Colin O’Brien
Performer, Author and Teacher.
“Banjo
barnburners inspired foot stomping and delighted hooting.”
-Milwaukee Journal
Author of “Play Banjo Today!” Book to be available in early 2008.
Hal Leonard, publisher.
Teacher of Banjo and Guitar at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music since 2003
Wisconsin area Music Industry (WAMI) awards in 2004, 2005, 2006.
BIO
Throughout the United States Colin O'Brien has been described as Wisconsin’s
answer to John Hartford. His show features his dazzling dancing foot percussion
as he plays fiddle, banjo and guitar. With his live shows he leaves his audience
spellbound with the impression that they're listening to an entire band.
Here’s how he came to doing these things…
In 1992 O’Brien left his
native Michigan for Seattle, Washington where he studied classical Guitar at
Cornish College of the Arts. After just one year of study (intense study!) he
was awarded 2nd place in The Seattle Classic Guitar Society competition. To
the possible chagrin of the award committee, Colin spent his award certificate
on a huge pile of American Finger-style Guitar books and recordings. In the
Fall of 1993 he enrolled in the Guitar program at the Wisconsin Conservatory
of Music in Milwaukee. In 1997 O’Brien released his debut recording Pressure
in the West co-produced by Willy Porter. It received great reviews from both
the local press and international publications such as Billboard Magazine. Right
about 1999 O’Brien was bitten by the “Banjo Bug” and proceeded,
(with characteristic intensity) to delve into Bluegrass and Celtic styles of
Banjo playing. He also used the fresh instrument as a means of studying and
exploring music theory and improvisation. This led Colin to form Salt Creek,
an extraordinary ensemble featuring some of Wisconsin's’ finest musicians.
Salt Creek was honored as “Best Bluegrass Band” in Wisconsin by
the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) in 2004, ’05 and ’06. The
past couple of years have found O’Brien pioneering into exciting territory
with his “One Man Dancing Band” solo show, which takes multi-tasking
to a whole new level! His John Hartford inspired solo act has brought much joy
and amazement to audiences at major Folk and Bluegrass Festivals, Libraries,
Schools, and theatres. He has just released “Dancing by the River”
which captures his enormous instrumental range and songwriting in full swing.
O’Brien also plays for the elderly at Nursing Homes and Retirement Facilities.
Colin O’Brien has become one of the most versatile and sought after performers
in the Middle West.