Last month, we reported on the planned attempt for a Guinness Book record in the Largest Musical Ensemble with banjo players during an Atlanta Braves baseball game on September 13. The event is spearheaded by the folks at Banjo.com, and will take place at Turner Field prior to the 9/13 game, with nearly 150 pickers currently registered to take part.
We first talked with John Drummond at Banjo.com when he announced this event in July, and he was hopeful then that Earl Scruggs could attend and witness this attempt. It is being presented officially as A Tribute To Earl Scruggs, and the song they will perform in the record attempt will be Foggy Mountain Breakdown.
He indicated at the time that Scruggs had been invited, and it has now been confirmed that he will attend. Earl will be in the stadium September 13, and be recognized during the pre game show. The organizers will present him with a group photo and video of the actual attempt, and if successful, the record will bear the reference to him in its title.
Drummond is encouraging any interested participants to visit their web site for more details, or register online to join the attempt. 4 and 6 string banjo players are also welcome to register, as are less skilled players who may only be able to vamp along, but each participant must be able to demonstrate an ability to play Foggy Mountain Breakdown proficiently in order to be counted in the official ensemble number.
John says that Guinness’ rules are quite firm, so he and his team have a detailed set of criteria and instructions for potential participants to review and follow. The more banjo pickers willing to join their effort, the better chance they have to put Earl Scruggs’ name in the record books.
Special ticket prices and group seating have been arranged for the participants, and rehearsals will be required earlier that afternoon to ensure that the group can perform as an ensemble by Guinness rules.
Read our earlier post: Guinness Book Record Attempt By Banjo Players
