Banjo Man
San Francisco 49ersIn this quirky town that twirls to the beat of its own drummer, Banjo Man (Stacey Samuels) has been picking his fiddle at every Niners home game since the early 80’s Joe Montana glory days, even bringing his jam to four San Fran Super Bowls. “Super Niner” strums beneath a beanie propeller cap, an item that this Bay Area entrepreneur has modeled and hawked for decades, putting four kids through college with the proceeds.
With his hippie vibe, Jerry Garcia-esque beard, and ear-to-ear smile, Banjo Man attracts fans from all walks of life. Some even have tattoos of his image, a symbol of their allegiance and something that a grateful Samuels says will allow him to live on after he’s dead. The good-natured merry prankster, though, doesn’t fiddle around when asked about San Francisco’s reputation as a sedate “wine and cheese” crowd. Calling it “a stereotype,” he’s all about making sure everyone knows that Niners fans, with their hairy shaman setting the tempo, can make beautiful (and loud) music together.