Banjo Bliss Hits Wendell: Live Wire’s Month‑Long Residency

When you step into Live Wire on a warm July evening, you’ll hear more than the usual clink of glasses and low‑key chatter – you’ll hear the crisp twang of a banjo reverberating off the brick walls. Starting this Saturday, the modest yet beloved venue in Wendell has rolled out a month‑long banjo residency that promises to turn the town into a temporary haven for string‑enthusiasts.

The idea sprouted during a casual conversation between owner‑manager Sara Collins and a traveling bluegrass duo who, after a brief set, lingered over coffee and muttered about the lack of “a proper banjo night” in the area. Sara, ever the community‑minded entrepreneur, took the comment to heart and, after a few quick phone calls, booked a rotating roster of musicians, teachers, and even a local craft brewer for themed evenings.

Each night, a different act takes the modest stage. On Monday, the groovy fingers of folk‑rock guitarist‑turned‑banjoist Ethan “Stringbean” Morris will deliver a mellow set that weaves classic Appalachian tunes with his own indie‑rock sensibilities. Tuesday’s slot belongs to the high‑energy sisters of the “Blue Ridge Sisters,” who, according to last year’s fans, can make a single pluck sound like a full‑blown fiddle.

But the residency isn’t just about performances. On Wednesdays, the venue hosts a Banjo 101 workshop, open to anyone from curious toddlers to seasoned players looking to sharpen their roll patterns. The instructor, local legend Marty Whitaker, claims he’s been teaching the instrument since before some of the attendees were born, and his patience is as steady as a metronome.

For those who prefer to sip while they sway, Thursday nights pair a live set with a tasting of craft brews from the newly opened Riverbend Brewery. The brewery’s flagship “Banjo Amber”—a smooth amber ale with a hint of citrus—has already become the unofficial drink of the residency.

And then there’s the grand finale: a Saturday night jam that invites audience members to step up, grab a spare banjo, and join the rotating house band. It’s a little chaotic, a little messy, but entirely magical. As one regular attendee put it, “You never know who you’ll meet—maybe a retired math teacher who can play “Dueling Banjos” better than anyone I’ve heard.”

Tickets are modestly priced, with discounts for students and seniors. Sara encourages anyone who’s ever felt a pull toward that bright, buzzing sound to swing by, even if just for a quick drink and a listen. “Wendell may be a small town,” she says, “but music has a way of making it feel bigger than itself.”

So, if you find yourself wandering downtown this July, look for the handwritten sign outside Live Wire: Banjo Residency – All Night, Every Night. The strings are ready; all that’s missing is you.