BanjerDan: Musician/Entertainer/Storyteller/Teacher
About BanjerDan
About BanjerDan
BanjerDan (Dan Mazer) is a banjo player/multi-instrumentalist based in Santa Cruz, CA. His music is an Americana mix, rooted in straight-ahead Bluegrass and branching out to include folk, country, blues, oldies, and children's music. Available for Performances, Workshops, Lessons and Children's Music and Private Parties.
BIO
- UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
(All shows are BanjerDan solo unless otherwise noted.)
Sunday, 3/23/25, 4:00 PM
Shanty Shack Brewing Co., 138 Fern St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060; (831) 316-0800 • shantyshackbrewing.com/“Shanty Shack is a laidback nano-brewery and tasting room with handcrafted beer, hearty grub, and friendly staff with a vibrant outdoor patio that’s kid and pet friendly. Live music, rotating food trucks, and backyard vibes make this hidden local gem a Santa Cruz favorite.”
Saturday, 4/5/25, 6:00 PM
Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View, CA 94041; (650) 967-4473 • redrockcoffee.com/
“Caffeine. Culture. Community.
“Red Rock is home to caffeine, culture, and community in Silicon Valley.
“Practicing the fine art of hospitality in the fast-paced home of tech, Red Rock serves well-crafted drinks, and provides space for our community to connect, meet, study, work, perform, ride, and much, much more.”
Sunday, 4/6/25, 6:00 PM
The Penngrove Pub, 10005 Main St., Penngrove, CA 94951; 707-992-0121 • http://thepenngrovepub.com/
“The Penngrove Pub is the friendliest and most welcoming place to have a drink and hear some great music in Sonoma County. Pull up a stool, listen to some quality local musicians and enjoy yourself.”
Saturday, 4/12/25, 9:00 AM
Wildcat Mountain Ramblers at Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market, Morgan Hill, CA! (BanjerDan on mandolin)
Saturday, 4/12/25, 3:00 PM
La Vie Dansante Winery, 6500 Brem Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020; (408) 852-0779 • LaVieDansanteWines.com/
“We’re unpretentious, fun, and strive to provide a setting where you can relax and unwind from the stress of today’s world. We have an air-conditioned tasting room, a French-styled courtyard, and a tropical lanai for your tasting enjoyment. We are pet friendly, and child tolerant.”
Sunday-Wednesday, 4/27-30/25
I'm honored to have been invited once again to teach music at Joe Craven's RiverTunes Spring JAMboree, April 27-30, 2025!
Sunday, 5/18/25, 11:00 AM
San Gregorio General Store, 7615 Stage Rd., San Gregorio, CA 94074; (650) 726-0565 • sangregoriostore.com/
“Classic country store—cast iron, books, home goods, picnic fare & full bar. Live music Friday-Sunday.”
Saturday, 5/24/2025, 7:00 PM
Eric Burman’s Brookdale Bluegrass Band at The Pick and Gather, Riverdance Farms, Livingston, CA
Tuesday, 6/17/25, 7:00 PM ($20.00 suggested donation)
Healthy Hippie Trading Co., 20418 Brian Way #2, Golden Hills, CA 93561-8764; (661) 822-9797 • facebook.com/healthyhippetrading/
“Clothing, Crystals, Candles, Books, Teas and Community Events! We offer a space for fun Hippie Happenings like Soundbaths, Paint Nights, Drum Circles, Singles Mixers, Workshops, Meditations and Celebrations!”
Thursday, 6/19/25, 7:00 PM
The County Line, 9600 Tramway Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122; (505) 856-7477 • countyline.com/albuquerque_nm/
“Located just two minutes from the Sandia Peak Tram this beautiful southwestern roadhouse will make you feel like you're back on the old Route 66. Tucked right up against the incredible Sandia Mountains, you'll really enjoy the city lights view from the main dining room.”
Friday, 6/20/25, 7:00 PM
Old Tascosa Brewing Company, 3100 SW 6th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79106; 806-681-4050 • otbrewco.com/
"We are a family-friendly brewery and taproom in the heart of the Route 66 Historic District of Amarillo, Texas. Our name draws on the legacy of one of the first settlements in the region, and our vibe embraces the Old West as well as the adventure of the Open Road."
