On August 14th, 2010 I set out on a mission. I was going to meet my hero, Steve Martin. I also decided to learn to play the banjo all within one year.
Step one, I got a banjo and started to teach myself how to play. About 6 months into my trek, he announced he was returning to Oklahoma on tour with the Steep Canyon Rangers. This would be the first time he performed here in 35 years. I took note and contacted the wonderful Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust who allowed me to help advertise his return to the sooner state. The long and short of it, I was able to briefly meet him after his show:
But I didn’t know the impact this would make on me.
By learning to play the banjo, I was introduced to music I had never given much attention to. I also became familiar with the American Banjo Museum here in my home state, Oklahoma. Over the next few years I would do more stories on the exhibits and events the museum offered which would lead me to teaching their ‘Pick-a-Tune’ class.
Years later after his show with Martin Short I happened to be sitting behind fiddling legend, Byron Berline- who Steve opened for back in the 70s in California. Byron had a backstage pass. I did not. Byron stuck me backstage and I was able to meet, shake hands and briefly visit with Mr. Martin a second time:
I always felt my name would be on some kind of ‘watch list’ and by this meeting I was sure of it. Either way, I was able to briefly say “hi” and that was that.
Since that meeting, I started working closer and closer with the American Banjo Museum and in 2018 I accepted a regular position as a promoter and director of education programs. All because I decided to spend a year learning an instrument I always loved the sound of.
By doing so I have met so many great friends from around the world. I have been able to perform with orchestras and even work with The Muppets!
In 2019 Steve would return to Oklahoma and word got around that there was a chance he might visit the museum. My first impulse was to be prepared to finally say a simple “Thank you for the comedy, music and the gift his sharing the banjo has been to me and so many.” I was also prepared to come to my office early that day to remove my pictures, and ‘wild & crazy’ memorabilia on display in my very public office.
As I arrived thinking I was 2 hours early, I was actually 2 minutes late. He had just left and after a whirlwind, 20-minute tour (including seeing my office) he was out the door. The only proof we have of his visit would be this tweet:
… and this bigfoot-esque image someone caught:
I missed him. He came to my. To my office door. I wasn’t there. And all can agree that was for the best. He was able to walk through and enjoy the state-of-the-art museum. Take pictures and take in all that our Executive Director, Johnny Baier, has poured his heart into.
That night after attending the concert I was surprised to find out I was ON THE LIST! As a thank-you for hosting an awards show at the OK Civic Center, they put me on the meet & greet list.
I had permission to be there.
However my meeting Steve for the third time went like this:
Me: Hi.
Steve: I hope you’re not a criminal.
And an awkward picture like this:
But I also got this great moment with Martin Short:
So while I’ve yet to express how his banjo inspiration has changed my life, I am thankful for that little goal I set 10 years ago that started me on my banjo journey.
Thanks, Mr. Martin.
Sincerely, Lukas.
(I’m having the spelling changed.)