Detroit Brooks helped create the Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival to honor the late Jazz Master Danny Barker, whom he credits with revitalizing the traditional jazz scene in New Orleans.

Brooks sat down with his guitar to talk to us about why Danny Barker is so important and to demonstrate Barker’s style in action.

The Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival is taking place now at venues across New Orleans, but Barker’s influence can be heard and felt across the city any time of the year.

Check out what Detroit Brooks has to say and play as he shows us why Danny Barker is still so vital to the New Orleans music community.

Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival Part 1 – Detroit Brooks from OffBeat Magazine on Vimeo.