Recapping 2023: Planning vs. Results

Like last year, I am finishing 2023 on a high note. However, my playing time will fall well short of my goals this year with even fewer hours than 2022. And yet, I've been on a role since November, logging my longest streak within the year, which was only surpassed by the streak that had begun in 2022 and carried over until the end of January. 

Other than not playing enough, I managed to do OK with some of my other goals this year. I'm happy to say I made it to some jams and local festivals this year, but I'd like to get into a more consistent routine of playing with others in 2024.

It was a sad year for the old-time community. We lost some great people who left an indelible mark on the music and the people who knew them. Their memory will continue to live on in those whose lives they touched. Rest in peace, Kerry Blech, Robert Anderson and Bob Miller.  

Got Back to Jams (A Couple, Anyway)

Thinking back on 2023, I thought I went to more than just two jams. I attended a birthday party/house jam at the end of January, and then a coffee house jam in March. And that's it. 

I intended to go to more, but always seemed to have some other obligation (or plumbing emergency) that prevented me from going. 

Attended Festivals

I had four festivals on my list to attend in 2023, and I made it to three of them. The fourth was canceled. 

There was the Lake Erie Folk Festival on Feb. 11, where I attended a big organized jam before splitting into smaller groups. 

I went to Music in the Valley on July 9, but only had a couple hours to spare. I played a few tunes with friends and then attended to a fiddle workshop on Ward Jarvis. 

The Raccoon County Music Festival was on Aug. 11, and I played some tunes and attended an old-time workshop before a big storm came through and cut the day short. 

Sadly, Music Along the River was canceled because of ongoing construction at the festival site. 

Blogged and Reviewed

My writings on the banjo and old-time music continue to provide an outlet from my professional gig. 

I've managed at least one blog post per month (two this month, you lucky ducks). I appreciate your continued support and readership. 

Your Top 5 most viewed Glory-Beaming Banjo posts this year were: 

1. An Old-Time Encyclopedia: In Memory of Kerry Blech
2. A Banjo Player Winning the Pulitzer Prize?
3. The Ongoing Search for Ohio's Old-Time Fiddle Repertoire, Part 2
4. February Update: A Full House, a Festival and Vinyl Hunter 17
5. Banjoversary: 15 Years of Five-String Foolishness

Editor's Choice: Banjos of the Flower Moon: America's Instrument in Scorsese's Latest Film

I had six reviews in the May 2023 issue of The Old-Time Herald (Vol. 15, No. 4). Sadly, changes at the magazine leave its future in question. I am hopeful that I'll be able to write for the OTH again in 2024. 

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