In this episode of banjo chat I sit down with Hannah Mayree — musician, cultural worker, and founder of the Black Banjo Reclamation Project. Hannah shares the origins of the project, born from a deep need and desire to reconnect Black communities with the banjo’s African roots and reclaim its history, sound, and spirit.

We talk about growing a healing community around the banjo, putting instruments in people's hands, and reshaping how we understand the banjo's place in American music and Black culture.

Hannah also reflects on her early days of train-hopping and hitchhiking across the country, discovering fellow travelers and banjo players along the way. We talk about the intersection of music, spirituality, and belonging, and how audience participation, songwriting, and collaboration shape her creative process in her own music.

This is one of the most enlightening conversations I’ve had about the banjo, excited to share with you!

To learn more:

https://www.blackbanjoreclamationproject.org/

In this episode, we dive into the making of Wes Corbett’s new album Drift. The inspirations behind the music, the collaborators who brought it to life, and insights into the recording process. We listen to a couple of my favorite tracks from the album!

We chat about musical influences like Car Talk, Earl Scruggs, and Béla Fleck, and reflect on his upbringing on the West Coast. He shares the subtle complexities of performing with the Sam Bush Band and offers a thoughtful look at his approach to the banjo and composition.

And of course, we settle the age-old debate: how do you pronounce “salmon”? (I have my own theories.) Plus, we test his knowledge on the life cycle of salmon—you might be surprised by what he knows.

www.wescorbett.bandcamp.com

www.wescorbett.com

www.hilaryhawkemusic.com

I’m super excited to present a special collaboration with Keith Billik from the Picky Fingers Podcast! Enjoy a special live episode of the “Dueling Banjos Podcasts” hosted by Hilary Hawke and Keith Billik at the Ashokan Center in Ashokan, NY!

Get the inside scoop on what’s happening in the lives of banjoists Maggie Shar, Scott Hopkins, BB Bowness, Hilary Hawke and Keith Billick. Stick around for the earth shattering banjo duel at the end of the episode.

Featuring the live audience of students at the Banjo Weekend 2024! Sound and recording by Connor Wenke.

BB’s New Album

https://bbbowness.bandcamp.com/album/goodtime-revival

Maggie Shar

https://www.maggieshar.com/

Scott Hopkins

https://scotthopkinsbanjo.com

Keith Billik

https://www.banjopodcast.com/meet-the-host/

Hilary Hawke's new album

https://hilaryhawke.bandcamp.com/album/lift-up-this-old-world-2