Pioneer Valley Folklore Society Happenings

Banjar inventor Michael Nix will join February 7 Song & Story Swap

Feb. 7 Song & Story Swap will feature Michael Nix

Please come share in an evening of music and stories at the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society Song & Story Swap.

Saturday, February 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at First Church, 165 Main St., Amherst, MA. Free parking is available in back of the church, and the meeting room is near the front.

Guest performer for the February 7 Song & Story Swap will be composer and multi-instrumentalist Michael Nix.

Michael Nix is widely recognized for his mastery of the Banjar, a unique seven-string instrument of his own design that bridges the worlds of the classical guitar and the five-string banjo. His performances are a sophisticated blend of classical, folk, and jazz influences, delivered with a master’s touch.

He performs on classical guitar, Banjar, banjo, and mandolin, throughout the United States and Asia. Michael Nix has recorded for the PBS series, American Experience. His compositions, performed internationally, have been heard on Weekend Edition and other NPR programs.

Nix has performed his New Classic Banjo compositions at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, DC. His solo Banjar album of compositions and commissions, Aperçu, was released on PARMA Recordings Big Round Records.

Enjoy a rare opportunity to hear Michael Nix perform at the February 7 Song & Story Swap in Amherst.

Attendees will be invited to contribute a song or story on the topic of "Looking Forward, Looking Back" during an opening round of sharing.

This month’s theme is Looking Forward, Looking Back This month's
theme is 'Looking Forward, Looking Back'

The February 7 Song & Story Swap will be held at First Church, 165 Main St. in Amherst, Mass., at 7pm. Parking is available in the lot behind the church.

Looking ahead to next month, the March 7, 2026 Song & Story Swap will feature rich-voiced folksinger Debra Cowan.

The Song & Story Swap is held on the first Saturday of each month, excepting July and August, and is organized by the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society. Visit the Folklore Society website at pvfs.us.

The Song & Story Swap is open to the public, free of charge with donations accepted ($5 - $10 is suggested).

People of all ages gather to share stories and songs that are traditional, newly written, or of personal experiences. You can tell, sing, or lead everyone in singing, or request a song or story. Listeners are welcome.

For information contact Paul Kaplan, (413)-687-5002 or visit https://pvfs.us.