Tony Trischka

About the Artist

In presenting his ever-changing Americana-flavored performances, banjoist Tony Trischka draws on his 33 year career to create a masterful mix of bluegrass, jazz, old time, popular, classical, Celtic, and original music.

Though often thought of as a one-trick-pony, the banjo, in Tony’s hands, becomes a vehicle of kaleidoscopic expression. Of course, there are the searingly virtuosic, rapid-fire bluegrass instrumentals to ignite any audience. In addition, though, there are more poignant pieces (many of them original compositions) that plumb deeper emotional depths.

-A Beatles medley becomes a sing-along.
-A classical medley features the three Bs and a G—Bach, Beethoven, Bartok, and “Greensleeves”. Via Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, the B’s blend into a segment of Pete Seeger tunes.
-Tony honors the late bluegrass/old time icon, John Hartford, with several offerings, including “Steam Powered AereoPlane” and the classic “Hey Babe Ya Wanna Boogie”
-Two hard-driving Irish groupings—one original, the other, hundreds of years old--represent the finest in retro-nouveau Celtic.
- Humorous readings dapple the performance.

Throughout the evening, Tony’s wit and warmth envelop the proceedings in a spirit of friendly exploration and entertainment.