Colin O'Brien
Song and Dance Man in the style of John Hartford
Author of "Play Banjo Today!" Available in April '08 Hal Leonard, publisher.
Teacher at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Winner of three consecutive WAMI awards ('04, '05, '06)
Latest recording "Dancing by the River" Listen and Buy
Career in a nutshell
In 1992 O'Brien left his native Michigan for Seattle, Washington where he studied classical guitar at Cornish College of the Arts. After just on e year of study (intense study!) he was awarded 2nd place tin the Seattle Classic Guitar Society competition. To the possible chagrin of the award committee, O'Brien 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 new 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 (and minor!) Folk and Bluegrass Festivals, Workshops, Schools and Theatres. 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.