HEADLINERS
 "Buddy
Wachter could bring an audience back from the dead".........................
Marvin Hamlish
Rarely has
the banjo world experienced such a unique individual and presence as
Buddy Wachter. When Buddy's name is brought up in banjo conversation,
terms like 'brilliant', 'complex', 'gifted' and 'passionate' are often
used. To anyone who has experienced this masterful artist, on or off
stage, these descriptions certainly require no explanation.
If you are
not familiar with the man or his work, be aware that Buddy Wachter is,
with little doubt, the single most influential four-string banjoist
of this generation. His knowledge and respect for banjoists and traditions
of the past, coupled with a love for anything genuine and musical have
resulted in a most extraordinary individual who is focused on propelling
the banjo into new and exciting venues in the music world. As with many
artists at his level, Buddy's approach to music, performance and education
is sometimes controversial and often misinterpreted by those who have
not had the opportunity to get to know him. Here, in a candid interview,
Buddy shares some life experiences and musical influences which provide
us with a clearer portrait of his development as a musician and a person.
 Baier
started playing the banjo at the age of 15 in 1971, and began his professional
career in Oshkosh, Wisconsin just two weeks after he picked up the banjo
for the first time. As an entertainer, Johnny developed a quick sense
of what audiences would respond to, and from that time on, made the
entertainment of his audience, the primary goal of his performances.
Baier relates, "You could be the best musician in the world, but
if the audience falls asleep during your show, you have not done your
job as an entertainer .A highlight in Johnny Baier's musical career
came in 1983 when he crossed the Canadian border, and was crowned the
Canadian National Champion Banjoist against some of the finest tenor,
plectrum and five-string banjo players in North America.He was then
asked to represent a division of the Sara Lee Corporation as a musical
goodwill ambassador. This gave him the opportunity to perform at trade
shows, fairs, parades and special events all over the USA. After three
years and 150,000 miles he decided to “settle down” in Orlando,
Florida. In 1988 he began performing at the world-famous Rosie O’Grady’s
at Church Street Station. Since that time Johnny has performed over
15,000 solo shows on cruise ships, at community and corporate events,
and as a featured guest artist at music festivals and concert venues
around the world.
It is clear
that his love for the banjo and the music it is capable of creating
has allowed Johnny to evolve into exactly what he wanted to become.....THE
BANJO MAN.
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