Pete Wernick

Hi all, Dr. Banjo here. I've been recording music since 1971, with the progressive NY bluegrass group Country Cooking. Our music was a Book of the Month Club selection and is still available! I started the band Hot Rize in '78 in Colorado, and our 9 albums established us as an international and award-winning attraction, still occasionally active. My solo albums, On a Roll (with the #1 hit "Ruthie") and Dr. Banjo Steps Out, feature creative instrumentals and great guests.
I've also known for 15 years as the first president of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), songwriter, bestselling banjo book and video instructor, and director of the Wernick Method, used worldwide to teach people bluegrass jamming. Wernick Method website: LetsPick.org.

I'm from NY City, got a doctorate in sociology (Columbia University.) While there I was NYC's only bluegrass deejay for 7 years. In Colorado since '76, with a great music scene I launched Hot Rize, with Tim O'Brien, Nick Forster, Charles Sawtelle. After Charles' passing Bryan Sutton joined in 2002. Hot Rize was IBMA's Entertainer of the Year in 1990. Still performing and recording (w. Chris Thile, Jody Stecher, Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, Jeff White). I play with my singer /guitarist wife Joan ("Dr. and Nurse Banjo") and in Pete Wernick & FLEXIGRASS (a mix of early jazz and bluegrass.. Also in a fine Colorado trad. bluegrass band, Long Road Home. Website: DrBanjo.com, and and on Facebook.

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