Ryan Beard

Once again you voted and another great choice. A very talented young oldtime banjo picker whom I've had the pleasure of picking a little bit with recently. He plays banjo in the oldtime style - my personal favorite - being an oldtime fiddler. I think it's wonderful that we have a growing group of young musicians coming on that will pick up and carry the torch on into the future. Ryan is certainly one of those rare oldtime enthusiasts that will carry on our legacy. It gives me great pleasure to introduce our Picker of the Month - Mr. Ryan Beard.

When did you first become interested in oldtime music? After "O Brother Where Art Thou" was released. The first time I became interested in the banjo especially was on a mission trip in Romania. An American missionary was playing his banjo at a free clinic in a village there. That was the first time I messed with a banjo.

How long have you been playing old time music: Since I was 14, so for 7 years.

What are your musical influences: Grandpa Jones, Uncle Dave Macon, Stringbean, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Don Reno and Red Smiley

Does anyone in your family play music: My brother mainly plays rock music, but we play old time almost every time we get together. He plays the guitar and the mandolin.

What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life: When I was 16, I started playing with the Turkey Creek Bluegrass band from Savannah, TN. I played with them for almost a year. We played in West TN and North MS the most. My favorite show was when we played at the Dixie in Huntington.

What else do you do besides play music: I visit with friends and piddle around the house and in the garden.

What makes this kind of music "good" to you: The variation of instruments and rhythm driven songs are more appealing than a guitar and drum based music. The focus on playing the instrument well instead of loud is good to me too.

Why did you choose to play this kind of music: Because it's fun, but it's also a music best enjoyed live and in the person.

YOUTUBE