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.)
Saturday, 4/4/26, 2:00 PM
Bluegrass Jamming Workshop at Watermelon Music, Davis, CA!
“Watermelon Music presents a Bluegrass Jamming Techniques and Etiquette workshop featuring banjo player/multi-instrumentalist BanjerDan, on Saturday, April 4th,at 2:00 PM. This ‘Slow Jam’ workshop is intended for beginning to intermediate string players who want to improve their Bluegrass jamming skills. Whether you’re just learning how to change chords in time, or have questions about improvisation and Music Theory, this is the class for you!”
Watermelon Music, 1970 Lake Blvd, Suite 1, Davis, CA 95616 • watermelonmusic. com/
Tickets: $40.00 • https://watermelonmusic.com/ticket_details.php?products_id=54490/
“Watermelon Music is a fiercely independent music store now located at the corner of Lake & Covell Blvds in west Davis, CA. Established in 1996 as Second Street Music, it has always been our goal to be the ‘go-to’ place for musicians in Northern California. Our new home on Lake Blvd includes a dedicated Recital Hall/Performance Space useable for recitals, concerts, workshops, masterclasses, open mics and more.”
Saturday, 4/4/26, 8:00 PM (Doors 7:30 PM)
The Melon Ball / Watermelon Music, 1970 Lake Blvd, Suite 1, Davis, CA 95616 • watermelonmusic. com/
Tickets: $20.00 • https://watermelonmusic.com/ticket_details.php?products_id=54489/
“Watermelon Music is a fiercely independent music store now located at the corner of Lake & Covell Blvds in west Davis, CA. Established in 1996 as Second Street Music, it has always been our goal to be the ‘go-to’ place for musicians in Northern California. Our new home on Lake Blvd includes a dedicated Recital Hall/Performance Space useable for recitals, concerts, workshops, masterclasses, open mics and more.”
Tuesday, 4/7/26, 6:00 PM
Napa Palisades Saloon, 1000 Main St. #100, Napa, CA 94559 • (707) 492-3399 • napapalisades.com/
“We are a casual sports bar and eatery located on the corner of First and Main Street in Downtown Napa. Come enjoy over 40 craft beers on tap, 16 big screen TVs, and classic American comfort food.”
Saturday, 4/11/26, 9:00 AM
Wildcat Mountain Ramblers at Morgan Hill Farmers' Market, with BanjerDan on mandolin!
The Wildcat Mountain Ramblers are Robert and Suzanne Cornelius on banjo and bass, with guitarist Alex Mayers and a rotating cast of hot pickers on mandolin and fiddle. Throughout it all they feature fun and spontaneous performances of high-energy Bluegrass and beyond. Requests, audience participation, dancing, joy, laughter, and even tears. Y'all come!”
https://facebook.com/wildcatmountainramblers/
"At the Train Depot Station parking lot, the Morgan Hill Certified Farmers’ Market brings together farmers, food producers and consumers from Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and Hollister every Saturday, 9am to 1pm on 3rd St & Depot Street. the tradition.”
cafarmersmkts.com/morgan-hill-farmers-market/ • facebook.com/MHfarmersmkt/ • instagram.com/morganhillfarmersmarket/
Saturday, 4/11/26, 5:00 PM
Pizzeria Vittoria LG, 21433 Broadway Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033; 408-353-5633 • pizzeriavittoria.com/
“Nestled in the trees of Redwood Estates in Los Gatos, CA, Pizzeria Vittoria continues in the footsteps of local legend, Nonno's Italian Restaurant. The new owners, a local husband-and-wife team, are eager to introduce a fresh, modern vibe that continues to honor the restaurant's roots while elevating the experience for the community.”
Sunday, 4/12/26, 3:00 PM
Wildcat Mountain Ramblers at The Live Oak Grange, with BanjerDan on mandolin!
