| Caouette Banjos |
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| Hand~Crafted in New England by Bernie Caouette |
| Bernie Caouette is a master craftsman. Having built custom cabinets & furniture most of his life & spent 32 years with the Fire Department (retiring in 1998 at the rank of Captain), he had always wanted to build his own banjo. It's his expertise with wood & his love of bluegrass & banjo music that allows him to create such a fine instrument. His home shop, located in a small New England town, provides the perfect setting. With his loyal German Shephard, "Autumn", by his side, Bernie crafts each 5-string banjo with an attention to detail that is driven by his passion for "that sound"! For more information on his banjos, click here. Bernie individually builds each banjo himself from steam-bending the wood rims to the intricate Mother-of-Pearl inlays. He studied with one of the country's best inlay artists, David Nichols of Custom Pearl Inlay in New York. We are quite proud to say that several professional Bluegrass musicians currently play Caouette Banjos! Jake Jenkins, who has played with Rebel recording artists Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show from Texas, has been playing our banjo since May, 2001. He was in the 1st round nominations for 2002 Banjo Player of the Year by the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). KSBC's 3rd Rebel release, "Worries on My Mind"~Oct. 2003~has 9 songs penned by Jake, including the hot banjo instrumental, "Hoss Fly". The Oct, 2002, issue of the Banjo Newsletter feature article is an interview with Jake Jenkins. Gary Skillings, with Marcy Hill Band of NH, is playing #5; aka, "the cannon". They play at festivals & local establishments throughout New England. He has been playing music over 25 years with several bands including Stoney Point & Iron Skillet. Gary, a phenominal banjo picker~ won the 2004 Banjo Championship competition at the Ossipee Valley Bluegrass Festival in July, 2004 Abe Spear also plays a Caouette banjo with the King Wilkie Bluegrass Band from Charlottesville, VA. Six young musicians who play, sing, & even write traditional bluegrass music to perfection! We affectionately call it "stop what you're doing & pay attention" music. Their 1st project with Rebel Records, titled "BROKE", released in April, 2004, is receiving alot of acclaim. King Wilkie was named 2004 Emerging Artists of the Year at the IBMA Awards in Louisville, KY! Be sure to catch a King Wilkie show, you'll be glad you did! Charlie Rees, of CT, is also now playing a Caouette banjo. He plays with the Cowtippers Bluegrass Band based here in New England. Garry Gerrossie, of NH & proud owner of Caouette Banjo #6, is with the newly formed Bean Hill Bluegrass. Garry plays bass for the band but will also feature the banjo on some numbers during their show. |
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| Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show played to a full house in Petersham !! Sunday, March 23rd,2003 click HERE for details & photos |
| our Winter Pickin' Party, Feb, 2003, was great fun! Thanks to all who participated! click here for some pictures... |
| We proudly support & thank our servicemen & women who are so bravely fighting to protect our Country & the World against terrorism. We pray that God watch over & protect them while they perform their duties and that they all are able to return home safely to their loved ones soon. And let us not forget the ones who risk their lives to protect us here at home each & every day; our Fire, Police,& EMS ! God Bless America! |
| This page is maintained by Julie & was last updated August, 2007. |
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| visit Julie's White Birch Designs |
| our Autumn BLUEGRASS SHOW held in Petersham on Oct 26th, 2003 MORE info & pictures~click here |
| Candi's Bluegrass Guide |
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| Bluegrass Gospel Sing & Jam with Mike & Mary Robinson |
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| Charlie Rees of the Cowtippers |
| Abe Spear & King Wilkie the 2004 IBMA Emerging Artists !! |
| Gary Skillings plays with the |
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| Proud of our soldier, Rich! |
| Scorpion bridges ~ made in Italy |
| It is with great sorrow that I tell you that my beloved Bernie passed away on June 27th, 2006, from cancer. Bernie was a wonderful generous man who deeply touched the lives of all he met and will not be forgotten. I certainly have been blessed to have him in my life. ~Julie Thank you to everyone for your support, prayers & well wishes during these past few months, we are humbled by all the wonderful people that surround us. (link to Bernie's Caring Bridge site) We have set up a scholarship fund in his memory for students wishing to further their education in Music & will be having our 2nd annual Bluegrass Benefit Show on Oct 14, 2007 for more info on the scholarship & the show..... click here for any banjo repairs/set~up/sales, please contact Gary Filgate of Acoustic Outfitters Music Store |
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