About Us

As one of the Finest banjo players and traditional entertainers around, our friendly straight-forward sound will soon have you laughing and tapping your toes!

"We would be more than happy to perform for your upcoming event whatever or where ever it is. We can "partner" with you to help make scheduling and planning much easier. We have some very nice posters you can display before the event date, and can provide other promotional material or a contract if you need it. Its all pretty easy! Just let us know if we can help you." Contact.. thebanjopicker@yahoo.com or Phone 989-344-1104

I'm Barry Jon Van Guilder, Better Known as "The Banjo Picker"

I have written and/or recorded close to 50 songs and instrumentals. I sing and play the guitar and banjo, performing all types of music: Traditional Country, Bluegrass, 60's Folk, Comedy, and all the Standards.

The Banjo Picker and Friends consists of myself, my Daughter Rachel, My Son Andrew, and occasionally a few others, as it depends on the gig.

Rachel Also sings and plays the guitar and mandolin, and Andrew plays the bass guitar.

We are available for almost any gig: Sunday church services, Festivals, Nursing homes, Banquets, Private Gatherings, Restaurants/Night Clubs, Employee or office celebrations, surprise parties, family reunions, camp fire singin', "requests" and more.

Please feel free to contact us for booking or questions. We are always looking for new places to play and new people to meet.

I, the Banjo Picker, have lived a life full of music. I have been playing the banjo and touring for most of my life, collaborating in numerous bluegrass and country bands. One of the most notable is The Pine River Valley Boys.

Before settling and raising four children in Michigans northern lower peninsula, I toured and played in Michigan and other states in the Midwest for quite sometime. I have also played and recorded with other notable musicians, appearing on about 8 albums.

Rachel and Andrew have both played in a few bands, and can play a variety of musical instruments and styles.

Here is what others are saying!

The Cheboygan Opera House-

"An unbelievable ear-full and eye-full of happy sound and fluid motion on the banjo! Combined with great singing and acoustic guitar work, "Tiger-Bear Jon" is a real treat for both old time and new time' music lovers!"

"Crowd pleasers! The Banjo Picker and Friends trio' are like an explosion of pent-up feeling and talent going off when they hit the stage!"

"Playing much of their own material, as well as favorites of days gone by, the audience cannot seem to get enough! The banjo picker's fingers, in constant motion, seem to have a mind all their own. And the familiar old melodies will make you want to sing along!"

"The infectious rythm, driving banjo sound, and singing of Rachel Brooke and Tiger-Bear' Jon, will keep the listeners seated and tapping their toes for the whole show! They seem to perform so effortlessly,and they're funny!"

"In his own right, Tiger-Bear Jon, the singer-songwriter, with his guitar and banjo is the complete entertainer!"

"Tiger-Bear Jon's" newest release "North Bound" reflects the energy Barry pours into his live performances! In his uniquely polished, but free flowing style, you'll hear him sing the comic "North Bound 75" or the more heartfelt "Saint Martins Bay". Both are songs about his home state of Michigan. You'll also hear his more traditional side with blazing banjo tunes like, "Black Creek Jubilee" and "The Banjo Clown". But, says Barry, "I like to slow things down from time to time for contrast, so I included a couple of old sacred numbers played on acoustic guitar; "House of Gold" and "Wings of a Dove". In all, Barry wrote and copywrited 8 new songs for this new collection. Along with his own arrangements of 16 old favorites, this 24 song CD is a 'must have' and a traditional music lovers delight!

Happy Banjo, Mellow Guitar, Fun Singin, Duo or Trio, Country Humor, Old Standards, Country, Bluegrass, Clean Fun, Folk, Christian Gospel, Some old Rock and Roll

Also, see our "Gallery of Photo's" page for pictures you can download !!

WE CAN HELP MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU!

We fully understand the difficulties involved with booking and paying musicians.

Because we book our own gigs, we can bypass the added costs of using a booking agent. Saving you money.

Please feel free to call us anytime.

REASONS WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO HIRE US:

1. We love what we do and it shows !

2. We are experienced, seasoned, musicians that can "work" and entertain a crowd! We're out-going and approachable and love to talk with our listeners.

3. Our style of music is happy, fun, clean, family oriented, and pleasing or at least tolerable to all.

4. It is not loud, shouting, head-banging type stuff, its toe-tapping acoustic music that’s just right!

5. People can laugh and have fun and participate in our show.

6. We do a variety of older styles that folks remember, and we can do some requests.

7. We have professionally mastered and edited CD's for sale should folks want a copy for home listening.

8. It will work for most any occasion, or event.

9. Our prices are in-line and realistic, and wont break the bank, or your budget!

10. We are asked back year after year by folks that we have performed for!

11. A down payment and/or contract furnished if you want...Your event date is secure and on the calendar and honored as a commitment.

12. We can provide advertising posters for you to display around before hand.

13. You are the employer, and we the employee… special announcements, songs or plans, are all workable into "the show"; we're flexible!

14. We keep in contact with you before your event takes place to make sure everything is going as planned.

15. We arrive early for the event to set-up and check equipment, and are ready to go, on time!