The East Bay Banjo Club was formed early in 1963 by ten "charter" members (Earl Collins, Stan Hendricks, Ward Hendricks, George Herman, Sig Lassen, Pete Meyers, Charles Posey, Jeanne Posey, Sidney Steele and Woody Underwood). Within a month five more individuals were added (Larry Collins, Mickey Landers, Alan Posey, Larry Risner and Carla Underwood) and a month later two others joined the group (Frank Helms and Jim Harvey). By 1965, membership had ballooned to 70 active members.

The Club continued to prosper and grow steadily. It reached its peak membership of 495 in 1971. It was believed to be the largest banjo band in the nation. Today, annual membership averages close to 30.

Vehicle-minded from the beginning, the Club, in 1964, obtained an old, red fire-truck that they used as a float. This vehicle, overflowing with banjo and tuba players, hauled behind it a large banner-sided, open trailer, also full of Club members. In 1968, the Club acquired an old, but serviceable, Reo truck frame and, through the gargantuan effort of many, designed and converted this into a 45 foot long, double-decked showboat they christened the "River Queen". It had a sound system, a motorized rear paddle wheel, an authentic "riverboat" whistle, a built-in unisex rest room and seating for about 70 musicians. The float won numerous awards in parades in the Bay Area and playing on the float was a popular club activity. Sadly, in 1998, the Club had to give the float away due to the inability of members to maintain the vehicle in parade-ready condition.

The East Bay Banjo Club is a non-profit corporation, receiving revenue from playouts, dues, sales of music books to members and cash prizes from parades. After expenses, surplus funds are donated annually to local charitable organizations. There is no level of playing skill that is required to be a member. However, it is hoped that enthusiasm will motivate each individual to become more proficient so as to beneficially contribute to the quality of the Club's sound.

A Board of Directors consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Music Director and one Member-at-Large. Board meetings are generally held monthly when required and all Club members are invited and encouraged to attend.

The Club is frequently asked to perform at various social affairs, parades, parties, charity functions and other events. The Club has performed at the Regional Center for the Performing Arts, and at the Concord Pavilion with the Diablo Symphony. The President handles all negotiations for playouts. In addition to playouts, the Club has an annual picnic and a Christmas Party.

The Club meets regularly at Round Table Pizza in Pleasant Hill at 1938 Oak Park Boulevard each Tuesday from 8 to 10 P.M.. The Music Director (Bill Cooper) is responsible for the arrangements and quality of the Club's music. The Music Director conducts the meetings, introduces the songs and sets the beat. The opening number is always the Club theme, the Banjo Pickers' Ball. This is followed by Bill Bailey. Then each member is invited in turn to select the next song. Occasionally, a soloist from within the group or a guest will be invited to perform. At 9 P.M., the President makes any desired announcements and a 15 minute-long break follows. The closing numbers are always When the Saints Go Marching In and the Banjo Pickers' Ball.

The Club does not endorse any specific music teacher nor does the Club teach banjo playing. However, some members take private lessons and, occasionally, the Club will host a group lesson conducted by a competent banjoist. A music book containing the 225 songs played by the Club is available at cost to members.

The Club welcomes visiting banjo players to sit in. In order to preserve the purity of the banjo club, other instruments are not permitted.

There are two types of membership, Regular and Honorary. Honorary membership has been bestowed upon famous banjo players who have visited the Club.

Above all, the concept of the Club is that it is a club, not a band and the primary focus of the group is to promote the banjo, improve playing skills and have fun in the process.

For further information, call (510) 928-0126. Or, visit our web site

The current members are:

Adams, Dan (President)	Horner, Terry
Appe, Leo	Kerr, Garry
Bernardino, Tony	Kinadeter, Fredy
Carter, Harold	Knox, Molly
Christopher, Sonja	Morgan, Arlyn
Cook, Chuck	Nelson, Kit
Cooper, Bill (Music Director)	Robinson, Emma
David, Betty (Vice-president)	Rossman, Ed
Dowling, Bill	Schleif, Al
Findlay, Barbara	Schleif, Shirley
Fogarty, Ken	Shaw, Bob
Granburg, Don (Librarian)	Stevens, Ed
Haines, Jack	Twain, Georgette
Haines, Joan	Veirs, Randy
Hicks, Mike	Walker, Dorothy
Hicks, Jack	Wheaton, Pat (Treasurer)
Hicks, Ophelia	Wilson, Alice
Horner, Chris	Winer, Rick
Young, Marilyn (Secretary)

Return to Peninsula Banjo Band Home Page