Welcome to the EBBC!

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Effective February 13, 2024

Meeting/Practice Location

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

30 Golf Club Rd Suite A

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Dates and Times at Location

Second thru Fifth Tuesday of Each Month

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Public and all banjo players welcome!

Please check the club calendar for all future sessions both public and private.

We are a group of people dedicated to playing  and promoting happy music on the banjo. We accept all levels of banjo players, from beginners to professionals.

We have existed for over fifty years!

Scroll through our past events below!

Sirs Ladies Day Luncheon

May 11, 2023

The East Bay Banjo Club had the privilege of performing for the Sirs Branch 146 Ladies Day Luncheon. The crowd enjoyed such favorites as “When You’re Smiling”, “Yes Sir(s), That’s My Baby”, “April Showers”, “Five Foot Two”, and a host of other standards that brought smiles to their faces and sometimes even a songs to their lips! This is probably one of the largest indoor crowds that we have played for this year, and our music was received enthusiastically.

Members performing include; Bob and Diane Malucelli, Bob Ehrhorn, Chris Lardge, Deb Hodson, Don Granberg, , Larry Risner, John Greitze, Paul Mack, Phil and Linda Myers, Slvaka Ruzicka, Tom Brunetti, and Zennie Bohn.

Strummers ready to start.
Bob, John, Slavka, Don, and Larry (Left to Right) waiting to begin.
Last minute preparations for the performance.
Phil and Linda seated, masked, and ready to perform.

Alamo Rotary Easter Egg Hunt

April 8, 2023

The annual Alamo Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt returned after a two year respite caused by the pandemic. And, as usual, the East Bay Banjo performance brought joy to children and adults that attended this popular event in the community. A large group of spectators gather around to hear such American song favorites like “In Your Easter Bonnet”, “April Showers”, “Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail”, and many more before and after the mad scramble to gather the bright colored easter eggs. It’s the annual event that club members, parents, and children look forward to each year.

Strummers almost ready to start!
Pianist Don Granberg and Bass player Bob Ehrhorm arrive on stage as Chris Lardge chats with Jack Convery.
Zenni, Deb, and Slavka (Left to Right) waiting to start the performance

Moraga Royale

The first gig of 2023 occurred at the Moraga Royale Senior Center on Feb 10th. Folks gathered in the dining room to listen to the East Bay Banjo Club standards such as “Just Because” , “My Little Margie”, “Five Foot Two” along with may others. The residence were thrilled with the performance and commented that they hope we return soon (possibly outside this Spring). Fun was had by all, and we look forward to the opportunity to, once again, bring a little joy to the residents.

The performers included Zennie Bohn, Rich Combs, Chris Doan, Bob Erhrhorn, Don Granberg, John Grietzer, Deb Hodson, Jeff Liu, Bob and Diane Malucelli, Phil and Linda Myers, Larry Risner, and Slavka and Jan Ruzickar.

Strummers set up in the dining room
Jeff selfie with Larry Risner, Bob Malucelli, Chris Lardge, Bob Ehrhorn, and Slavka Ruzicka in the background

Civic Arts League of Diablo Valley

The EBBC had the opportunity to perform for the Civic Arts League of Diablo Valley on Dec 1, 2022. The program consisted of a number of member favorite tunes, introduced by our Master of Ceremonies, Paul Mack, complete with some “fun facts” about the history of Walnut Creek and the selected tunes. The audience responded very positively to our program, and at the end, presented each one of the performers with a special gift to take home for the holidays. Many thanks to the Civic Arts League for their gracious reception to the East Bay Banjo Club!

A special thanks to Mrs. Liu (Jeff’s Mom) for her photography skills and capturing the shots and audio below.

Performing were; Zenni Boln, Tom Brunetti, Rich Combs, John Greitzer, Don Granberg, Deb Hodson, Chris Lardge, Jeff Lieu, Paul Mack, Bob and Diane Malucelli, Bud Pearce, Larry Risner, and, Slavka and Jan Ruzickar.

Zinnie ready for her vocal debut!
Don waving off the paparazzi!
Bud dumbfounded by audience acceptance.
Rich getting into the Christmas spirit.
Chris reminiscing over his trip to Chicago.
Diane consoling Bob for the challenging audio setup.
Jeff tuned up and ready to go!
The strummers getting the crowd into the Christmas spirit.

