Early American Banjo Concert, Antietam MD

Banjo accompanied by the Jawbone
and of course with song!

What a fun afternoon with a trip through the towns and a visit to the Prye House Field Hospital Museum.  It was an experiential history lesson capped by the Early American Banjo Concert.  Yes, banjos can be in concert.

Prye House
with a troubled history
after the Civil War

A little background: This museum is located in the historic Pry House on the Antietam Battlefield, which served both as Union Commander General George B. McClellan’s headquarters and as Medical Director Dr. Jonathan Letterman’s headquarters during the battle.  Exhibits include a re-creation of an operating theater, interpretive panels, objects relating to the care of the wounded, the history of the Pry House and family, and information on the revolutionary system of evacuation of wounded created by Dr. Letterman during the battle, which is still in use today. (http://www.civilwarmed.org/pry-house-field-hospital-museum/about-the-pry-house/)

Joel in early 1900s attire
Note the classical style

 This was the 7th Annual Early American Banjo Conference with discussions, presentations, tutorials, demonstrations, and time for a bit of music. The importance of the conference is that it "raises awareness of the early banjo’s significance in the development of American popular culture and underscores music’s importance in the lives of Civil War Americans." http://www.civilwarmed.org/ai1ec_event/antietam-early-american-banjo-gathering-vii/?instance_id=

Tambourine and Fretless Civil War era Banjo
Both built by Dan (banjo)

And, yes a tour through the Pry House, spending time on the grounds, and attending the concert in the barn at the Pry House gives you a feel for Civil War era banjo and the importance.

Minstrel Banjo Duet
Minstrel postdates the Civil War

Our good friend Tony Thomas, who is quite a banjo expert, invited his friends to attend the concert.  Lo and behold!  When I checked our tour schedule... well, we were less than 25 miles from the event.  We planned the day around the concert and the history tour and were not disappointed.

Gourd banjo and singer