Banjo master Kyle Tuttle joins KGNU’s Neil Smart to talk about his upcoming appearance at Swallow Hill’s Banjo Fest on November 15, where he’ll lead workshops and perform alongside Pete Wernick, Chris Coole, and The Lowest Pair. In this conversation, Tuttle shares his laid-back approach to teaching, his plans for new music, and life as a new dad balancing touring, recording, and Monday nights at Nashville’s Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge.
Neil Smart: I’ve got a surprise for you all today. I’m joined by the great Kyle Tuttle, formerly of Golden Highway and the Jeff Austin Band. Kyle, you there?
Kyle Tuttle: Yes sir, how are you doing, Neil?
Neil Smart: I’m doing great. I love when technology works. Kyle will be in town two weeks from today for Swallow Hill Banjo Fest, a KGNU presentation. Kyle, tell us what’s happening down there.
Kyle Tuttle: It’s going to be a whole lot of banjo, Neil. There’ll be workshops and performances throughout the day by several folks including myself, Pete Wernick—a local favorite—The Lowest Pair, and Chris Coole. It’s an all-day event from 10 a.m. to about 10:30 p.m.
Neil Smart: That’s a solid lineup. If you can get Kyle Tuttle and Pete Wernick under the same roof, that’s a dream for banjo players who want to pick their brains.
Kyle Tuttle: If you can get a word in edgewise between me and Pete picking each other’s brains!
Neil Smart: Pete is one of our favorite people. He’s helped out with our fund drives and is just an all-around great guy. I think he’s forgotten more about music than I’ll ever know—and he hasn’t forgotten much.
Kyle Tuttle: That’s right.
Neil Smart: So, workshops, performances, all things banjo. Have you done a lot of these kinds of events before?
Kyle Tuttle: I’ve done a few. Usually they’re at festivals where my band’s performing, or I’m an artist-at-large playing with different people. I’ll often get an hour or so on a side stage to play some solo banjo and take questions. I like to keep things unstructured—more like, “I’m here, I’ve got a banjo, let’s talk.” Some folks show up with a syllabus and a PowerPoint, but that’s not my style.
Neil Smart: I like that approach. It’s more organic, and people end up learning what they really want to learn.
Kyle Tuttle: Exactly. I also get a lot out of it when people ask questions I might not have thought of myself. We’re all in it together.
Neil Smart: That’s true. Workshop leaders often say they learn as much as the attendees. So, a full day of banjo down at Swallow Hill in Denver—can’t go wrong there. We’ll have a ticket giveaway later for Banjo Fest. Swallow Hill, of course, is at 71 East Yale in Denver. Have you been there before, Kyle?
Kyle Tuttle: I haven’t. This will be my first time, but I’ve heard a lot about it and I’m looking forward to checking it out.
Neil Smart: It’s a great facility with multiple venues, classrooms, and a recording studio. It’s actually the largest folk music school between Chicago and L.A.
Kyle Tuttle: That sounds about right. There’s such a strong music scene between Denver and Boulder with a lot of history.
Neil Smart: Definitely. It’s going to be a great day of banjo on November 15th at Swallow Hill in Denver, featuring you, Pete Wernick, Chris Coole, and The Lowest Pair. What else is coming up for you performance-wise?
Kyle Tuttle: We’re heading into the slower part of the year, which is when I usually focus on writing and recording. I’m hoping to be in the studio early next year working on a new record. Every Monday night I play at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in Nashville from 6 to 8 p.m. Central. They stream it on Volume.com, so people can tune in online. That, plus getting this next record going, will be my main focus this winter.
Neil Smart: Sounds like a good winter plan.
Kyle Tuttle: It is, especially since my partner and I have a new baby boy who’s just about six months old. It’s nice to have a slower season and spend time at home.
Neil Smart: Congratulations! And folks, in case you didn’t know, Kyle used to play with another new dad, Dominic Leslie, back in the Golden Highway days. Kyle, thank you so much for your time this morning. Banjo Fest is November 15th at Swallow Hill in Denver—a full day of workshops, performances, and maybe even some hallway picking. It’s going to be a great time.
Kyle Tuttle: Thanks, Neil. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.
Neil Smart: Likewise, Kyle. Hope to cross paths when you’re out here.
Kyle Tuttle: You never know, Neil—Banjo Fest might be the time for you to pick one up!
Neil Smart: I’ve been threatening to for years! Thanks again, Kyle.
Kyle Tuttle: Thanks, Neil. Take care.
