The songs your guests know, on banjo
Josh Turknett plays favorites from the 70s, 80s and 90s on banjo and guitar, along with old-time tunes, traditional folk songs and his own.
Plays across north metro Atlanta and North Georgia.
“The audience loved it and we have heard nothing but amazing things about the show.”
RadioLive, Pensacola
About Josh
Josh Turknett is a banjo player and singer based in Roswell, Georgia. His acoustic Americana shows, on banjo and guitar, mix his own songs with traditional folk songs, old-time banjo instrumentals (some on a gourd banjo) and favorites from the 70s, 80s and 90s. His banjo channels on YouTube have more than 50,000 subscribers, and the Brainjo Method he created has helped thousands of adults learn to play music.
He is also a neurologist and four-time bestselling author. His latest book, The Genius and the Impostor, shows how extraordinary minds are built from ordinary brains.
Where he's played
- RadioLive, Pensacola
- The Burrow
- ASW Distillery, Atlanta
- Cabbagetown Square Dance, Atlanta
- Festivals and restaurants around Georgia
- Winner, banjo contest, Stone Mountain music festival
- Second place, banjo, Georgia String Band Festival
Watch
A traditional Appalachian song, clawhammer style. 69,000 views.
Kenny Rogers' song, clawhammer style. 22,000 views.
John Prine's song, fingerstyle. 15,000 views.
The Muppet Movie song, fingerstyle. 14,000 views.
Lynyrd Skynyrd's song, fingerstyle. 7,800 views.
The Pixies song, clawhammer style.
What listeners say
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“This song should have been done for banjo decades ago. Absolutely spectacular.”
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“I swear if Dylan hears it he'll start playing the banjo!”
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“I was not ready for the singing! Amazing voice!”
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“Never ever thought it would fit on banjo. I think your version is a work of genius.”
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“Wow! Blown totally away by your adaptation!”
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“Your voice is lovely, and that banjo is amazing. I love how raw and earthy it sounds.”
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“Always thought Hey Jude would sound great on a banjo and you did it.”
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“Such a beautiful cover of the most beautiful song ever written.”
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“What a great cover. Just wow.”
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“Love hearing these rock songs on the banjo!”
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“Better than the original... love this!”
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“One of my favorite musicians.”
What a set sounds like
A typical show runs two or three 45-minute sets.
- His own songsBanjo or guitar, vocals
- Worked into each set, including songs he released with Wandering South.
- Traditional folk songsBanjo, vocals
- Such as “Tom Dooley,” “Man of Constant Sorrow,” “House of the Rising Sun” and “Wild Mountain Thyme”
- Old-time banjo instrumentalsBanjo and gourd banjo
- Such as “Last Chance,” “Sandy River Belle,” “Snowdrop” and “Cider”
- A sampling of 70s, 80s and 90s favoritesBanjo or guitar, vocals
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70s: Tiny Dancer · Take Me Home, Country Roads · Sweet Home Alabama · Landslide · The Gambler · Rainbow Connection · Angel from Montgomery
80s: Africa · Don't Stop Believin' · Everybody Wants to Rule the World · Free Fallin' · Hallelujah · Where Is My Mind? · I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
90s: Wonderwall · Friends in Low Places · Losing My Religion · Harvest Moon · Learning to Fly · Chattahoochee
And many more.
Setup
If the venue doesn't have a sound system, Josh can bring his own. All he needs is a spot to play and a power outlet.
- Set length: two or three 45-minute sets, or played straight through for a market, brunch or winery patio
- Arrival: about 20 minutes to set up before the first set, and about 15 minutes to pack up after the last
- Space: room for one performer, a speaker and an instrument stand, indoors or out
- Volume: kept low enough for people to talk at their tables, and adjusted to the size of the room
Getting the word out
Josh announces each booked show to his Instagram followers and lists it on his events page. Venues can share the post with their own followers and tag @brainjojosh in their own posts.
Show description
Short description: Josh Turknett, acoustic Americana on banjo and guitar
Long description: Josh Turknett plays acoustic Americana on banjo and guitar, singing his own songs, traditional folk songs and favorites from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Tell Josh about your venue and the date you have in mind.
Check a dateOr email booking@joshturknett.com