For the past year the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame Museum -currently located in Guthrie, Oklahoma and presenter of the Guthrie Jazz Banjo Festival, has been searching for a new home in which to share its incredible collections with banjo enthusiasts and the general public alike.
After a long search with careful consideration being given to all aspects of the Museum's long term success and financial stability, on November 10th, 2007 the Museum's Board of Directors approved the purchase of an 18,000 square foot historical building located in the Bricktown arts and entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City. In addition to local sources of funding for this project, Jack Canine made a major gift to the Museum which will allow a two million dollar renovation project to begin in early 2008.
As the planning and execution of this renovation and relocation will place the current Museum facility and staff in a state of transition during the upcoming year, the Board has decided not to present the Guthrie Jazz Banjo Festival in 2008. Once the Museum is settled into its new home, please watch for a new and exciting banjo festival in Oklahoma City beginning in 2009. Induction ceremonies for the 2008 National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame inductees will take place during the weekend of April 25th & 26 when Buddy Wachter will be the guest soloist with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra.
As we progress into this exciting new endeavor, the Museum's Board of Directors would like to thank...*Festival founder, Brady Hunt...Local volunteers and supporters (notably Don Coffin, Susie Williams, Lester Cowden and Margie Boatright)...Hundreds of banjo players and enthusiasts from around the world, and...The people of Guthrie...
All who have all made the Guthrie Jazz Banjo Festival a wonderful event for the past 16 years.
Thanks again and plan on joining us in 2009 in Oklahoma City.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
