The weather outside is getting balmy, springtime approaches and festival season will be in full swing before we know it. Deering representatives will be “on the road” as well, visiting festivals and hoping to meet and greet as many folks as we can. Here is our upcoming travel schedule. Come on by and pick a little with us!
Merlefest Wilkesboro, North Carolina April 25-29
Held on the beautiful wooded campus of Wilkesboro Community College, this is a rare treat full of a wide array of musical performers. The Deering exhibit will include Janet, Greg, and Jamie Deering plus John Kavanaugh, inventor of the Kavanjo banjo pickup system.
MerleFest gates open on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Huck Finn Jubilee Ontario, CA June 14-16
The California State Park system’s Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park is the setting for this veteran festival. Filled with activities for both children and adults and offering free stage performances with the entry ticket, this will soon become a favorite for your family. Deering representatives Barry Hunn and Carolina Bridges will be happy to give you free banjo lessons and tell you all about your favorite Deering banjo. The gates open by 9 a.m. Camping is available.
Father’s Day Festival Grass Valley, CA June 14-16
Held in the beautiful High Sierras, this California Bluegrass Association’s annual festival is another family favorite. Janet and Greg Deering will be there to share a good selection of Deering banjos and help with technical information on banjos. Arrive early and stay late for some jamming around the campfire. Festival runs Thursday morning to late afternoon Sunday.
Mumford & Sons Gentlemen Of the Road Tour - Lewes, UK July 19-21
Meet Jamie Deering and the folks from Eagle Music Shop in Huddersfield, Yorkshire at this first stop along the Gentleman of the Road tour for Mumford and Sons.
Rockygrass Festival Lyons, CO July 26-28
What a glorious red rock canyon and river bed location this festival has! Amidst the pines and grassy grounds you will find a multitude of activities and great musical performances. Janet Deering and John Kavanaugh will be hosting the Deering booth. Come by and try your hand at banjo picking, say howdy, and learn all about banjos from one of the founders of Deering banjos and the inventor of the Kavanjo pickup! Camping is available. The festival runs 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. but you had best arrive early to get a good spot on the lawn for stage viewing.
Newport Folk Festival Newport, RI July 26-28
Held on the grounds of Fort Adams State Park, this festival was founded in 1959, a 54-year record that is hard to beat. One of the park system’s national treasures, Fort Adams is situated at the mouth of Newport Harbor with panoramic views of the Newport Bridge and the East Passage. The festival at the Fort features 4 stages of music, food & crafts, and a number of displays. Box office opens 9 a.m., gates open 10 a.m. and stage performances last through the evening. Meet Jamie Deering and Deering Marketing Director David Bandrowski at the Deering exhibit.
Free banjo lessons and time to talk “banjo” !
Kingston Trio Camp Phoenix, AZ July 24-29
Sign up early to spend time with the Kingston Trio at this banjo camp! Greg Deering will be attending with Barry Hunn, Deering’s world-wide sales manager. You will find a special selection of long neck banjos among the Deering’s they take to share with the attendees.
Mumford & Sons Gentlemen Of the Road Tour
Simcoe, Canada August 23-24
Troy, OH August 30-31
Guthrie, OK Sept 6-7
St. Augustine, FL Sept 13-14
Final stops on the tour and Jamie Deering will be heading the Deering representatives happy to teach you how to play banjo at the booth.
Walnut Valley Festival Winfield, KS Sept 18-22
A long-time favorite of the Deering Banjo Company, this festival is held in the heartland of America. Great music, good food, and even greater folks! Come visit Barry Hunn and Carolina Bridges at the Deering booth. They will bring a great selection of Deering and Goodtime banjos and even teach you how to play! Camping is available and is a long time tradition with great jamming all throughout the festival.
Gate open early and music well into the night.
IBMA Raleigh, NC Sept. 23-29
The International Bluegrass Music Assn.’s annual convention has moved from its usual Nashville location to Raleigh, NC. This is a week of 24-hour music culminating in the Awards Show which is admittedly one of the most stellar music shows in the industry! Janet Deering and Carolina Bridges will be happy to meet you all in the exhibitor area and help you play the outstanding selection of Deering banjos they bring.