SOLDIER (KSNT) – Kansas State banjo champion Rod Durst is looking back on his recent big win and past musical career this week.
Durst from Soldier is something of a local music legend. He recently came out on top in the 2024 Kansas State Banjo competition.
Durst only started playing banjo at age 34. Now, at 72, he took inspiration to pursue the banjo after listening to the Sunday bluegrass show “Trail Mix” on Kansas Public Radio. His first place finish featured classic tunes like “8 More Miles to Louisville” and “Shan’t in Old Shanty Town” inspired by the playing of Sammy Shelor of the Lonesome River Band.
“I’m not driven to compete, I just do it so they’ll have enough for a contest,” Durst said. “Not planning to compete, I just love to jam.”
Driver busted at 100 mph in Kansas I-70 work zone hit with nearly $1,000 ticket
Durst’s musical experience began with piano at five-years-old with the help of his mother, who was a music teacher and piano player herself. He even still plays with his mother, who is turning 96 next month, every Tuesday at her retirement home.
Durst told 27 News he’s currently playing in a couple of bands: Jed Zeplin and Running with Scissors. Both bands play bluegrass music in northeast Kansas.
You can listen to Durst’s album “Five String Reflections” here. To learn more about his upcoming performances, follow him on Facebook.
The 2025 Kansas State Fiddle & Picking Championship will be Aug. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at South Park in Lawrence, Kansas. You can learn more about the championship by heading to Facebook.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
