Craig Evans' Autism Project

At this time we would like to shamelessly promote a CD with a great special interest. Craig Evans, one of our customers and friends, has put out a new CD, Frailin' with Friends. Singleton Street together with some other talented musicians have taken a special interest in children with autism and their families. Proceeds from this wonderful CD go to benefit autism hangout, a forum designed to help and encourage those living with this challenge. The happy music is healing ministry in itself!

Read more about Craig's project here and consider investing in this cause, and get a great CD.

Goodbye, James Reed

We were saddened to receive the recent news that our good friend and gifted musician, James Reed, passed in an auto accident. Our family has known James for about 10 years. Our son Nate received his first mandolin lessons from him. James taught several of our children, and me as well, over the years. He was also a gracious and generous Chuck Lee Banjo owner. Additionally, he was a favorite shop visitor of Chuck's and a generous man--as evidenced by his buying expensive popcorn from our boyscout!

Here are links to his band, the Rainey Creek Ramblers, and a memorial from his work buddies at the VA, as well as his obituary.

Bonnie Lee, High School Graduate

We are Proud!

Bonnie is graduating from our home school this month with 38 concurrent college credits behind her. This is due to our state's program which allows High School students to attend college for credit while completing requirements.

She is heading for South Plains College this fall (where big brother Nate Lee has been studying). She expects to spend lots of time in the art department, but hopefully she'll get to know some of the excellent music teachers there as well.

In these photos she is shown holding her Chuck Lee tenor banjo and playing some fiddle, which was her first instrument.

Fencing

Our #5 child, Johnny, just turned 14 yesterday. Here he is shown at his fencing class. (He's the one on the right). Johnny has also started a band; he's the lead electric guitar player. His guitar teacher says, "with a name like Johnny Lee, he's got to be good!" We think his teacher, Patrick DeZeeuw. of Harps of God, gets a lot of the credit.

Banjos and Recession

I have heard that traditionally during recessions and depressions, banjo playing surges. Perhaps people are staying home more, or in touch with something deep within them. Music can describe the highs and lows of life unlike anything else. We have been curious if this is the case today. Any thoughts? We do know that banjos are still selling! Our music stores still have their doors open, as do our suppliers! Even better, we spoke with the owner of one prominent store yesterday; he cheerfully reported a surge in shoppers and purchases during the last month. What great news! How about your part of the country?

Banjo Company Personnel

Our highly skilled and intelligent personnel are eagerly waiting to serve you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHUCK

Today is Chuck's 52nd birthday!

Happy Birthday, Chuck.

You are an amazing husband, dad, banjo builder and genius tinkerer.

With love from your family at home--

Tammy, Bonnie, Isaac, Johnny & Tate