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TRYON—Through December 10, bids are being accepted on a first-of-its-kind 2023 Giving Tuesday Banjo inspired by bluegrass sensation Kristen Scott Benson’s personal custom Golden Series Deering Banjo. 

Kristen is dedicated to bluegrass and Old-Time music education, and has chosen Tryon Fine Arts Center’s Pacolet Junior Appalachian (PacJAM) program as the recipient of funds raised during the auction.

“It’s a really good opportunity to get a banjo out of the deal and help a bunch of kids discover the music that we all love,” said Scott Benson. “So, if you want to give back, then how about giving the gift of music to the kids in the PacJAM program?”

The banjo is modeled after the Artisan Goodtime Two, and has been custom stained in Kristen’s favorite dark walnut color and personally signed. For the first time ever, this Artisan Goodtime model has a Speed Neck like the one on Kristen’s banjo. 

Bids can be made by visiting the Deering Banjo website, www.deeringbanjos.com, and searching the website for Kristen Scott Benson Giving Tuesday Charity Banjo.

PacJAM Director Julie Moore said that Kristen has been a great advocate of the Foothills music program that teaches more than 70 kids and 30 adults traditional and bluegrass music at Tryon Fine Arts Center. 

“Our program has grown exponentially over the last year and there’s always a need for additional funding when growing a program like PacJAM,” said Moore. “We are proud and honored that Kristen has chosen our program for this auction and it will help us tremendously as we sustain our program in 2024.”

Kristen Scott Benson is five-time International Bluegrass Association Banjo Player of the Year and the 2018 recipient of the Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Bluegrass and Banjo. Since 2008, she’s been a member of the GRAMMY nominated and two-time IMBA Entertainers of the Year, The Grascals and has distinguished herself as a top-tier banjo player in the music industry. 

For more information about the auction or to find out more about the PacJAM program at Tryon Fine Arts Center, visit tryonarts.org or call 828-859-8322.

 

Submitted by Terry Brown