Annual North American Banjo Convention held in Southfield

Southfield, MI (WJBK) - For 30 years the Double Tree in Southfield has been the venue for the North American International Banjo Committee.

An all-volunteer group of Banjo players from the U.S. and Canada held its annual convention and music festival April 27th and 28th.

In addition to jam sessions held throughout the day, there are banjo vendors and even lessons all centered around the instrument.

"You cannot be unhappy around banjos, everyone that plays one will tell you that, the spectators will tell you that. Your go to rest homes and you see these old people, you play songs from their youth and they come alive," Stan Steffen from Germany said.

Several songs playing at the event will be dedicated to the memory of the late Eddie Collins who was recently inducted into the Banjo Hall of Fame. 

Eddie was a highly regarded local Tenor Banjo player who played on several recordings and toured with the Art Mooney Orchestra. He also was a regular guest on WJR's "The Jack Harris Open House" show in the 60's and 70's.

"There's something about the banjo, you play it and it's uplifting and it puts a smile on peoples face and in this world that can't be a bad thing," English banjo player Sean Moyses said.