The Wildcat Mountain Ramblers are Robert and Suzanne Cornelius on banjo and bass, with guitarist Alex Mayers and a rotating cast of hot pickers on mandolin and fiddle. Throughout it all they feature fun and spontaneous performances of high-energy Bluegrass and beyond. Requests, audience participation, dancing, joy, laughter, and even tears. Y'all come!”
https://facebook.com/wildcatmountainramblers/
Tuesday, 4/14/26, 6:00 PM
Wildcat Mountain Ramblers at Sam’s Bar-B-Que, with BanjerDan on mandolin! (Reservations strongly suggested!)
The Wildcat Mountain Ramblers are Robert and Suzanne Cornelius on banjo and bass, with guitarist Alex Mayers and a rotating cast of hot pickers on mandolin and fiddle. Throughout it all they feature fun and spontaneous performances of high-energy Bluegrass and beyond. Requests, audience participation, dancing, joy, laughter, and even tears. Y'all come!”
https://facebook.com/wildcatmountainramblers/
“The Carlino Family has been providing Food service to the Santa Clara Valley for over 75 years. Sam's Bar-B-Que is proud to continue the tradition.”
Sam’s Bar-B-Que, 1110 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95128 • (408) 297-9151 • https://samsbbq.com/
Friday, 4/17/26, 4:00 PM
RIVINO Estate Vineyards & Winery, 4001 Rivino Ranch Rd., Ukiah CA 95482 • (707) 472-6934 • rivinowinery.com/
RIVINO is located on a 250-acre ranch that has been in the Jahnke family since 1993, when the majority of the property was planted with pears. Gordon Jahnke began growing grapes here in the 1990s. His daughter, Suzanne Jahnke, worked with him in the vineyard in those early years with her toddler son at her side. RIVINO was launched in 2008 and the vineyard now produces seven different grape varietals: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Pinot Blanc, and Sangiovese.”
Saturday, 4/18/26, 1:30 PM
The Geyserville Stampede presents BanjerDan at Corner Project Ales & Eats!
“The spirit of the Wild West comes to life in downtown Geyserville during this exciting progressive town event! Enjoy delicious food and wine pairings at four locations, explore six participating downtown wineries, and take part in fun Western-themed activities happening throughout town.”
Ticket link: https://visitgeyserville.com/event-details/geyserville-stampede/
Corner Project Ales & Eats, 21079 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, CA 95441 • 707-814-0110 • cornerprojectales.com/
Wednesday, 4/22/26, 5:00 PM
Pizzeria Vittoria LG, 21433 Broadway Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033; 408-353-5633 • pizzeriavittoria.com/
“Nestled in the trees of Redwood Estates in Los Gatos, CA, Pizzeria Vittoria continues in the footsteps of local legend, Nonno's Italian Restaurant. The new owners, a local husband-and-wife team, are eager to introduce a fresh, modern vibe that continues to honor the restaurant's roots while elevating the experience for the community.”
Friday, 4/24/26, 5:00 PM
Neighborhood Pizza Guy / CAFE Zoë, 1929 Menalto Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025 • 650-322-1926 • cafezoehub.com/ • neighborhood.pizza/
“From the beginning, Café Zoë has always sought to be an “extension of your living room,” from the cozy environment and comfy chairs to the friendly, engaging baristas. We’re not your average modern hipster coffee shop. There is a lot of artwork and posters on the walls, eclectic jewelry on display from local artists, and a generally “at home” kind of vibe. We have always kept our prices low with quality and quantity high.”
Saturday, 4/25/26, 6:00 PM
Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden, 3 Del Fino Pl., Carmel Valley, CA 93924; 831.298.7453, trailsidecafecv.com/, https://facebook.com/TrailsideCarmelValley/
“Located in sunny Carmel Valley, CA. Whatever trail you might be on (or just came off of) we have what you need to refuel or relax.”
4/26-29/26
Rivertunes Spring 2026 JAMboree, Dixon, CA
Registration is now open for the Spring 2026 JAMboree Music Camp!
I'm honored to have been invited to teach music again at Joe, Pamella, and Hattie Craven’s Spring JAMboree 2026! The dates are April 26th-29th, 2026, at the beautiful Ruhstaller Farm in Dixon, CA.