Sunday, 6/22/25, 7:00 PM
Craft & Growler Brewing Company, Exposition Park, 3601 Parry Ave., Dallas, TX 75226; 214-821-1122 • craftandgrowler.com/
prekindle.com/event/48453-banjerdan-live-at-craft-and-growler-dallas/
“The first growler shop in Dallas is now home of C&G Brewing! Drop in for a pint and a good time!”
Wednesday, 6/25/25, 10:00 PM
The Soundpony Bar, 409 N. Main St., Tulsa, OK 74103; 918-582-PONY • thesoundpony.com/
“Sweet little Dive bar in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District.”
Friday, 7/4/25, 5:30 PM
Hank Dietle’s Tavern, 11010 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852; 240-512-3077 • hankdietles.net/
“Hank Dietle’s Tavern opened In 1950, in the Offutt’s General Store building dating to 1916. Being the first bar to reopen after prohibition, it had the honor of receiving Montgomery County’s beer and wine license #001. Customers still come in and reminisce about the good old days at Dietle’s. A classic dive bar in every sense of the word, Hank Dietle’s Tavern became a community mainstay on Rockville Pike, where generations of people had their first beer or stopped in for a six-pack to go on the way home.”
Sunday, 7/6/25, 2:00 PM
Ploughman Cider Tasting Room, 14 Lincoln Square Gettysburg, PA 17325; (717) 420-2524 • ploughmancider.com/
“Telling the story of Adams County agriculture one glass at a time. Also hosting live, original music!”
Wednesday, 7/9/25, 8:30 PM
“BanjerDan’s DangerBand” at Nick-A-Nees, Providence, RI (with Jeffrey Horton, bass/Zeke Griffin, mandolin)
Nick-A-Nees, 75 South St, Providence, RI 02903-4742; (401) 861-7290 • facebook.com/nickanees/
“Free live music, a jukebox & pool table draw fans to this classic, dog-friendly bar with a patio. 'Bluegrass Throedown' every Wednesday night!"
Wednesday, 7/16/25, 9:15 PM
Nietzsche’s, Buffalo, NY (with Average Joey)
“Average Joey is a traveling troubadour from Pennsylvania. With a banjo in one hand and a pen in the other, this artist combines poetry and philosophical thought with a sampling of genres. From quotes from French kings to name-drops of ancient Greek philosophers and reminders of death, there’s certainly a lot to unpack here.”
Average Joey: facebook.com/AverageBanjoey
Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St., Buffalo, NY 14202; (716) 768-8927 • nietzsches.com/
“Since 1982, Nietzsches has been a staple of the Western NY music scene. With live music every single night, the heartbeat of Buffalo can always be heard at 248 Allen Street.
“Nietzsche’s is one of Buffalo’s truly legendary venues—not only because it is a home for many local musicians, but also because of its welcoming reputation among international, national, and regional touring acts. We also pride ourselves on our storied history as a jumping-off point for many musicians.”
7/17-20/25
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival!
Friday, 7/18/25, 6:00 PM
Roe Jan Brewing Co., 32 Anthony St, Hillsdale, NY 12529; 518-303-8080 • roejanbrewing.com/
"Our brewery and brewpub are located in an award-winning, lovingly restored mercantile building that dates to 1850. Our beautiful dining room features an open kitchen and an octagonal bar surrounding an antique grain hopper. Our brewery produces a rotating lineup of well-balanced beers, including traditional ales and lagers as well as trending styles such as IPAs and sours. Our restaurant menu features a variety of tasty sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and shares, with plenty of options for those with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets."
Monday, 7/21/25, 7:00 PM
AMP Concerts LLC presents: BanjerDan at The Golden Road, Toledo, OH!
The Golden Road, 3560 Dorr St., Toledo, OH 43607; (419) 720-3323 • facebook.com/goldenroadtoledo/
“AMP Concerts is producing cutting edge/mind bending events & shows right here in the 419 for you beautiful people we share this home with.”
