Sep 19
spotlight: Winfield National Banjo Competition Winners
L-R Jason Ericsson (2nd), Mike Sumner (1st), Brett Martin (3rd)Mike Sumner, a thirty-eight year old IT Systems Manager from Interlochen, MI took first place in the National Bluegrass Banjo Contest. This was Mike’s third time to enter the contest having placed second in 2000 and first in 2001. Mike said, “I set a goal of returning and winning this contest for a second time.” His dad, who also plays, gave him a starter banjo when he was 8-years old and he was hooked on the instrument. Sumner said, “It’s kind of neat to play music with your father.”
Mike recently recorded his first CD “Winds of Winfield.” Assisting him on this CD are a few well known artists like Cody Kilby on guitar, Andy Leftwich on mandolin and fiddle, Bryn Davies on bass, and Randy Kohrs on dobro. Sumner played the title cut in the finals to secure a first place finish in the contest. For his efforts he chose an Ome Megatone Bluegrass Banjo by Ome Banjos of Boulder, CO.
Placing second in this competition was a thirty-six year old welder from Natrona Heights, PA. Jason Ericsson came for the first time in 2002 and made the cut to the top five that year. He returned this year and not only did he make the cut to the top five, he took home the 2nd place trophy and a Deering Calico Banjo by Deering Banjo Company of Spring Valley, CA. Jason says he has been playing the banjo for 28 years and comes to the Festival to enter the competition and to “hang out with all the great Parkin Lot Pickers.”
Brett Martin of Auburn, AL placed in the top five in this contest last year. This year he won the 3rd place trophy and a Deering Black Diamond Banjo by the Deering Banjo Company of Spring Valley, CA. He has been playing the banjo for the past 35 years and he also got his first banjo from his dad. Brett plays in a band entitled “Blue 32″ a bluegrass band out of Auburn, AL.
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