Steve Arkin

Steve Arkin grew up in New York's legendary Washington Square music scene, playing both old-time and bluegrass music in early bands with Jody Stecher, David Grisman, Maria Muldaur and other outstanding musicians. For several months In 1964, Steve played banjo with Bill Monroe & the Bluegrass Boys (in James Rooney's book, "Bossmen," Monroe is quoted as saying, "Steve could play the best backup banjo I ever heard!").  Since then, Steve has won numerous banjo contests and played in many bands, including nationally-known Northern Lights and the Virginia-based old-time band, Troublesome Creek, whose CD, "Fast as Time Can Take Me" on County Records received widespread critical acclaim. He plays clawhammer and his own brand of 3-finger style with equal facility, and he has taught both bluegrass and old-time banjo at a variety of music camps and festivals. Steve currently plays with New Cut Road, the featured band at the 2017 Rockbridge Mountain Music and Dance Festival.