The 2nd Ever Colorado Banjola Festival

Do you know the Banjola? The Banjola is unique acoustic instrument -a sort of guitar, mandolin, banjo hybrid- created by Denver luthier, Edward Victor Dick. It may well be the only musical instrument ever invented in Colorado. Photos, sound clips and videos can be found at www.banjolas.com. Or, come see and hear it live at The 2nd Ever Colorado Banjola Festival at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 21 at Willow Farm (11898 N. 75th St., Longmont, CO 80503). The all ages concert features:

* Headlining act, Douglas John Cameron, a Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and performer. Cameron has written, recorded and appeared in over 30 songs for “Ants In Your Pants,” Canada's top preschool music video program. When not performing for children, he plays regularly with a Celtic group called Joyce's Folly; a country/blues/jazz combo known as The Louisiana Snowblowers; and Three Chord Johnny, a blues-based R n’ B band.

* Multi-instrumentalist Steve Mullins. A professor of world music at Colorado University, and a columnist at “Mandolin Magazine,” Mullins is renowned for his flamenco guitar work. He recently wrote and published the first instruction book for the 6 string banjola.

* Banjola Creator, songwriter and performer, Edward Victor Dick. A professional luthier (a maker of stringed instruments) for the past 33 years, Dick has built everything from classical and steel string guitars, to lyres, lutes, basses, banjos, harps, and bouzoukis.

*Surprise guests...

Several banjolas will be available to demo. Parents, take note: children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. Some seating is provided, but guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawnchairs, and their own picnic. Food, snack and both non/alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from Willow Farm. The concert will be presented rain or shine.

Tickets are $10 in advance, and $15 day of show. For ticket purchase information, map and directions, performer information, a banjola history and overview, videos, and an interview about last year's festival with Edward Dick on Denver's KCFR 90.1FM, visit BanjolaFest.com. To learn more about Willow Farm, visit WillowFarmColorado.info.

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