The Banjo Project is a cross-media cultural odyssey: a major television documentary, a live stage/multi-media performance, and a website that chronicle the journey of America’s quintessential instrument—the banjo—from its African roots to the 21st century. It’s a collaboration between Emmy-winning writer-producer Marc Fields and banjo virtuoso Tony Trischka (the Project’s Music Director), one of the most acclaimed acoustic musicians of his generation.

Give Me the Banjo

The inspiring true story of music librarian Dena Epstein who labored 25 years to document the musical contributions of African slaves to the New World. Her work, now considered classic, shattered legends and myths, proved that the banjo was a slave instrument, and sparked a remarkable revival of black string band music. Directed and produced by Jim Carrier. Starring Dena Epstein, Bela Fleck, Eric Weissberg, Tony Trischka & the Carolina Chocolate Drops.