“RiverTunes JAMboree Spring 2026 is 4-day Music JAM campout at Northern California’s premiere “Beer Farm” just outside of the town of Dixon. Ruhstaller is a working farm that grows their own hops, then brews, and pours a wide variety of beers…all on their 47-acre spread. Free-range sheep, chickens, live roots, folk & world music, and dogs with their well-behaved humans, are all welcome!”
Ruhstaller Farm, 6686 Sievers Rd., Dixon, CA 95620
https://facebook.com/rivertunes/
Saturday, 5/2/26, 7:00 PM
Over the Hill Gang Saloon, 3530 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95062 • (831) 476-3679 • https://facebook.com/petcir/
“Country Western Atmosphere Saloon all types of live Music and Entertainment! Great selection of draft beer local breweries!!”
Thursday, 5/7/26, 5:00 PM
Alibi Aleworks Truckee Public House, 10069 Bridge St., Truckee, CA 96161 • (530) 536-5029 • alibialeworks.com/
“We opened our second location in Truckee California’s historic downtown in June 2017 to offer another venue to enjoy our beers, along with live music and a creative food menu. Alibi Truckee is a comfortable, flexible space for people to gather and relax. We are a family-friendly establishment and welcome minors. Dogs are allowed on leash in our outdoor beer garden (weather permitting) but not indoors.”
Friday, 5/8/26, 7:00 PM
The Game Room, 14888 Peaceful Valley Rd., Sonora, CA 95370 • sonoragameroom.com/ • (209) 536-4390
“The Game Room’s purpose is to provide a place that reminds us that the world can be a playground to create and enjoy. Our philosophy is to have a neutral space in the community for all to come together, without discrimination, and with equal consideration for everyone. We strive to make our services affordable for all demographics to have a place of value. Our business is structured like a “sandbox”, where the community can come together to play and interact. Our amenities are easily rearranged to accommodate a wide variety of events such as parties, weddings, craft fairs, concerts, game nights, fundraisers, and other private or community events.”
Saturday, 5/9/26, 5:00 PM
Pizzeria Vittoria LG, 21433 Broadway Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033; 408-353-5633 • pizzeriavittoria.com/
“Nestled in the trees of Redwood Estates in Los Gatos, CA, Pizzeria Vittoria continues in the footsteps of local legend, Nonno's Italian Restaurant. The new owners, a local husband-and-wife team, are eager to introduce a fresh, modern vibe that continues to honor the restaurant's roots while elevating the experience for the community.”
Tuesday, 5/12/26, 6:00 PM
Wildcat Mountain Ramblers at Sam’s Bar-B-Que, with BanjerDan on mandolin! (Reservations strongly suggested!)
The Wildcat Mountain Ramblers are Robert and Suzanne Cornelius on banjo and bass, with guitarist Alex Mayers and a rotating cast of hot pickers on mandolin and fiddle. Throughout it all they feature fun and spontaneous performances of high-energy Bluegrass and beyond. Requests, audience participation, dancing, joy, laughter, and even tears. Y'all come!”
https://facebook.com/wildcatmountainramblers/
“The Carlino Family has been providing Food service to the Santa Clara Valley for over 75 years. Sam's Bar-B-Que is proud to continue the tradition.”
Sam’s Bar-B-Que, 1110 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95128 • (408) 297-9151 • https://samsbbq.com/
Friday, 5/15/26, 4:00 PM
Winters Tavern, 1522 Francisco Blvd., Pacifica, CA 94044 • (650) 355-6162 • http://winterstavern.com/
"Winters Tavern is a family run business that is dedicated to making sure our greater Pacifica community can enjoy a delicious craft cocktail, extensive beer selection, and live music in a friendly and welcoming environment. Just a short distance away from the beach, our Winters is proud to be a cross between a neighborhood tavern and an old west saloon.”
Saturday, 5/16/26, 5:30 PM
The Porch Cafe, 22322 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453 • 805-438-3376 • theporchcafe.com/
“Our business is all about our community. We have been called Santa Margarita’s living room by a local, and that meant everything to us. To some it is a coffee shop with wifi and few but focused breakfast offerings. To others it is their daily lunch ritual. For some it is their afterwork watering hole. For others yet, it is a meeting place, whether to discuss business or gather with friends and family.”
