We are a group of people dedicated to playing and promoting “happy” music on the banjo. We have existed for over 50 years!
We have performed at many senior centers, parades, private parties, music festivals, luncheons, crab feeds, picnics, and shopping centers.
The club is comprised of and accepts anyone from beginners to professional banjo players.
See the log of our events below
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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
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
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!
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.
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!
May 15, 2016
By: Sheila Welt
Photos by: Bob Nelson
The Lion’s Gate Hotel in Sacramento was a beautiful venue, and the parking was easy. The drive from Concord was approx. 80 miles.
We played from 1:40pm until 2:10pm.
Banjo Players included: Tom Brunetti, Rich Combs, Jack Convery, Betty David, Bob Ehrhorn, Barbara Findley, Karen Hefter, Red Higgins, Deb Hobson, Ardie Jarrett, Trent Jones, Bob Malucelli, Linda Myers, Phil Myers, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, Larry Risner, Jan Ruzicka, Slavka Ruzicka, Jack Starr, Marilyn Starr, and Sheila Welt.
Bass: Guy Black
Vocalists: Bob Ehrhorn, Red Higgins, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, and Sheila Welt
The audience seemed to enjoy our presentation and responded with much clapping.
The vendors were well represented and had a lot of goodies for us to purchase. It appeared that some of them were doing a very brisk business.
It was a good play out and great fun!
January 31, 2016
By: Bud Pearce
Photos by: Bob Nelson
Marilyn Young
Aug 17, 1936 – Nov 8, 2015
Several East Bay Banjo players were privileged to perform at Marilyn Young’s memorial service on January 31, 2016. The service was to celebrate the life of Marilyn Young, who was a long time member of the East Bay Banjo Club, and held many offices such as President and Booking Agent during her time with the club. Family members and friends related how Marilyn was a sweet and caring person in story after story. It was clear from these stories that Marilyn loved the banjo and being part of the club. East Bay Banjo members who remember Marilyn could have also told many stories of her sweet disposition and caring attitude.
EBBC Performers led by Jack Convery
January 11, 2016
By: John Greitzer
The East Bay Banjo Club lost two four string banjo legends and members over the holiday season. Harry Higgins passed away on December 23rd at age 81 and Georgette Twain died on January 4th at age 90. The banjo community lost two of its long-time leading lights with their passing.
Harry Higgins
“Legendary” would be an understatement in describing Harry Higgins. From his 17 years leading the Dixieland-style band at the original Red Garter in San Francisco, and band leading at Kezar and Candlestick parks for the San Francisco 49ers and Giants, to his more recent years with the East Bay Banjo Club and playing at Peet’s Coffee in Walnut Creek, Harry left his mark on countless delighted audiences over the decades. He reflected recently on how lucky he was to have been the bandleader at the Red Garter. “I just fell into it,” he said. “I was able to earn a living with it. I was really lucky.” Of course, it was his immense talent as much as luck that brought him that long stint as Red Garter bandleader. Harry was elected in 2008 to the National Four-String Banjo Hall Of Fame.
As a recent active member of the East Bay Banjo Club, he was well-loved both by long-time EBBC members and by newer ones as well. Even some of our most recent members have stories about how Harry helped them with banjo-playing tips, showed them how to replace a banjo head, or talked about chord-melody theory with them. For Harry, the club was a family affair. He would lead the club in songs sung by his wife of over 60 years Elinor, known as “Red” to EBBC members. But by far, his greatest delight was mentoring his granddaughter, Danielle, playing the banjo next to him, and encouraging her to sing many of the songs he loved. We are all certain that when Harry left us, he was hopeful that Danielle will continue his legacy in the world of the classic plectrum banjos.
Georgette Twain
The “Queen of the Banjo” and a lifetime member of the EBBC, Georgette Twain was a leading four-stringer since the early 1960s and continued touring the country until her recent illness. In recent years she performed with her daughter Cecilia, an accomplished violinist. Though Georgette moved to Nevada years ago, some of our long-time EBBC members still corresponded and visited with her up to the time of her death.
Her father encouraged her take up the banjo when her singing career was ruined by polio. She was a student and prodigy of Eddie Peabody, and became widely admired for her incredible technique and showmanship. Georgette was named to the Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame in 2007.
