Declan Banko Comes Home: Deco & the Dusters Return for Folky Tonk Weekend
Some musicians are built for the road. Declan Banko is one of them.
For over a year, the Deco & the Dusters frontman roamed the rugged landscapes of South-Western Montana, soaking in its mountains, high plains, and legendary music venues. His journey took him through Idaho, Wyoming, and Minnesota, playing storied spots like Pine Creek Lodge and The Old Saloon.
But now, he’s back—and Folky Tonk/Honky Tonk Weekend at Photo City will mark his first performance with Deco & the Dusters since his return.
The Road to Montana & Back Again
“Yeah, I was living in South-Western Montana for the second time,” Banko says. “It’s just so beautiful out there up in the mountains and high plains. I love to travel and I’ve got some good friends out there.”
His time away wasn’t just about seeing new places—it was about growth, music, and life pulling him in new directions.
“All of that really. Montana holds a special place in my heart,” he reflects.
But no matter how far he traveled, home kept calling.
“It was a culmination of reasons,” he says of his return to Central New York. “A big one is that most landlords want Airbnb’ers, not long-term renters—especially where I was living and working in Big Sky. I missed my family and the boys in the band. And when my good mate Nick Hendee (OG Duster living in Missoula) told me he was moving back to NY, that kind of sealed the deal.”
Beyond the personal reasons, his experiences out West also left their mark on his songwriting.
“It was a stark realization of current struggles in our country—wildfires, unaffordable housing. These things influenced me personally and my music, not just the heavy Country-Western vibe that oozes from Montana.”
Deco & the Dusters: Back in Action
Banko’s return to Deco & the Dusters isn’t just about stepping back into a familiar role—it’s about rediscovering their chemistry and growing together.
“I’m ecstatic!” he says about reuniting with the band. “And everyone around me is getting second-hand stoked.”
During his time away, the Dusters evolved.
“We’ve all grown musically—you can only get better when you’re dedicated. Some of us got new cars or moved into new apartments, but we’re still the same people,” he says. “I’m excited to announce Nick Hendee as the newest (and oldest) member; we played some gigs in Montana and Idaho last year. He was there for the birth of the Dusters and is already influencing a resurgence of original songs I’d nearly forgotten about.”
His time as a solo performer out West also shaped his approach to the stage.
“Most of the gigs I played were solo or duo—essentially going back to square one. I missed dancing around the stage like a madman with the band behind me, but it gave me an opportunity to develop a bigger, fuller sound on my own.”
Fans can expect new material at the Folky Tonk Weekend debut.
“Ooooh yeah! I’ve got some new originals, including a ballad about Buffalo Bill Cody and a yodeling satire tune about those little Zyn nicotine pouches.”
But when it comes to which song will hit hardest for his return?
“Hard to pick one. As weird as it may be, ‘Going to Montana in the Snow’ might have me holding back tears, even though it’s not a sad song. It’s the opposite of what I just did, and funny enough, it just slaps harder due to the fact.”
Folky Tonk Weekend: A Perfect Welcome Back
The Folky Tonk/Honky Tonk Weekend at Photo City is set to bring together some of the most exciting names in folk, Americana, and honky tonk music—a perfect fit for Deco & the Dusters.
“It’s an exciting idea for an event in general!” Banko says. “I am especially stoked about Hakeem Dodley running sound—my favorite sound engineer that I have ever worked with. The man paves the way for the music to be thoroughly enjoyed by all parties.”
And his set?
“Expect new and old original bangers with some surprise sing-along covers!”
There are plenty of familiar faces on the lineup, but Banko is particularly looking forward to a few in particular.
“I’m excited to see some familiar faces such as the Dirt Turtles, Adrianna Noone, and Tyler Westcott (he’s a musician’s musician and always a pleasure). I’m also interested in Jatoba—I’ve never seen them play, but I hear really good things.”
For Banko and the Dusters, this event isn’t just a gig—it’s a homecoming.
“It really encapsulates a strong element of my music and influences, as well as the boys in the band. Seems like the perfect festival for our sound!”
The Evolution of Deco & the Dusters
When asked how he would describe Deco & the Dusters to someone hearing them for the first time, Banko puts it simply:
“It’s like that first beer after a long hot workday, or a smoky barroom where you discovered the old jukebox is loaded with bangers. Music that would ring old barn rafters properly.”
And with rehearsals in full swing, the band has never sounded sharper.
“Scott Calpin (Mandolin) is on a real high point right now, and the re-addition of Nick Hendee (Guitar) blends perfectly—really punches. Not to mention Dylan Bloom (Drums) and Kyle Ingalls (Bass) holding the backline better than ever to get your feet moving.”
Lately, Slim Dusty (Australia’s Willie Nelson) and The Fureys & Davey Arthur (an Irish folk band with uilleann pipes) have been dominating his vinyl player.
But when it comes to a song that defines where Deco & the Dusters are at right now?
“Some friends of mine in Ireland have a great band called Jukebox Gypsy, they have a song called ‘February’—it slaps, just an absolute banger. If you listen to their live album, he explains the meaning—something like ‘There’s always a rainbow at the end of a snowstorm.’
“We focus on each gig as it comes, much like a sports team focuses on their next game. This Folky/Honky Tonk weekend is our ‘Rainbow’ after a 15-month hiatus.”
Looking Ahead: The Road Goes On
So what’s next for Deco & the Dusters?
“New music, yes. Reunion tour in the works, possible EP or album later this year. One project I really want to get going is a ‘Last Waltz’-style show where we bring back former Dusters for a few songs. That would include Ignatius Marino and Karis Gregory of Public Water Supply, Captain Tom from Buffalo, Oscar Fargnoli and Jake Penna from Naples, and Andrew Miscoe from Montana.”
While he’ll always have the itch to travel, CNY will always be home.
“I’ll always want to travel, but eventually I’d like to start my own brewery/venue here in the Finger Lakes.”
And for the Folky Tonk/Honky Tonk crowd?
“Bring yer dancing shoes, get ready to clap a beat and sing along!”
Join the Fun!
You can witness this joyous reunion Friday, February 21st at Photo City for Folky Tonk.
Gab your tickets HERE and learn more about this event and Honky Tonk by clicking the button below.
