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Reflections Quarterly Newsletter

2004 Volume 35, Issue 3

Chris Ownby
As Professor Banza Calabash

Chris Ownby is known on the stage as "Professor Banza Calabash, Learned Skolar ob Music." A minstrel musician from the East, Chris came around the horn to the gold rush, much as did Thomas Whaley. After a period of bumming, mostly in the southern mines, he made his way back down to San Diego; it is 1858.

His entire repertoire is from the songsters of the period, and he does not present songs that have not been written yet! The banjos he uses are the type favored by stage professionals of the 1840s, 50s and into the 60s, and he utilizes the African derived "stroke" style of playing the instrument.

Chris plays weekdays on the verandah of the Whaley House entertaining visitors and is a vital part of what we are able to offer to the Old Town Fourth Grade program. He is a volunteer and does many other things for the Museum. Chris sets the standard for the hopes of our clothing program at the Museum and advises us on many subjects relative to the early 19th century.

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