Hello from a Canadian in Ireland learning the banjo!

[mitch.harasym]

Hey everyone! I’ve been learning the banjo for a little under 2 years now and it’s possibly the best hobby I’ve ever had. Rented one for a few months back in April 2021 to make sure it wasn’t a phase, and after playing for a few hours every day I knew it wasn’t something temporary. Eventually got an RK-R35 and I’m in love with it! I think I’m getting to be half decent now, at least good enough that I likely need some structure and feedback to improve more, which is why I’m here! I also have been trying and failing to find people to jam bluegrass with here in Cork, so if anyone happens to be around here and wants to have a sloppy attempt at a jam let me know! I do have a wonderful group of friends to jam with, but none are a fan of bluegrass, though I can’t imagine why.

Anyway, I’d like to try to be active here so I thought I’d get this first post under my belt to get started. So… hello!

[Mark_Rocka]

Hey Mitch! Welcome to the board! That RK-R35 is a great banjo! I’ve only played one once, but it was obvious that it was well worth the money from the first string picked.

We have a regular on the board, @Archie, that lives in Scotland, so he may or may not be close to you. Sadly, he recently had surgery and says he’s going to have to give up playing, but he’s a wealth of bluegrass knowledge. Once he’s back here, maybe he can help find you a jam to attend.

Looking forward to seeing videos of your playing. Practicing every day for a few hours for nearly 2 years, I bet you’re more than just “half decent.”

[rspillers]

Welcome, @mitch.harasym. I have an RK-35 as well. Good banjo for the price point.

[JohnnyD]

Welcome Mitch! Mark gave a good suggestion. Have you looked at The Bluegrass Ireland Blog
OR
Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Ireland - Bluegrass Today
?

[Mike_R]

Welcome Mitch!

[mitch.harasym]

Thanks Mark! I’d love to get in touch with Archie. I’m sad to hear he’ll have to give up playing, but I’m happy to talk to someone with similar interests over here!

I’ll post a video at some point of my playing, though I’m a bit nervous about it. So many talented banjo players here! I’m thinking I might go through the checklist on here for beginner and intermediate and maybe post videos of things I’m struggling with to get some help. Just figuring out we’re to start here

Thanks Johnny! I actually keep an eye on that blog once in a while. It’s nice to read but there’s not often things happening near me. As for that festival I’m pretty keen to go to that one this year! And possibly the Westport one as well, it looks fantastic!

Thanks for all the welcomes everyone!

[Severin]

Hi from Switzerland, welcome!

[JohnM]

Hello Mitch, welcome onboard!