Sorry - I haven't time to chase news...
..but you send it and I'll post it, if it is of general interest! 

British News (space to spare... for free...)

Bill Hyde - Banjo Player Ian Reynolds has reported that a good, mutal friend Bill Hyde, well-known and respected banjo picker in the North West of England, died in the evening of 27th April. A heart attack is suspected. You can read about Bill and see photos here and here Other articles refering to Bill, most with photos: Article 1 | # 2 | # 3 | # 4 | # 5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 | #11 | #12 | Apparently a Bluegrass Wake is to be held early in June - we await details from Ian.

Banjos in Morecambe

Richard Turner richard@Xprom-music.co.uk (but delete the X) writes:

"Promenade Music in Morecambe, Lancs, now have 24 brand new Deering Banjos in. Goodtime, Deering and Vega. They're all out on display and are ready to play. The pictures on our website are the actual banjo's themselves, not just "stock" photos...

This link should take you straight the page: http://www.promenademusic.co.uk/catalogue.asp?deptid=26&catid=84

Banjo Speed Record

January 31st 2007 Todd Taylor from Palm Bay Florida set a new world record for worlds fastest banjo player, playing 'dueling banjos' (as directrd by Guinness World Records) at a speed of 210 beats per minute.

On September 15th 2007 that record was broken by a Brit!

Johnny Butten set a New Guinness World Record just 8 months after it had been set by Todd Taylor. Playing dueling banjos as required by GWR, Johnny astounded an audience of over 700 people at the 4th Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Newquay, UK when he broke Todd Taylors record, playing the tune at 260 beats per minute....some 50 beats per minute faster than Todd Taylor.

The picking was fast and furious but very clean.

Playing his Kel Kroydon banjo from americanmadebanjo.com, Johnny started off slow and steady before launching into an unprecedented flurry of notes, leaving the crowd shouting and whsitling in approval.

For more information about Johnny Butten please take a moment to view the video and links below.

YouTube Video | Jonny Butten's Website