Banjo concert to benefit HoustonFest

An afternoon with world-renowned banjo players will be presented at the historic Rex Theater in Galax on Saturday.
Proceeds will benefit HoustonFest, a music festival in May that honors the memory of banjo picker extraordinaire Houston Caldwell of Galax.
Banjo masters Stevie Barr, Jason Burelson, Joey Cox, Sammy Shelor, Terry Baucom and Kyle Dean Smith will be showcased during a special “Banjo Extravaganza” at 3 p.m.
Master of ceremonies will be Cindy Baucom, host of syndicated radio show “Knee Deep In Bluegrass.”
The stellar lineup agreed to participate in this special presentation as a remembrance of Caldwell, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in April 2010. “All of the players knew Houston and were inspirations and mentors to him during his early years of learning to play banjo,” said Debbie Robinson, HoustonFest director.
Proceeds from the event will benefit HoustonFest, which is being presented by Galax Volunteer Fire Department on May 6-7 at Felts Park in Galax.
Saturday’s program will combine music and discussions from outstanding banjo players, who will respond to questions and provide much of the history, context and motivations behind their work. The workshop will be a kind of musical discussion, conducted in a more casual intimate setting and providing the audience with the unique opportunity to not only get to know some of these amazing artists, but also better understand some of the stories behind the music.
Key questions to be addressed include:
• What has been the impact of the banjo historically?
• What are the banjo’s roots, and what artistic elements of these roots remain in today’s playing?
• What are the differing styles and roles of the banjo in bluegrass and traditional music today?
• What lured these artists to the banjo?

For more information, call 236-9908 or visit www.HoustonFestGalax.com.
Admission is $5 at the door. The theater is located on East Grayson Street in downtown Galax.