Tuesday, 7/22/25, 6:00 PM
“Musician Spotlight” at Sidecar Supper Club
Sidecar Supper Club and Beer Garden, 12 N. River St., Batavia, IL 60510; 630-406-9200 • sidecarsupperclub.com
“The Sidecar takes you on culinary adventures for the taste buds and musical adventures for the soul. Our cozy neighborhood eatery and music venue located in the heart of Historic Downtown Batavia is a peaceful respite in between all the ventures great and day to day.”
Friday, 7/25/25, 7:00 PM
The Ruffed Up Duck Saloon, 310 S. 5th St., Laramie, WY 82070; (307) 745-5501 • https://facebook.com/Ruffed-Up-Duck-Saloon-167533679978111/
Friday, 9/5/25, 8:00 PM (with A Banjo Makes 3)
The Wave Lounge presents an evening of “hot pickin’, heartfelt songs, and humorous commentary” by BanjerDan, with special guests: A Banjo Makes 3!
A Banjo Makes 3
“Group of rag-tag misfits, plucking and picking their way with Bluegrass as their weapon of choice.”
https://facebook.com/ABanjoMakes3/
Wave Lounge, Blue Lake Casino, 777 Casino Way, Blue Lake, CA 95525; (877) 252-2946 • bluelakecasino.com/
“Located just five miles east of Arcata, California, and just seconds off Highway 299, Blue Lake Casino Hotel is easy to find and centrally located in Humboldt County on California's world renowned Redwood Coast! Located in the center of the casino, Wave Lounge is a unique venue that blends the sophistication and class of a night club with the relaxed atmosphere of a local bar.”
Saturday, 10/25/25, 9:00 AM
Saratoga Farmers’ Market (BanjerDan solo)
Saratoga Farmers’ Market, West Valley College, Parking Lot 3, Fruitvale Ave & Career Way, Saratoga, CA 95070
“Held at West Valley Community College, the Saratoga Certified Farmers’ Market offers seasonal fruits and vegetables from Santa Clara County year-round in the parking lot.”
http://cafarmersmkts.com/saratoga-farmers-market/
Sunday 11/23/25, 9:00 AM
Los Gatos Certified Farmers' Market (BanjerDan solo)
Los Gatos Certified Farmers’ Market, Town Park Plaza, Main Street & N. Los Gatos Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95033
“Held in Downtown Los Gatos at the Town Park Plaza on Main Street & N. Santa Cruz Avenue, the Los Gatos Certified Farmers’ Market offers seasonal fruits and vegetables from Santa Clara County year-round.”
http://cafarmersmkts.com/losgatos-farmers-market/
12/20/25, 9:00 AM
Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market, Morgan Hill, CA (BanjerDan solo)
BanjerDan (Dan Mazer) brings his banjo to the Morgan Hill Farmers' Market on Saturday, January 20th, 2024, at 9:00 PM. for a fun-filled day of"Music for Children and Other Young People!"
http://cafarmersmkts.com/morgan-hill-farmers-market/
Sunday, 12/21/25, 9:00 AM
Mountain View Farmers’ Market, Mountain View, CA (BanjerDan solo)
Mountain View Caltrain Station, 600 West Evelyn Ave., Mountain View, CA 94041
https://cafarmersmkts.com/mountain-view-farmers-market/
BANJERDAN'S BIO
BanjerDan (Dan Mazer) is a banjo player/multi-instrumentalist based in Santa Cruz County, CA. His music is an Americana mix, rooted in straight-ahead bluegrass and branching out to include folk, country, blues, oldies, and other styles.
Dan was born in Summit, NJ, in 1959, and grew up in the Washington, DC area. He began playing the banjo after his brother received one as a birthday present when “Dueling Banjos” was a radio hit. They took some lessons for at a local music store, and used “Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo” as their textbook. Dan’s passion for the banjo soon outstripped his brother’s, and he continued learning his craft during the DC area’s heyday as the “Bluegrass Capital of the World.” and earned a B.A. in Music Theory from George Washington University. His main banjo influences were Earl Scruggs, Ben Eldridge, Eddie Adcock, Alan Munde, and Bela Fleck.
