The 2025 Recap Post

Usually, at this time of year, this space is reserved for looking back at the past 12 months. Frankly, there's not a heckuva lot to look back upon. This was a down year when it comes to playing music. Typically, I would offer self-flagellating remarks about not being able to find the time and hoping to do better next go-round. However, some reader comments from earlier this year have inspired me to just stop worrying about it. 

So, here is a brief list of highlights: 

• My fondest memory was volunteering at the Lake Erie Folk Fest. 
• My most successful post was about a podcast from September 2024. 
• My favorite post was about buying some 78 rpm records in South Carolina. 
• My playing goals ... well, let's not talk about those. 

I didn't reach my goals this year — not the end of the world. I went a few months without touching my instruments at all, but it turned out I didn't forget everything I knew when I got back to them. On the positive side, I finished the year on a positive note, with December's practice time doubling my next highest month. 

As for this blog, I started off slowly with only one post in the first half the year, but I'm happy I found my groove and managed to publish something once a month since July. That's a schedule that seems to suit me these days. 

What Lies Ahead? 

Playing goals: More than any sort of time related achievements or learning new tunes, my biggest goal for 2026 is just getting out more to jams and festivals to play with others. That's the thing I've missed most. 

Posting goals: Look for something here every month or so. I'd really like to get back to doing some interviews with banjo luminaries (players, builders, teachers, etc.). Who would you like me to showcase? If you have any suggestions for people to interview, please let me know in the comments. 

Thanks for Sticking Around

Finally, thank you! Yes, you, the reader looking at this post right now. I appreciate you taking the time to glance at my ramblings every once in a while. I wouldn't be doing this if you weren't there on the other end. I hope this holiday season has treated you well. Have a happy New Year. It's hard to believe, but 2026 marks 15 years since I started this blog. I've enjoyed sharing my banjo (and fiddle) journey with you. I'll keep writing, if you keep reading.

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If you like what you see at The Glory-Beaming Banjo and want to see more, please consider showing your support by buying me a cup of coffee through my Ko-Fi account. Your donation will provide encouragement and help fund future blog posts. I appreciate your readership!