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Ricky, The Banjo, and Me

From: Blunt Youth Radio Project
Length: 00:04:09

David Barber-Callaghan grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, listening to his parents and their friends play old-time music on sticky summer nights. These days David is a reporter with the Blunt Youth Radio Project in Portland, Maine. And while there's plenty of live music in Portland, he still misses those cozy bluegrass jams. Read the full description.
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Piece Description

David Barber-Callaghan grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, listening to his parents and their friends play old-time music on sticky summer nights. These days David is a reporter with the Blunt Youth Radio Project in Portland, Maine. And while there's plenty of live music in Portland, he still misses those cozy bluegrass jams.

4 Comments Atom Feed

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Review of Ricky, The Banjo, and Me

Great piece! I'm always happy to find stories from the great state of Alabama.

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Review of Surrounded by Music

This piece is very personal but because of the connection with music it's very relatable to the audience, almost everyone has distinct memories that are linked to music. Listening to this piece brings me back to my first experiences with music and how I felt as a child when listening to my favorite songs. Your piece has a strong visual undertone to it that I think is due in part to your narration and writing. I could be stereotyping but while listening to your piece I envisioned rural America and the music store being completely furnished with wood! lol you know wood floors, a wood counter, and guitars on the wall. This was a great piece good luck with future projects.

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Review of Surrounded by Music

I remember always seeing those VH1 commercials to "save the music," but I didn't really take them seriously. But after hearing your piece, I realized why it is so important to surround yourself with it.Your piece brilliantly emphasizes the fact that music brings people together and that it is way of passing on from older generations to younger generations. What makes this piece so excellent is that your own personal experiences with your fake-adopted granfather are sprinkled throughout.I myself am actually trying to learn to play the guitar. When I need inspiration and encouragment, I'll think of this story!!!

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Broadcast History

This story originally aired on WMPG's Blunt Youth Radio Project in a show about music and identity.

Related Website

http://bluntradio.org