[Dixielandjazz] Bio Info

[Russ Guarino]

Does Mike live in the USA or Someplace else?

Russ Guarino

Michael Woitowicz wrote:

> To the Listmates:
>
> As a lurker on the list, I welcome the opportunity to talk about my musical
> background, much like several others who have beat me to the punch.
>
> I am a banjo/guitarist, nowadays focusing mostly on tenor banjo. I front two
> bands, the Banjo Barons Ragtime band (tenor banjo, plectrum banjo, and
> string bass) and a dixie, whoops, OKOM band called the Dixie Barons
> Dixieland band (tenor banjo, clarinet, washboard and bass or tuba).
> Sometimes we add additional players, as the economics present themselves.
>
> As a side note, drummer and listmate Bill Sargent has just started to play
> washboard as a fill in with some of my combos.
>
> The Banjo Barons Ragtime Band trio has recorded two cassettes and a CD. With
> various local sidemen, I have performed with this group all over the
> country, from Nashville to New Orleans. We play all over the midwest, but
> our home base is Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Check our website listed below for
> more information.
>
> I started the Dixie Barons Dixieland Band about 4 years ago in response to
> requests for this style of music. It's been growing year by year. It now
> accounts for 25% of my bookings.
>
> I started playing banjo at the age of 13 (50+years ago) and was performing
> in Polka Bands at age 15. I couldn't believe it when, at my first wedding
> gig, I got to play the banjo for four hours, have a great meal, drink some
> beer (not too much, I was underage) and then get paid the fabulous sum of
> $15.00!! I thought I died and had gone to heaven.
>
> Except for Bill Sargent who lives locally in my area, I haven't personally
> met many DJML'rs. However, I have bought Sheik's books and corresponded with
> him over the years. I also purchased a piece of equipment for Jim Kash in
> Spain that he was unable to get over there (a megaphone). I really enjoy
> John Farrell's music and have stolen a few licks (sorry John, but they're so
> good!). Overall, the DJML experience has been great. I especially enjoy the
> war stories when Jim Beebe and others talk about their experiences with some
> of the historical players. Jim was nice enough to respond to me about some
> questions I had about the banjo playing of Clancy Hayes.
>
> Is this a great list or what?
>
> Mike Woitowicz (tenor banjo)
> The Banjo Barons Ragtime Band
> The Dixie Barons Dixieland Band
> www.banjobarons.com
>
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