Summer Picnic at Lander’s Landing

It was another enjoyable, albeit a very warm, experience for EBBC members and their families at the annual club summer picnic at Lander’s Landing. Once again, Bobbie Lander’s fantastic hospitality afforded us the opportunity eat, drink, and be merry on the banks of the Delta. This year chicken was added to the fare of sausage, hot links, corn on the cobb, and a wide selection of salads and deserts brought by the attendees. The warm sun dictated we huddle under the shade provided by the pop-up shelters in order to play music that everyone enjoyed.

Thanks to the Landers and all that attended for another fun summer picnic! This annual event should not be missed!

The gang huddled under the shade
Bob Malucelli tunes up
The President is our Chief Chef
Boat returns from a ride on the Delta. Thanks Holly!

Orinda 4th of July Parade

Another exciting 4th of July parade in Orinda! A large crowd of onlookers cheered and waved as the float, full of EBBC strummers, rolled through the Village and the main street of the city of Orinda. This parade typifies the parades in small communities all over the country. Marchers of all ages, from all sorts of organizations within the community, proudly march down the crowed lined streets of enthusiastic parade watchers.

This year, a dozen club members experienced the fun playing, smiling, and engaging the crowd as we performed seven songs without t he advantage of music stands! On the float were Zennie Bohn, Rich Combs (the lead), Chris Doan, Don Granberg, Chris Lardge, Jeff Leiu, Paul Mack, Bob Maluceilli, Diane Maluceilli, Linda Myers, Phil Myers, Bud Pearce, Jan Ruzicka, and Slavka Ruzicka.

Jeff warms up before the parade
Jeff warms up before the parade
Ready to decorate photo
Gang ready to decorate
Phil and Linda unmasked and ready to go.
Slavak ready
Paul Bud and Chris ready to go
Chris checks some cables
Float ready to mount
Chris is ready to go
Playing Four Leaf Clover
Playing for the reviewing stand.
Diane and Bob pack up float.

Stoneman Village

The East Bay strummers resumed their appearances after a brief hiatus due to the Covid pandemic and some inclimate weather in April. The residents of the Stoneman Village Senior Center enjoyed their ice cream as they enthusiastically welcomed the East Bay Banjo Club back from a long absence.

Performing such popular favorites as “Four Leaf Clover“, “Five Foot Two“, and “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling“, to name a few, were Zennie Bohn, Tom Brunetti, Rich Combs, Bob Ehrhorn, Don Granberg, Deb Hodson, Paul Mack, Bob Malucelli, Diane Maluccelli, Phil Myers, Linda Myers, Bud Pearce, and Larry Risner.

Reutlinger Senior Center

December 28, 2021

After another respite caused by the Covid pandemic, the EBBC strummers were thrilled to have the opportunity to perform for the residents of the Reutlinger Senior Center between Christmas and New Years this year. Thirteen fully masked and vaccinated club members braved the risk of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 to bring some happiness to our enthusiastic friends and residents of the Senior center. We were warmly and graciously received by all!

Participants included Ardie Jarrett, Bud Pearce, Chris Doan, Chris Lardge, Deb Hodson, Don Granberg, Larry Risner, Linda Meyers, Paul Mack, Philip Myers, Rich Combs, and Slavka & Jan Ruzickar.

Our beloved fans Marilee and Bobbie Landers also participated as our cheerleaders in the audience!

Brookdale Senior Center

July 30, 2021

By: Slavka Ruzicka

Photos: Slavka Ruzicka

The East Bay Banjo Club entertained once again at
the Brookdale Senior Center in Danville, CA after a 12 to 14 month postponement from any group banjo playing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The club has been gradually working together to resume normal club activities, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic. The eleven members were enthusiastically received by a large group of residents that seem to miss us as much as we missed them!

Performers included; Bob Ehrhorn, Chris Lardge, Deb Hodson, Don Granberg, John Greitzer, Bud Pearce, Philip and Linda Myers, Mike Stein, and Slavka and Jan Ruzicka.

