Keep On Pluckin’: Denver holds first BanjoFest | Denver Metro News [Video]

Just miles from the snow-glistening Rockies — the mountains often revered in the tunes of folk and bluegrass — twanging banjos could be heard from the halls of Swallow Hill Music.

Swallow Hill Music — the nonprofit, music school and concert venue on South Broadway in Denver — held its first BanjoFest Saturday, providing enthusiasts and players with classes and concerts from nationally renowned banjo players.

Banjo-strapped musicians, representing a variety of aesthetics and walks of life, lined the halls, learning lessons in three-finger strumming, clawhammer style and music-based storytelling. The musicians then heard concerts and lectures from national players Tony Trischka, Dom Flemons and Brad Kolodner.

The idea for the festival stemmed from the venue’s already successful ukulele festival and Senior Marketing Manager Barry Osborne’s love for an instrument deeply entwined with American culture. 

“It’s not unique that there are banjo fests throughout the country and probably the world, …