know that Pete has agreed to teach this year for his first time at the Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week in Elkins, WV in late July, and at the American Banjo Camp in Ft. Flagler, WA in September.

Click Here to Go to the Camps Page at DrBanjo.com!

Banjo Player Alert! New Bluegrass Banjo Backup on DVD!

I'm happy to let the banjo pickers out there know that I've got a new DVD out for learning the basics of backup playing. Called Bluegrass Banjo Backup, Basic Level, it has two hours of instruction, using many excerpts from the Bluegrass Slow Jam and Bluegrass Jamming DVDs. After each excerpt, I show very clearly how the patterns and licks are done. All moves shown are also in an accompanying tab booklet. The package sells for $30.

I'm proud to say my son Will produced, recorded, and edited the video, and did an excellent job. There'll be a more advanced level video, which we expect to produce later this year, so stay tuned for that.

Click Here to find DVDs and MORE at the DrBanjo.com Store!

Flexigrass, Hot Rize and Pete & Joan All Across the U.S.!

We'll be traveling this spring and summer in various performance configurations: Hot Rize, Flexigrass, Pete & Joan. I will even be doing a "freelance" gig or two. The calendar at DrBanjo.com gives all information, even some travel directions, but here are some highlights:

Hot Rize
3/2 - The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
3/3 - Argyle Bluegrass Festival in TX (near Ft. Worth)

Pete & guests
4/14 - Nissi's, Lafayette, CO. An evening with G. Brown & Friends, featuring Pete Wernick

Pete & Joan Wernick
4/26-29 - MerleFest, Wilkesboro, NC
5/18-19 - Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival in PA
6/1-2 - Bluegrass 'n More Festival, Morehead, KY
7/19 - Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Ancramdale, NY

Also, click here to check out the whole FLEXIGRASS performance schedule, with details on our ongoing series at the D Note in Arvada, CO!

For those of you who've been kindly asking about Joan's knee replacement operation -- it was a full success, and she's getting along better and better, using the crutch less, and glad to have the pain and disability behind her. We hope to see you at a show or festival!

Pete

Contact Information
email: drbanjonews@yahoo.com
web: http://www.DrBanjo.com

Hi Folks!

It's great to be in our season's homestretch now, following several Nashville performances, a trip to Scotland & Ireland, and many jam camps--including an interesting one in Beverly Hills held just for Steve Martin and his bluegrass pals. Joan and I are looking forward to our annual Fall homecoming concerts at Niwot's Left Hand Grange Hall. We hope you can come!

Pete Wernick & Flexigrass and
Pete & Joan Wernick
Friday & Saturday, November 17 & 18
Left Hand Grange Hall
195 2nd Ave., Niwot, CO
(right in the middle of the old-town downtown)
Showtime is 8pm (doors open at 7:15)
Admission is just $10 at the door (no reservations)
Call 720-470-2278 for more information or visit www.FLEXIGRASS.com

We will be uncorking our latest Flexigrass tunes (newly recorded for early '07 release), some stories about our travels, and some new merchandise (Hot Rize DVD, Flexigrass T-shirts, and special pricing on our Up All Night CD), for this fun two-night series. Some good things have come together for us in this last year, with more performing, recording, jam camps, and some special recognition in Nashville. But in some ways, the coolest place to play is the Grange. We go back about 12 years there with Flexigrass, and about 25 years including all the Hot Rize years. Some of you have been along for the entire ride, for which we thank you! We look forward to seeing you all again, and to meeting those of you attending for the first time.

Up All Night Stocking Stuffer Deal! Special for Grange Attendees Up All Night CD...
For you savvy holiday shoppers, we are offering Flexigrass' latest CD, Up All Night, to all Grange attendees at a special 2-for-$15 or $8 each offer. The CD features Joan on vocals, the late Sean Blackburn, and live-at-the-Boulder Theater versions of some of the band's favorites. This special will clear the shelves for the new record coming out soon. Great stocking stuffers at a bargain price!

If you haven't seen www.Flexigrass.com or visited www.DrBanjo.com lately, we now have: new Flexigrass video clips, an upgraded Store including the new Hot Rize Classic DVD from 1987, upcoming performances, photos, interviews, a new improved message board, new instructional material, and lots more! Stop on over for a virtual visit, sometime, won't you?

Best,
Dr. Banjo

Hi Friends,

I am looking for street teamers to put up posters and help me spread the word about my FLEXIGRASS shows at the D Note in Arvada. If you'd like to help, send me a message letting me know when you can help. I'll put your name on the guest list once you send me the list of places you postered.

Upcoming shows are November 2, November 16, December 7, December 21, January 4 and January 18. The D Note is located in Olde Town Arvada at 7519 Grandview Ave. Find more info at DrBanjo.com!

Best wishes,
Dr. Banjo