Based on the reaction to this performance, we will, no doubt, be asked back for future performances.

Bud gives last minute instructions

Posted in Gig

4th of July Orinda Parade

The 4th of July Parade in Orinda came back from the pandemic, and the East Bay Banjo Club was an enthusiastic participant!  The crowd cheered as the strummers on this year’s float passed by and we all saw many smiling faces. We were very fortunate to be able to practice at the Oakmont Senior Facility several weeks before the parade to insure we sounded decent during the parade. After all, it had been over a year since any of us played the banjo together!

A special thanks to Rich Combs who stepped up to lead the group playing lead melody without the assistance of a bass instrument to keep time for the players. Regardless, we sounded fantastic, and heard loud applause at the reviewing stand and elsewhere as we played a selection of five songs. Our onboard sound system worked flawlessly as our playing and vocals rang out down the path of the parade.

Participants on the float included; Rich Combs, Chris Lardge, Slavka and Jan Ruzicaka, Diane and Bob Maluccelli, Paul Mack, and Bud Pearce.

Crowd looks on as float passes

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Brookdale Senior Living

August 23, 2019

Your East Bay Banjo Club entertained an enthusiastic audience at Brookdale Senior Living in Danville on Friday, August 23.  It was a return engagement for the club and this year’s performance was just as rousing as the previous ones.

Bud Pearce served as music director for the performance, and Paul Mack did his usual fine job as master of ceremonies, providing some interesting historical background about what was happening in the early 1900s as he introduced each of our songs from that era.  In addition to Bud and Paul, club members at the playout were Don Granberg, John Greitzer, Jan and Slavka Ruzicka, Betty David, Rich Combs, Chris Lardge, Kit Nelson, Tom Brunetti, Deb Hodson, and Doug Johnson.  Our vocalists were Bud, Rich, Chris, Kit, and Slavka.  Bob Nelson and Mimi Johnson also attended, and Bob snapped some photographs for us.

We played a well-constructed set, including some of our time-tested standards as well as a couple of songs we don’t play very often, such as the Beatles’ “Honey Pie.”  We opened with the old chestnut “Hello My Baby” and ended with our standard closer, “When The Saints Go Marching In.”  Along the way, we did a version of “Beer Barrel Polka” in which Slavka sang a couple of verses in English and then a verse in Czech.

Our club members had as good a time as the residents, and we hope to perform at Brookdale again.

Orinda 4th of July Parade

July 4, 2019

By: Bud Pearce

This 4th of July, the East Bay Banjo strummers were, once again, delighted to participate in the Orinda parade. A total of fifteen members and one special guest (Anna Vybiralova from the Czech Republic) showed up to first decorate the float, and then ride it through the streets of Orinda and Orinda Village. The onlookers erupted, waving and clapping, as the upbeat sounds of our traditional music rang out from the float. For the first time, we included vocals, that seemed to enhance our performance.  As in past years, we were joined by members of the Tabor Sister City (Anna and Slavka) in full costume who sang two songs in Czech at the Reviewing Stand.

Special thanks go to Karen Hefter for leading the group and to Bob Malucelli who made the sound system perform beautifully! Others included Don Granberg, Paul Mack, Linda and Philip Myer, Gary Kerr, Doug and Mimi Johnson, Terry Horner, Diane Malucelli, Betty David, Bud Pearce, and Jan and Slavka Ruzicka.

Lastly, we would like to thank our float sponsor GJEL (Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, and Larson) for helping to make this year’s parade a huge success!

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Stoneman Village

June 14, 2019

The East Bay Banjo Club played a spirited one-hour set for Flag Day at Stoneman Village in Pittsburg.  Stoneman is a lovely setting, and we played in their attractive courtyard on a beautiful day surrounded by bougainvillea plants and a nice soft breeze.

To mark the Flag Day occasion we played a patriotic set, starting with the five songs of our U.S. Armed Forces — The Marines’ Hymn, The Caissons Go Rolling Along, Anchors Away, the Air Force Song, and Semper Paratus (the Coast Guard song).

