Multi-award-winning instrumentalist/vocalist/bandleader Cynthia Sayer is acclaimed by musicians, critics, and fans alike as the top 4-string banjoist in the world today. Praised for her “drive and virtuosity” by The New York Times, Cynthia tours extensively with her bands and as a guest artist across four continents.

Concerto Commission 2024

Tasked with reinterpreting the classical form of concerto, Cynthia Sayer, John Reischman & The Jaybirds, and Béla Fleck presented the audience with new compositions in the concerto style. Premiered on September 20, 2024 at FreshGrass Festival North Adams.

‘All In Good Time Concert’ was inspired by my own ongoing journey as a jazz banjoist. The first movement, “Indecision,” has a classical feel and reflects on how it took a while before I finally gave in to the lure of jazz and committed to making it my profession. The second movement, “Mystery,” is rooted in a slow, edgy swing that ignores traditional assumptions of 4-string banjo. “Why Not,” the third movement, uses an R&B feel to express my current point of view:  Respect the past without being constrained by it, keep growing and learning, and have as much fun as possible along the way!” - Cynthia Sayer