Autobiography

I have dedicated my life to history, preservation and education. I have over 22 years of experience at historic sites including: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Stratford Hall, Old Fort Jackson, and Lanternman’s Mill. In that time I learned various trades, such as blacksmithing, woodworking, sewing, horse riding, brick work and management of non profit sites and National Historic Landmarks.

I received my degree in Early American History from Youngstown State University (Go Penguins!) During my time in college, people began asking me to play at their weddings and events. Then people started asking me do you have any recordings? Upon graduation, I began to work in movies, TV and documentaries as a performer and music consultant. And the rest they say is….history!

My parents always encouraged my musical interests as a child, but I never seemed to find that one instrument that suited me. It wasn’t until 1986 that my true calling came to be, though it was a “bitter sweet” pill. That was the year I lost my Great-Grandmother (born in the 1800s). While we were cleaning the house, we found a banjo in the attic. My Grandmother threw it in the trash. My father saw it and saved it from its fate. I remembering him telling me “you don’t throw something like that out”. It was dirty, black as coal and in pieces. My father brought it home and put it on the shelf in the basement. I remember looking at it many times and thinking what a wonderful it must be. It was a shame that years of neglect had silenced this fine instrument. I asked my father if I could get it fixed.

This is where my story truly began. My father’s one simple act changed my life forever. Thanks Dad!