Twelve club members played the event, and several others attended.  Banjo players were Paul Mack, Ardie Jarrett, Tom Brunetti, Garry Kerr, Betty David, and Chris Lardge.  Don Granberg played keyboard and also doubled on washboard for a few songs.  Jan Ruzicka played guitar, Slavka Ruzicka played autoharp, Doug Johnson played clarinet and John Greitzer played bass.  Kit Nelson sang several numbers.  Don, Chris, and Slavka also shared some of the vocal duties.  Other members in attendance were Bob Nelson and Mimi Johnson.

We are fortunate to have played at Stoneman Village every year for the past several years, and we certainly hope to be invited back again.

Kensington Walnut Creek

November 11, 2018

By Don Granberg
Photos by Bob Nelson

EBBC celebrated Veterans Day by playing at the Kensington Assisted Living Facility in Walnut Creek. The residents enjoyed our singing and playing. Our singers were Sheila Welt, Kit Nelson, Don Granberg and Red Higgins. Intros were played by Larry Risner and Betty David, and by Don Granberg on the piano. Doug Johnson helped carry the melody playing his saxophone, Terry Horner kept the beat with his magnificent gutbucket bass.  Don doubled on washboard.

Slavka and Jan Ruzicka treated us to the song “Tancuj Tancuj” with Slavka handling the vocals in Czech and Jan playing guitar. Ardie Jarrett did a good job of keeping the rhythm along with Dina Melamed (washboard) and Clyde Dedmon (guitar). It was nice to have Linda and Phil Myers playing along too. Also attending were Bernadette Granberg, Dianne Risner and Mimi Johnson.

Paul Mack did a wonderful job announcing and giving the history of each song. Our thanks go to Bob Nelson for taking pictures of the event (see below). Bob and Diane Malucelli did their usual great job of setting up the sound system. We closed the show with “When The Saints Go Marching In,” as Diane Malucelli and Sheila Welt marched around the room carrying umbrellas, even though there was no rain in sight. It was a great playout that went fast and very well. EBBC appreciates the chance to play at the Kensington and we hope return soon.

Atria Walnut Creek

October 26, 2018

By Paul Mack
Photos by Dianne Risner

We played a fun gig on Friday October 26 at Atria Walnut Creek. We were situated in the dining room, and although it was a tight fit, we made room for all 25 of us. Our group included Red Higgins, Sheila Welt, Ardie Jarrett, Doug Johnson, Paul Mack, Dina Melamed, Clyde Dedmon, Debbie Hodson, Karen Hefter, Don Granberg, Chris Lardge, Linda Myers, Phil Myers, Garry Kerr, Kit Nelson, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Rich Combs, Jan Ruzicka, Slavka Ruzicka, Tom Brunetti, Bob Ehrhorn, Betty David, Larry Risner and Guy Black.

It was very exciting to have both Karen and Betty performing with us again. In addition to their participation, the audience was looking forward to hearing their very own resident, longtime banjo club member Red Higgins.  She wowed the crowd when she sang “The Crawdad Song.” Toward the middle of the program Red and Kit performed “Bill Bailey” and had the crowd singing and clapping along. Later on Bob Ehrhorn and Red did a wonderful job with “ Darktown Strutter’s Ball.”

We ended with Sheila and Debbie parading through the audience while Don sang our traditional closing number, “When The Saints Go Marching In.” As we were packing up afterwards, a number of people told us how much they enjoyed the show. As the staff was busy getting the room ready for dinner, I looked at the menu and the entrees were Grilled Chicken, Lamb Chop or Salmon Piccata. Yum, yum.

Reutlinger Community Center

Aug 22, 2018

By: Bud Pearce

Photos: Bob Nelson

The EBBC strummers experiences a warm and joyful reception from the large and enthusiastic residents of the Reutlinger Community Center. The residents reacted very positively from start to finish. Plenty of singing and dancing in the crowd.

EBBC performers included: Rich Combs, Kit Nelson, Chris Lardge, Don Granberg, Bud Pearce, Doug Johnson, Bob Ehrhorn, Linda Myers, Phil Myers, Dina Melamed, Clyde Dedmon, Paul Mack, Terry Horner, Bob Malucelli, Diane Malucelli, Slavka Ruzicka, and Jan Ruzicka. Bob Nelson helped out with the photography.