Sunday, 5/17/26, 3:00 PM
McPrice Myers Winery, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446 • 805-237-1245 • mcpricemyers.com/
“McPrice Myers Wines produces Rhone wines from Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County. The focus is on small production from some of the best vineyards on the Central Coast.”
Saturday, 5/23/26, 9:00 AM
Two Day Town Festival, Livermore, CA
I’m thrilled to be invited to perform at Two Day Town! I’ll be the first performer on the Dining Hall Stage for a breakfast set on Saturday morning.
Two Day Town, Rancho Los Mochos, 18450 Mines Rd., Livermore, CA 94550 • (510) 421-0722 • twodaytown.com/ • facebook.com/tdtdelvalle/
“Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Two Day Town 2026. Music, camping, and a fœamily friendly vibe all weekend. Bring a tent, gather your people, and enjoy days by the water with good food, open space, and a relaxed crowd. The lineup will keep the energy steady from morning through the evening, and the campground will stay lively with families enjoying the long weekend. Tickets now on sale!
Leave No Trace Family Camping and Community Music
Pioneered by Two Day Town for 25 years at Lake Del Valle in Livermore, California. A full weekend of concerts, great campfire jamming everywhere and kid activities, all during the Memorial weekend in May at Los Mochos!”
Saturday, 5/23/26, 8:00 PM
Eric Burman’s Brookdale Bluegrass Band at Pick and Gather Festival, Livingston, CA (BanjerDan on banjo)
Riverdance Organic Farms, 12230 Livingston Cressey Road Livingston, CA 95334, (Farm Gate ~ 1/2 mile NE across from 11801), Livingston, CA 95334
https://facebook.com/riverdancefarmsorganics/
“Our certified organic farm is nestled along the beautiful Merced River. We grow a wide range of fruits, nuts and vegetables. We are the home of the annual Pick & Gather Festival that includes u-pick crops, camping, music, art, and river activities.”
Tuesday, 5/26/26, 5:00 PM
Pizzeria Vittoria LG, 21433 Broadway Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033; 408-353-5633 • pizzeriavittoria.com/
“Nestled in the trees of Redwood Estates in Los Gatos, CA, Pizzeria Vittoria continues in the footsteps of local legend, Nonno's Italian Restaurant. The new owners, a local husband-and-wife team, are eager to introduce a fresh, modern vibe that continues to honor the restaurant's roots while elevating the experience for the community.”
Saturday, 5/30/26, 8:00 PM
Eric Burman’s Brookdale Bluegrass Band at Redwood Mountain Faire, Felton, CA
Tuesday, 6/2/26, 5:00 PM
Pizzeria Vittoria LG, 21433 Broadway Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033; 408-353-5633 • pizzeriavittoria.com/
“Nestled in the trees of Redwood Estates in Los Gatos, CA, Pizzeria Vittoria continues in the footsteps of local legend, Nonno's Italian Restaurant. The new owners, a local husband-and-wife team, are eager to introduce a fresh, modern vibe that continues to honor the restaurant's roots while elevating the experience for the community.”
Friday, 6/5/26, 6:30 PM
Balefire Brewing Co., East Cliff Village Shopping Center, 21517 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95062 • 831-420-7346 • balefirebrewing.com/
“Historically, a ‘balefire’ signified a gathering place for the community. This is what we strive to be. We are friends and family with a passion for beer who have come together to create a local gathering place where all are welcome.”
Saturday, 6/6/26, 3:00 PM
La Vie Dansante Wines, 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. This is an alcohol serving establishment and for the comfort and safety of all of our guests children must remain under close parental supervision at all times.”
Sunday, 6/7/26, Noon
Sunset Mercantile’s Outer Sunset Farmers’ Market, 1994 37th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94116 • (415) 465-2475 • sunsetmercantilesf.com/
“Sunset Mercantile was founded in 2014 by two local Sunset mamas (who) were fueled by an awareness of the need for a pop-up venue to support the blossoming business ideas of local community members, as well as lend support to already-established local businesses while creating more unique and family-friendly events in the western side of our City. Today, Sunset Mercantile’s fun, mostly outdoor events take place in the Sunset District and throughout San Francisco, attracting over 200,000 attendees per year.”