Her influence on the EBBC goes back many years when she taught many club members how to play the banjo. In fact our current Music Director, Betty David, and our newly elected President, Jack Starr, both took lessons from Georgette in their early playing days.
EBBC will miss both Harry and Georgette. We wish their families well.
May 26, 2014
By: Bud Pearce
Photos by: Bob Nelson
The East Bay banjo strummers helped the seniors at Kensington Senior Living Center celebrate Memorial Day 2014. The performance got off to a somewhat rocky start, due to a problem with the audio system. With only one speaker working and no way to increase the volume, the audience could not hear Betty David’s opening remarks. The first songs were a salute to all branches of the Armed Forces (Marines, Navy, Army, Coast Guard, and Air Force), but we relied heavily on Kit being able to start each vocally. Again, the audio system caused less than desirable results. We must correct these problems if we expect our audiences to enjoy our performances.
Some excitement occurred during the performance when the EMT’s arrived along with an ambulance to take care of a medical emergency somewhere in the facility. Fortunately, most of the audience was unaware of the happenings, as their backs were turned to the facility entrance.
Despite the problems, the East Bay performers did their best to provide a fine memorial day celebration. Performers included Betty David, leader, Kit Nelson, Bud Pearce, Karen Hefter, Chris Lardge, Dina Melamed, Guy Black, Sheila Welt, Don Granberg, Herb Moore, and Ardie Jarrett.
February 6, 2014
By: Bud Pearce
Photos By: Phil & Linda Myers
All aboard for the Snow Train 2014! Several East Bay strummers boarded the train early Tuesday morning, February 4, bound for Reno, Nevada. The train made several stops along its journey from Oakland to Reno. Most passengers boarded in Martinez, but players also boarded in Emeryville and Sacramento, including Dick Martin, who rode a train from Oregon to Sacramento to join Jack Convery as a banjo “headliner”.
Fetze Pijlman playing tenor banjo
The event took on an international flair this year with the addition of Mr. Fetze Pijlman from Hilversum, Holland. Mr. Piljman, who organizes the Holland Jazz Banjo Festival (www.Jazzbanjo.nl), enjoyed playing traditional jazz on his tenor banjo while seeing the sights the High Sierra Mountains offer in the winter. There were some preliminary discussions about some American banjo players journeying to Holland to participate in the Holland Jazz Banjo Festival in the future. Jack was very excited about that possibility, which reminded us of our trip to the Czech Republic in 2005. Don’t be surprised if some East Bay strummers are performing in Europe in 2015!
As is customary, we played many traditional jazz tunes while riding the train to Reno. Kit Nelson sang using the sound system provided by Jack, and many of those riding in the car sang along using song books provided by Jack. We were also accompanied by a keyboard player, who managed to set up his keyboard between the seats and allowed just enough room for people to pass by in the aisle. The conductor, trying to avoid being a killjoy, held back his admonishments and looked the other way during his strolls through the train car. We arrived on schedule in Reno. After checking into our rooms, we were on our own to eat, gamble, or see a show. Some even jammed a little in their rooms!
The next day, everyone gathered in the Hobby Horse Room to practice some tunes that we were going to play that night in the Sapphire Lounge in Harrah’s. During the practice session, every player was given the opportunity to select a song to be played on stage. It was a huge thrill to play with talented people outside the EBBC.
Jack, Kit, Bud, Dick, and Ana on stage
Our appearance on the stage at the Sapphire Lounge was fun, even though a little cramped. The audience, comprised mostly of folks from our train car ride up to Reno, enthusiastically sang and danced to the music we created in the lounge. Frankly, the crowds in the casino were extremely sparse, so we could have easily attracted more people into the lounge, had business been better in Reno. While on stage, we were all informed that the train would arrive late the next morning. We were all advised to dial Amtrak directly to avoid missing its arrival. Some thought it was actually good news, since it meant we could sleep late the next day, and Harrah’s was willing to extend us all a late checkout.
Jack Convery leads practice session
The next morning, Jack awoke each of us with a phone call that informed us of a bus that would leave in lieu of the 8:30 departure of the train. Apparently, the train was going to be close to five hours late due to a problem with a freight train blocking the tracks. Most people opted for the bus, which took us to Sacramento. From there, we were able to catch a train back to the Bay Area, stopping at all stops covered on the original trip to Reno. All is well that ends well! The train from Sacramento arrived at the East Bay stops before our original train schedule dictated we were to arrive.