 

 

St. John Vianney Church

July 27, 2018

By Paul Mack

On Friday July 24, 2018 the East Bay Banjo Club performed at St. John Vianney Church in Walnut Creek for their Senior Social Luncheon. We were in the beautiful Monsignor William J. Mullen Commons. The church is named after St. John Vianney (1786-1859) who is the patron saint of parish priests. Bud Pearce was the patron saint of this playout as he was the musical director, master of ceremonies and set up the sound system!

We had eighteen musicians and singers: Kit Nelson, Ardie Jarrett, Paul Mack, Slavka Ruzicka, Jan Ruzicka, Clyde Dedmon, Dina Melamed, Rich Combs, Don Granberg, Bud Pearce, Chris Lardge, Bob Ehrhorn, Red Higgins, Tom Brunetti, Doug Johnson, Larry Risner, Garry Kerr and Terry Horner.

Just before we started, it was announced that a member of the audience was celebrating her 90th birthday.  We played and sang “Happy Birthday” to honor her.  As lunch was being served we began our program with Bob singing “San Francisco Bay Blues”. We also performed two instrumentals: “Missouri Waltz” and “Darkness on the Delta.” As we continued our playing more and more people were singing along, and several people were dancing in the aisles. We took a short break while the church announcer told a funny story involving his driving, his wife and a cop who pulled him over. We played a few more songs and Kit sang “Happy Days Are Here Again” as our closing number. After the show we were graciously offered lunch, which we all enjoyed.

Fortunately, this event was video taped by Adrian D’Souza of St. John Vianney Church. Thanks Adrian! Click here to view!

Stoneman Village

July 3, 2018

By Don Granberg

Photos by John Greitzer

WOW!  Another great playout, this one at Stoneman Village Senior Living in Pittsburg.  We all arrived early and got our seating arrangement from Karen Hefter, who did a wonderful job as music director for the gig.  As usual, Paul Mack gave great background and historical information about each song we sang and played.  Our singers — Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, Sheila Welt, Bob Erhorn, Don Granberg, Chris Lardge, Bob Malucelli and Slavka Ruzicka –did a great job and earned loud applause.  Don, on his washboard, thrilled the crowd.

 

Jan Ruzicka played the guitar intro to the great song “Tancuj” from his homeland, Czechoslavkia, and his wife Slavka  sang.  The audience enjoyed it and clapped along.  Other club members at the playout were Tom Brunetti, Diane Malucelli, Ardie Jarrett, Phil and Linda Myers, John Greitzer and our great bass player Guy Black.

 

Our audience sang along with us on many of the songs.  Karen Hefter was about to end the concert as our hour was up, when a woman in the audience yelled out “play God Bless America.”  We did so, bringing the joyful afternoon to a stirring end.  Thanks to Karen for a great job directing, thanks to Bob Malucelli for being responsible for the sound equipment, and thanks also for the help from other club members in setting things up.

 

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Orinda 4th of July Parade

July 4, 2018

By:  Bud Pearce
Photos by:  Bud Pearce

Well, it was yet another fantastic experience to perform at the Orinda 4th of July Parade! The weather was great! The crowd was enthusiastic! The sound system worked better than ever!

We arrived early only to find out, after waiting for some time, that we were in the wrong parking lot! However, we quickly recovered from this setback by decorating the float in record time with everyone pitching in to make it happen. A special thanks to Paul Mack for providing us with coffee and doughnuts while we waited for the float. Also, a big shout out to our excellent sound man, Bob Malucelli, while, under enormous time pressure, was able to make our sound equipment work flawlessly. As a result, the crowd reacted more enthusiastically to our performance and we were able to stay together! As an added bonus, we were able to project the vocal talents of Slavka Ruzicka singing “Tancuj Tancuj Vykrucaj” and “Beer Barrel Polka” in her native Czech costume. These songs paid homage to the Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation who sponsored our trip to the Czech Republic in 2005.

Performing on the float this year were; Karen Hefter, Terry Horner, Don Granberg, Paul Mack, Bob and Diane Malucelli, Phil and Linda Myers, Bud Pearce, and Jon and Slavka Ruzicka. Usually one of the most fun events of the year, and this year was no exception!

 

 

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