Tuesday, 6/9/26, 6:00 PM
Wildcat Mountain Ramblers at Sam’s Bar-B-Que, with BanjerDan on mandolin! (Reservations strongly suggested!)
The Wildcat Mountain Ramblers are Robert and Suzanne Cornelius on banjo and bass, with guitarist Alex Mayers and a rotating cast of hot pickers on mandolin and fiddle. Throughout it all they feature fun and spontaneous performances of high-energy Bluegrass and beyond. Requests, audience participation, dancing, joy, laughter, and even tears. Y'all come!”
https://facebook.com/wildcatmountainramblers/
“The Carlino Family has been providing Food service to the Santa Clara Valley for over 75 years. Sam's Bar-B-Que is proud to continue the tradition.”
Sam’s Bar-B-Que, 1110 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95128 • (408) 297-9151 • https://samsbbq.com/
Saturday, 6/13/26, 3:00 PM
Winters Tavern, 1522 Francisco Blvd., Pacifica, CA 94044 • (650) 355-6162 • http://winterstavern.com/
"Winters Tavern is a family run business that is dedicated to making sure our greater Pacifica community can enjoy a delicious craft cocktail, extensive beer selection, and live music in a friendly and welcoming environment. Just a short distance away from the beach, our Winters is proud to be a cross between a neighborhood tavern and an old west saloon.”
Sunday, 6/14/26, 11:30 AM
BanjerDan interview on KBCZ (89.3FM), Boulder Creek CA
Please tune in to "Sunday Morning Live!” with Tina Davey on KBCZ (89.3 FM), for a live interview and performance!
Independent community radio lives in Santa Cruz County!
“With host Tina Davey, Sunday Morning Live! will invite talent into the lobby of KBCZ to perform live on-air.”
Tuesday, 6/23/26, 5:00 PM
Pizzeria Vittoria LG, 21433 Broadway Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033; 408-353-5633 • pizzeriavittoria.com/
“Nestled in the trees of Redwood Estates in Los Gatos, CA, Pizzeria Vittoria continues in the footsteps of local legend, Nonno's Italian Restaurant. The new owners, a local husband-and-wife team, are eager to introduce a fresh, modern vibe that continues to honor the restaurant's roots while elevating the experience for the community.”
Friday, 7/10/26, 6:00 PM
The Mystic Kitchen & Tasting Room, 306 N. Center St., Bloomington, IL 61701 • (309) 585-2344 • mystickitchen.net/
“The Mystic Kitchen & Tasting Room is "an urban concept that combines exceptional hospitality with a hip and unique environment. Best described as a funky bohemian lounge with an extensive, yet approachable wine list, quirky craft cocktails, local brews & eclectic bistro cuisine."
Saturday, 7/11/26, 6:00 PM
Micki’ Farm to Table, 112 NW Main St., Hopedale, IL 61747 • 309-449-6200 • facebook.com/mickisfarmtotable/
“Micki's Farm to Table offers a lovely farm fresh, made from scratch food menu. We also offer 6 drafts, domestic cans and a limited, upscale Spirit Selection.”
Monday, 7/13/26, 7:30 PM
Slippery Noodle Inn, 372 S Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46225 • (317) 631-6974 • slipperynoodle.com/
“The Slippery Noodle Inn was originally founded in 1850 as the Tremont House. It is Indiana's oldest, continually operated bar in the original building. The Noodle is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Originally it was a roadhouse (predecessor to the Holiday Inn) and a bar. It has traditionally been owned by people of German descent and it was one of the first German clubs in Indianapolis.”
Tuesday, 7/14/26, 7:00 PM
FROGtown GlassROOTs presents: BanjerDan at The Blarney Event Center!
The Blarney Event Center, 39 N. Huron St., Toledo, OH 43604 • (419) 461-3215 • facebook. com/TheBlarneyEventCenter/
“The perfect venue in the heart of Downtown Toledo!”
7/16-19/26
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival!