Mark Olitsky Master Banjo Workshop for Music on the Porches

Master Banjo Class with Mark Olitsky- known as The Banjo Wizard of Cleveland, Mark Olitsky first sought to learn Bluegrass Banjo and was told he should first learn Old Time Banjo from his friend, Peter Smakula who used to run Goose Acres Fold Music Store in Cleveland. Mark never went back to Bluegrass finding his muse in Old Time. Olitsky varies his playing to complement the Old Time fiddler while driving the rhythm. Sometimes you’ll hear him play high up the neck, and other times he’ll play a bassier accompaniment. You’ll hear a popping pulse, but you’ll also hear his virtuosic approach to melody, counter-melody and harmony. Join Mark as he answers your questions about old time banjo, explains and demonstrates his unique banjo style and goes through some of the basics you will need to play Old Time banjo. So bring your banjo and learn a tune or two from a Cleveland treasure.