I had a sneaking suspicion in the back of my mind that such a thing as this would happen. But I never named it until now. I’ll call it the Steve Martin effect, because that great comedian/musician/actor was the catalyst – the one who helped turn in from theory to proven practicality, at least for me.

I had for some time suspected that if something helped raise the level of consciousness of something, be it banjos, badmitton, or batteries; then people will continue to respond appropriately, for a while at least. In the case of banjos (enter Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers onto the concert stage at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama a few weeks ago), this proved very true in that I, as one of the local banjo instructors, started getting emails. Folks started getting interested in lessons!

Now, if you know me, you’ll know that teaching banjos (and most any other fretted instrument for that matter) is an absolute labor of love for me! It’s one of those jobs I would do for free if I didn’t have to make a living.

So I was very glad to see the Steve Martin effect visit here in Huntsville. I am now totally and officially FULL. I’ve no more vacant slots for teaching banjo, mandolin, ukulele or whatever. Not unless I manage to free up another night or two, which is pretty unlikely.

So anyway, thanks, Steve, for visiting us down south in Alabam’y! I enjoyed your concert, and I continue to enjoy the further teaching opportunities you have left in your wake!