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R U S S C A R S O N 🪕

@81crowe

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Nashville-based banjoist, member of @rickyskaggs & Kentucky Thunder and major league automotive & photography nerd.

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Tall person. Tiny banjo. Good times. 🪕

Yes, I know.
No, this is not normal.
(…usually.)

But in honor of National Banjo Day - “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” on the smallest banjo I own.

You’re welcome.

#NationalBanjoDay #Banjo #Bluegrass #FoggyMountainBreakdown #BanjoLife by @81crowe

Some things have definitely changed during the course of my career - bands, banjos, strings, bridges - but the one constant has been my picks.

I’ve used Sammy Shelor stainless steel finger picks and @bluechippicks thumb picks for almost twenty years. They consistently help me deliver the tone, volume, and clarity that I searched for as a young and growing player. They’ve helped me hone in my sound and guarantee consistency night after night, regardless of who I’m playing with or where. Stage or studio, this is the winning combination that works for me.

Thank you Sam and Matt! by @81crowe

Paranormal activity in the backyard last night. 😳👻 It was only a “little” spooky… by @81crowe

Good to see and hear the reigning 2026 IBMA Banjo Player of the Year @kristinscottbenson alongside all the @thegrascals tonight! When she shook my hand she said it was exactly like shaking Big K’s hand. Which made me think of something our old tour manager @grant_hartford said from time to time into my ear mix.
“Fee-fi-fo-fum, I hear the roll of a giants thumb……”

#musicians #nashville #banjoplayersrule #tone by @81crowe

I think it’s safe to say that I had more fun in 3 days at @intlbluegrass 2026 than most people do in the entire week.

From spending time with family and celebrating 10 wonderful years with @nashvillemusicwife, to catching up with old friends like @adamkruzic @kennysmithguitar @bobbyosborneii @adamsteffey @barrytbales @corrinacorrinarose @michaelclevelandfiddle & @nedluberecki. Side note, making Adam ride in a right hand drive 67 Mini Cooper S might have been one of the best things I’ve done this year (thanks to Casey & all my friends at @thecokermuseum!!)

To sitting in with entertainer of the year @billystrings and his ENTIRE camp of world class professional team members & musicians. With the bonus of seeing @caseycokerjarvis & all
6’ 10” worth of @jacob.jarvis44 screaming from the house at @tivolichatt

All while meeting the sweetest fans any genre could ask for… My heart is full, my social battery’s are recharged and I’m ready for more!

Chattanooga + IBMA = a big yes from me! by @81crowe

First decade down, a lifetime more to go… Thank you so much for being my best friend @nashvillemusicwife, I couldn’t walk through this world without you. ❤️ by @81crowe

Jake and I had the best time at the opening of the Tivoli with Billy Strings headlining! To make it even better, one of our best friends & extremely talented banjo picker, @81crowe was asked to play on stage with Billy. 🔥 by @81crowe

I love that @intlbluegrass set up shop next door to my happy place in Chattanooga. If you need a quick break from the jams, go next door to the @thecokermuseum and check out their drivable art. Be sure and tell them I sent you & @itscasey423 will charge you double 😉

#chattanooga #corkycoker #ibma #banjo music by @81crowe

@steveearle & @hardlystrictlybluegrass is a winning combination. Thanks again for the friends, memories & music. Can’t wait to do it again! by @81crowe

POV you have just quantum leaped onto stage at @hardlystrictlybluegrass with @steveearle. Fortunately on this leap you still get to be the coolest guy on stage and play banjo for 40,000 new friends!

#hardlystrictlybluegrass #music #bluegrass #live #pov by @81crowe

POV you have just quantum leaped into soundcheck with a @opry member and living legend. Fortunately you get to be the coolest guy on stage and rock the hell out of a banjo. 🤘🏻

#opry #nashville #music #pov #scottbakula by @81crowe

Something fun followed me home from @earlscruggsfest this year & I’m thrilled to have the missing piece of my sonic banjo tool box.

This was built by the good folks over at @goldtoneinc and features a 14” rim and a full set of wound strings ranging from a W28 1st string to a W48 4th. Headphones are advised to really get a feeling for this thing. If you need me I’ll be playing bass lines and final feeling cool like @victorwooten & @marcya.marxer

#banjo #music #musician #nashville #coffee by @81crowe