Strummin’ since 1960
The Sacramento Banjo Band was formed in 1960. Banjoists in the Sacramento area were concerned that "America's unique instrument" and its music could be lost. They couldn't allow this to happen! They put an ad in the local paper inviting banjo players to meet for a jam session. They were astonished when a very large number of banjo players showed up! This intense interest led to an active group that became the Sacramento Banjo Band, a charitable, nonprofit organization governed by a set of By-laws. The bonding power that holds the band together is a common love of banjos, banjo music, and the frequent opportunities to perform together.
Band members are all volunteers who play without monetary compensation. Consequently the band is as affordable as it is entertaining. Proceeds above actual expenses are contributed to charities that involve caring for children, for example, the "Shriner's Hospitals for Children", Mustard Seed School, and A Touch of Understanding.
Dick Surryhne and the Sacramento Banjo Band on "I've Got a Secret" from Harrah's, Lake Tahoe, NV 1963
You Won’t Want to Miss John Green’s Video!
John Green may be 91 and retired, but he still plays a mean four-string.
See John Bartell's video about John as aired on ABC 10 in February of 2019.
Our band has performed at diverse venues, for example, at sea on the Carnival Cruise Ship "Holiday", at the California State Fair, at the California State Capitol, at the Banjo-Rama, and at the former annual Sacramento Jazz Festival & Jubilee where crowds typically exceeded 60,000 during the Memorial Day weekend.
Each year the Sacramento Magazine readers and editors pick Sacramento's best in a variety of categories. In 2004, the Sacramento Banjo band was named the "best strumming ensemble", a great honor for this proud band! On March 22nd, 2006 Sacramento Banjo Band was a featured Good People story (Dale Schornack's Report) on News 10 ABC.