Dan’s first performance was at a Junior High School talent show. His first working band, with a high school friend, was called “No Strings Attached,” from about 1977 to 1981. His first theatrical appearance was in the onstage band for a production of “The Robber Bridegroom” at Silver Spring Stage, Silver Spring, MD, in 1979, His first professional gig was at King’s Dominion, a theme park near Richmond, VA, where he was in the band for a country revue.
During the mid-1980s, Dan was a member of “D.J. & the C.B. Pickers,” a traditional bluegrass band based in Fairfield, PA. During that time, he had the honor of performing with Baltimore bluegrass legend, Buzz Busby, on a Maryland Public Television program. He left the C.B. Pickers in 1988 to join “Rockcreek,” a progressive group fronted by vocalist Moondi Klein. Rockcreek won the Band Contest at the prestigious Winterhawk Bluegrass Fesrival (now called Grey Fox) in 1990.
After Rockcreek broke up in 1991, Dan and his wife moved to Nashville, where she had a graphic design business while he pursued his music career. During his time in Nashville, Dan was hired by Opryland, USA, first as a strolling solo performer in one of their restaurants, and then playing banjo and guitar in their signature “Country Music, USA” show. He was in the band for productions of “Pump Boys & Dinettes” and “The Robber Bridegroom,” and spent two winters as a band member for the country revue at The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI. At the same time, Dan hung out at the famous Station Inn on 12th Avenue, and eventually got booked there as leader of “The Guys in the Suits and Ties,” an improvisatory bluegrass band which included Randy Howard on fiddle, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin, Roy Huskey, Jr., Missy Raines, or Ernie Sykes on bass, and Greg Garing on guitar, among many others, depending on who was in town.
In 1994, Dan answered an ad on an AOL bulletin board, titled “Wanted: Banjo Player, Singer, Actor.” The reply led to an audition, and Dan was hired by “The Jackstraws,” a costumed, themed folk music act based in San Diego. The Jackstraws performed constantly, all over Southern California, in many configurations, but they were most consistently booked as “The Pirate Landing Party” at SeaWorld and Seaport Village, and as “The Safari Bush Band” at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
After his divorce in 1999, Dan moved back to the D.C. area. He played everywhere he could, from busking in Metro stations to performances at the Fringe Festival and the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. He was also a member of “J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters,” an outlaw honky-tonk trio that opened for Hank Williams III, toured coast-to-coast and in Europe, and recorded two CDs.
In January 2012, fed up with the cold winters and big-city lifestyle in Washington, DC, Dan moved back to California, this time to the Central Coast of California. He quickly established himself as a regular performer all over San Luis Obispo County and beyond, and he was the “House Musician” and music booker at The Last Stage West (on Highway 41 between Atascadero and Morro Bay) from 2013 until 2018. In 2017, Dan played banjo in the Palo Alto Players' well-received production of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's musical drama, "Bright Star."
In October 2020, Dan moved from Atascadero to the Santa Cruz mountains, near Los Gatos, California, and again became immediately involved in the Bay Area's thriving Bluegrass music scene. In addition to solo shows ranging from Marin County in the north to Carmel Valley in the South, he became an adjunct member of one of the busiest and well-respected bands in the area, "The Wildcat Mountain Ramblers," playing mandolin, and as the banjo and dobro player in Eric Burman's "Brookdale Bluegrass Band." He also played banjo in a production of "The Robber Bridegroom" at The Mountain Community Theater in Ben Lomond, California.
In 2021, on the advice of friends, Dan began hitting the road on a more regular basis. He has traveled coast-to-coast almost every Summer since then. Those tours have taken him from California to New England and back, and he makes several other trips ever year, on shorter stints ranging from Southern California through Texas, and up to the Pacific Northwest. As part of his cross-country tours, Dan re-established himself as a regular performer on the Family Stage at the prestigious Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, near Albany, New York.
In the Autumn of 2024, Dan was honored by an invitation to perform at "Nightfall at Filoli", held at the beautiful historic Filoli Mansion and Gardens, near Woodside, California. As of December 2024, Dan is also a regular performer for "Holidays at Filoli", and plans to return for the Nightfall event in 2025. Also planned for 2025, Dan has been invited to showcase at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show in Anaheim, and he's currently booking shows for his Pacific Northwest tour in late February/early March tour, and another coast-to-coast trip in Summer 2025.