March 9, 2009 - Stanley 's banjo on display at Backyard Music
Ralph Stanley's gold plated banjo is now on display at Backyard Music in Blairsville, Georgia. Backyard Music owner Don Steele says, "The banjo was acquired by a Union County resident and is here on loan through the end of March. It is a beautiful instrument made from curly maple with gold plating and mother-of-pearl inlays."
The banjo was presented to Dr. Ralph Stanley in honor of the 60 th Anniversary of Bluegrass Music. Stanley spent the first two decades of his career as the younger half of the Stanley Brothers, one of the most popular bluegrass acts of all time. After brother Carter's death in 1966, Ralph launched Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, currently considered one of the giants of bluegrass music.
Ralph Stanley's work was featured in the 2000 film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" With that song, Stanley won a 2002 Grammy Award. Stanley has won numerous other awards including the National Medal of Arts. (Former members of the Clinch Mountain Boys include Keith Whitley and Ricky Skaggs.)
Lots of exciting things are to be found at Backyard Music including the "famous banjo" display, a large collection of working antique radios (most are for sale), and a variety of Martin collectable cowboy guitars. Backyard Music also offers private music lessons. Fifty-four students are currently taking guitar, bass guitar, mountain dulcimer, ukulele, banjo, and violin lessons. Student of the Month for March is United Community Bank employee Kenny Fair. Congratulations Kenny!
Sue Steele adds, "Don loves to teach music. He is patient, knowledgeable, and personable. Don keeps younger students occupied while they are learning. They have a great time with him." Lessons are available for folks of any age from four to ninety-four. Students are accepted at any skill level.
February 8, 2008 - Backyard Music hosts Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
Backyard Music recently hosted a Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. Friends, members of the business community, and chamber ambassadors gathered to find out more about the business. Everyone enjoyed live music, friendly networking, and meeting Backyard Music owners, Don and Sue Steele.
Backyard Music offers musical instruments, supplies, and gifts. Owner Don Steele, an accomplished musician, also gives lessons and does minor repairs on stringed instruments. Don says, "Music has always been a big part of our lives. We're living the dream. We feel like we're on vacation all the time. What could be better than having your own music store in the North Georgia Mountains ? We are very blessed."
Backyard Music stocks a wide variety of folk and acoustic instruments plus electric guitars and amplifiers. The store is full of violins, ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, dulcimers, auto harps, harmonicas, lap harps, bass guitars, strings, straps, picks, accessories, and instruction books.
Micah Thomas has been taking lessons from Don Steele for two months. He says, "Taking music lessons is one of the best things you can do. Whether learning guitar or ukulele, Don is a great teacher."
Sue Steele adds, "Don loves to teach music. He is patient, knowledgeable, and personable. Don keeps younger students occupied while they are learning. They have a great time with him." Lessons are available for folks of any age from four to ninety-four. Students are accepted at any skill level.
Backyard Music is quickly becoming a local "hang-out" for musicians and music lovers. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a visit.
