John Martz is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter from Amherst, NY. For nearly three decades, He has written and performed American roots music with an ear toward the antique. John's music is informed and inspired by bluegrass, delta blues, jug band, classic country, and Hawaiian slack key.
John performs on banjo and Dobro with Mountain Run Bluegrass Band, and as a solo artist on guitar, banjo, and lap steel. John has also performed with The Stop & Listen Boys, Trouble in the Yard, and the Centennial Jug Band, and has also worked with Creek Bend and Hypnotic Clambake. In addition to performance, John provides instrumental instruction on Banjo, Guitar, Dobro, and Ukulele, and has done educational programs at schools and universities.
In 2005, John took 1st place in the Western New York Blues Society's Memphis Bound competition, and went on to represent Western New York at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
John grew up on a small farm in North Canton, learning how to drive on a Farmall Super A tractor. After getting his first banjo at the age of 16, it took John a few more years to fully get the music bug. Upon picking up the guitar at age 23, John became a student of guitarist Tony Skelton, who taught him the basics of open tunings and Delta blues styles. Within a year, he played to his first crowd in a guitar competition and was hooked. He took 2nd place if you're wondering.
