Other Great Banjo & Fretted Music Sites
ALL FRETS
Founded in 1957 as the Fretted Instrument Guild of America (F.I.G.A), its roots can be traced to the American Guild of Banjoists, Mandolinists, and Guitarists established in 1901. Today, ALL FRETS is the largest international organization celebrating all types of fretted musical instruments and the sounds of fretted music. Membership is open to professional entertainers, amateur and aspiring musicians, students, and non-performing music enthusiasts alike, and includes a subscription to bimonthly magazine dedicated to fretted music (ALL FRETS). The ALL FRETS Annual Convention and Music Festival is held in various locations around the country in July or August each year, and is a premier event that any banjo and fretted music lover should have on their "bucket list" and be sure to attend.
Founded in 1957 as the Fretted Instrument Guild of America (F.I.G.A), its roots can be traced to the American Guild of Banjoists, Mandolinists, and Guitarists established in 1901. Today, ALL FRETS is the largest international organization celebrating all types of fretted musical instruments and the sounds of fretted music. Membership is open to professional entertainers, amateur and aspiring musicians, students, and non-performing music enthusiasts alike, and includes a subscription to bimonthly magazine dedicated to fretted music (ALL FRETS). The ALL FRETS Annual Convention and Music Festival is held in various locations around the country in July or August each year, and is a premier event that any banjo and fretted music lover should have on their "bucket list" and be sure to attend.
American Banjo Museum
Located in the historic Bricktown District in downtown Oklahoma City, the American Banjo Museum is a world-class 21,000 square foot facility honoring the rich history, vibrant spirit and unlimited future of the banjo. The Museum has the largest collection in the world of banjos on public display, featuring more than 400 instruments, recordings, film, video, printed music, instructional materials, ephemera and memorabilia associated with the banjo. Galleries follow the nearly 400-year history and of the banjo in the United States, with actual Minstrel Age instruments from mid-19th century, Classic Era banjos from the late 1800s and early 1900s, ornately decorated 4-string tenor and plectrum banjos heralding the Jazz Age from the 1920s and 30s, and post-WWII examples and the 5-string instruments characteristic of bluegrass, folk and world music today. The American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame was established in 1998 to recognize banjo pioneers as well as the contemporary artists, educators, manufacturers and promoters who carried on the traditions of their predecessors; nearly 100 members have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception, with ceremonies and associated featured performances taking place during the first weekend of September of each year.
North American International Banjo Convention
Celebrating its 35th year, the North American International Banjo Convention (more commonly and simply known as N.A.I.B.C.) is one of the largest jazz banjo conventions in the world, attracting performers from the United States, Canada, and Europe. Originally, known as the Great Lakes International Banjo Convention or G.L.I.B., it is currently sponsored by volunteers from three banjo bands near its long-time home of Dearborn, Michigan: The Ban-Joes of Michigan, The Windsor Banjo Band, and The Flint Banjo Club. An all-time favorite of 4-string jazz banjoists and enthusiasts of music of the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and beyond, this three-day event at the end of April combines concerts, workshops, vendor displays, and around-the-clock jamming into one of the most action-packed festivals anywhere today.
Dave's Guitar Shop
When in La Crosse, be sure to visit Dave's Guitar Shop for all of you musical needs. More than a guitar store, Dave's also sells new and used banjos, guitars and mandolins, as well as strings and other music supplies. As a special treat, check out the second floor of the store...a musical museum that features Dave's personal collection of over 300 vintage and rare guitars and 50 amplifiers. A "must see" for any fretted music aficionado.
Leithold Music
A family owned full service music store serving the La Crosse area for over 130 years, Leithold Music is active in the community and committed to making the world better by promoting the many benefits of making music. They feature some of the best staff in the industry, and sell, rent and expertly repair instruments including banjos, mandolins, guitars and ukuleles. The Leithold's have been long-time supporters of the Midwest Banjo Jamboree and BanjoFest USA, and have even performed at our events over the years. If music is your pass, be certain to go to Leithold Music where customer service is their mission.
