Banjo playing – Shades of Humboldt. Orleans, California. Date unknown. Image provided by California State Library.
Overview
Titled after a masterful performance by Samuel Lewis, this talk will delve into the history of the banjo, the lives of working musicians in the West, and musical identities of the Mountain West. Join percussionist and anthropologist Dr. Jelani Mahiri, composer and conductor Dr. Erik Funk, and two-time New Mexico old-time banjo state champion, Sally O'Neill—whom will lead us in conversation and invite the community to an acoustic jam session. We invite you to bring your acoustic instruments!
Event details
- 6:30PM – Doors open
- 7:00PM – Speakers take the stage and event starts
- 8:30PM – In Conversation ends
- 8:40–9:30PM – Open community jam!
About the Speakers
Jelani Mahiri
Eric Funk
Sally O'Neill
In Conversation
Tinworks Art: In Conversation brings together artists, writers, scientists, and creative thinkers from various fields to discuss the topics of our time. For the third year in a row, through March, April and May, Tinworks will convene thought leaders from the region and beyond in consideration of Tinworks’ 2026 exhibition Chisel & Razor: The Artistic Legacies of Edmonia & Samuel Lewis.
Tinworks Art: In Conversation are ticketed evening events, open to the public, presented by Tinworks at Rialto, in the historic Rialto theater in downtown Bozeman. Doors at 6:30pm, event at 7pm.
