Riverfolk welcomes "Mozart of the Banjo" to online Blacksmith Shop concert

Aaron Jonah Lewis

This season's monthly Blacksmith Shop concerts presented by Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization, are continuing online with Crowdcast. This weekend, at 7:30 pm on Saturday, January 23, spend an evening with Aaron Jonah Lewis with Cameron Celestia, for "Mozart of the Banjo: The Joe Morley Project." Tickets are available by registering here, and are based on a sliding scale from $0-100. Even if you're not available on Saturday, register now to receive a link to view the concert later on!

Virtuoso banjo player and fiddler Aaron Jonah Lewis has been elbow-deep in traditional American music since his first lessons at the age of five with Kentucky native Robert Oppelt. His concerts take audiences on a journey through the back roads of American old time and folk music, with detours through ragtime and early jazz.

Lewis has taken blue ribbons at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WV, and at the Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax, VA, the oldest and largest fiddlers convention in the country. He spends most of his time teaching, touring as a solo performer, with the Corn Potato String Band, the Lovestruck Balladeers, and other projects.

Praise for "Mozart of the Banjo" from Jens Kruger: "Mozart of the Banjo is just spectacular! Aaron’s playing and overall musicality is just top notch. Bravo, what else can I say? Tone is fantastic, timing is spot on, just full of life. Piano playing is truly awesome. What a commitment — astounding."

Crowdcast, the new platform for the Riverfolk Blacksmith Shop concerts, is a way to connect with people all over the world through chat, or watch a concert at full screen. The broadcast includes multiple views of the performers, as well as special conversations with the musicians in real time.

Having issues with registration? Text us at 734.223.6876 or email riverfolkmusicandarts@gmail.com

Concerned about quality? We've done everything we can to ensure a positive listening and viewing experience. We're using the best equipment, internet and streaming platform we have available. You can help by making sure you are the only one using your internet and viewing on the most up-to-date device you own. If you still have issues with the live broadcast, try the link at a later time when the recording will be easier on your internet capacity.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.