`dawson's Creek' Has Enough Steam To Melt Most Viewers

3 Field Hockey Stars Named All-americans

By CHRISTINA EICHMAN; Times Leader Correspondent
 Monday, January 19, 1998 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 3A 





WILKES-BARRE- "What's the difference between a banjo player and a savings
bond?" asked R.J. Siegers, his blue eyes twinkling beneath a shock of wavy
dark hair. "A savings bond matures and makes money." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Siegers, of Owego, N.Y., was one of five banjo players to make it into the
finals of the Chicory House's "Beat the January Blues" 5-String Banjo Contest.
Eleven contestants competed. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The musicians who took the stage Sunday night at St. Stephen's Church in
Wilkes-Barre coaxed thunderous rounds of applause from a standing room-only
crowd. And despite contest rules that prohibit "clowning, showboating or
vocalizing," the atmosphere was anything but somber. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Joe Feola of Benton took the stage explaining that he hasn't been playing
banjo for very long, "But my wife thinks I've been playing way too long."
Despite reservations, his wife accompanied him on guitar, while their young
daughter clacked out a rhythm on the spoons. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The high spirits filling the room were neatly balanced by the serious
dedication the musicians demonstrated for their craft. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Steve Shelhamer's clean, vibrant version of "Grandfather's Clock" echoed
from the walls of the room, the notes ringing out like ball bearings bouncing
off sheet metal. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "I love the sound of a well-played banjo," said contestant Tom
Druckenmiller of Allentown, "and despise the sound of a poorly played one." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Between songs, the room hummed with conversation from the enthusiastic
crowd. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "That guy who did the Beatles medley," one audience member exclaimed, "his
fingers were flying so fast I couldn't even see them." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The Beatles medley in question was Siegers' creation. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "What I try to do with the banjo is my own unique interpretation of the
music and a demonstration of my respect for the instrument." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 During the break while judges were deciding on the finalists, the
musicians' talkativeness diminished. Most stood around quietly, anxiously
awaiting the announcement. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Siegers said he was pleased by his performance, but it wasn't perfect. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "I popped a few strings on Eleanor Rigby," he said. "It's the tension of
the situation." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 When the last note was played the victor in this musical shootout was also
the youngest contestant. Mark Cavage, 19, of Carbondale, walked off with the
first prize of $200. Cavage, a sophomore at Penn State, was taught to play by
his father. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 S

Upbeat Banjo Players Help Audience Beat The Blues 
The Five-string Banjo Playing 
Competition, Sponsored By The 
Chicory House, Drew 11 Top 
Contestants And Loud Applause

Upbeat Banjo Players Help Audience Beat The Blues The Five-string Banjo Playing Competition, Sponsored By The Chicory House, Drew 11 Top Contestants And Loud Applause