Bobby Batyko

A note from Katie: Sparetime Bluegrass Band has been a band since at least the 1990s. Led by the charismatic Bobby Batyko, their presence has been an unforgettable force in the Madison, WI, music scene for decades.

What many people don't know is that Bob has been my friend and mentor for over 20 years. His consistent uplifting and encouraging presence in the Madison music scene has impacted me more than words can convey.

A stalwart presence at bluegrass jams and at gigs, feeling welcomed and included by Bob and his bandmates helped me gain the confidence necessary to learn to play the bluegrass bass and cut my teeth performing, despite being young and inexperienced. And for that I would like to thank him, as it has affected the trajectory of my career in music.

Bobby eventually took over leading the Monday night weekly bluegrass jams where I got my start, and he continues to mentor younger pickers and welcome new players into Madison's musical community. When founder Evan Murdock retired, Bob stepped into the role of President of the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective, the non-profit responsible for the Sugar Maple Festival every year at Lake Farm Park. He also hosts a Sugar Maple concert series through the year, books talent for the Atwood Fest, and also helps organize the annual United Way Fundraiser bluegrass concerts at The Barrymore. The man is busy.

I am so blessed to know Bobby Batyko and to have been his friend and mentee these last 20 years. Because of his contribution and care for both the young and older members of our community (by encouraging young people to pick up bluegrass and for helping to take care of the older members of our musical community, like Bob Stanton) our community is much, much richer.

Bob Batyko has created a living legacy, the likes of which many of us only dream of.

I'm sorry to say that his band member and friend, banjo player Jim Robarts, another one of my lifelong musical mentors, passed away late last year due to cancer caused by chemical exposure while serving in the Vietnam War. I cannot imagine the loss of a friend after sharing the stage over the course of 20+ years and thousands of gigs. Which is in part why I've resolved to celebrate the people in my life while they are alive.

I'm so honored to award Bob the Inaugural Red-Winged Blackbird Records Lifetime Impact Awards 2024.

To read about the Awards Ceremony, click HERE.