The USCB Center for the Arts is thrilled to welcome Boy Named Banjo, one of Nashville’s most exciting genre-bending bands, for a live performance that fuses bluegrass soul with rock-and-roll swagger. Their upcoming show promises a fresh blend of folk, bluegrass, rock, and country —all delivered with the heart and harmony that define their sound.
Bonnie Hargrove, executive director of the CFA, had been looking to expand her audience – and maybe tap into a new demographic – when her brother told her about Boy Named Banjo.
“He had seen them at the Savannah Music Festival and just been blown away,” says Hargrove, who started listening to the band on her brother’s recommendation and was immediately hooked, too.
“I knew I had to get them for the CFA,” she says. “They just
Boy Named Banjo, photo by Peyton Hoge
have such broad appeal. I’ve never heard anything like this band.”
Boy Named Banjo has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past few years, from Tennessee porches to stages across the country. They’ve played iconic venues and festivals like Ryman Auditorium, Bonnaroo, Stagecoach, Austin City Limits, Grand Ole Opry, and AmericanaFest—and now they’re headed to Beaufort as part of the Center for the Arts Touring Artists Series.
Launched while two members, Barton Davies and William Reames, were still in high school, Boy Named Banjo got its start busking on the streets of Nashville, where a passing tourist inadvertently named the group by yelling, “Play that banjo, boy!” as Davies picked outside Robert’s Western World. Performing initially as a trio with fellow classmate Willard Logan on mandolin, the group began life as an old-school string band, but their sound quickly evolved into something more adventurous with the addition of bassist Ford Garrard and drummer Sam McCullough.
After high school, Barton and Davies went to college together at Sewanee, where Beaufort’s John and Bonnie McCardell got to know them.
Boy Named Banjo
“It’s a small place, and they were minor celebrities, even then,” says John, who was president of Sewanee at the time, and retired here with his wife a few years ago. “We’ve heard them play many times, but not since they left Sewanee, back in 2016. Because they were students themselves – and so talented – they amassed a large student following while they were there.”
The McCardells were delighted when they saw the group’s name on this year’s CFA schedule and look forward to seeing them – and hearing – them again. They describe the band’s music as, “not quite bluegrass, not quite folk – they have their own sound.”
Come experience Boy Named Banjo live in Beaufort Friday, May 30 at 7:30pm. It promises to be a night of foot-stomping music that’s good for the soul.
Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors and military, and $20 for students.
Get your tickets today at www.uscbcenterforthearts.com before they’re gone!
