BLUEGRASS JAMS IN SOUTHEASTERN PA AND ITS ENVIRONS
Compiled by Ed Pollak
(610)363-1939
Craley, PA (near York) Thursday nights 7:30-11:30 throughout the year.
Look for the Flea Market on the main drag. The jam is around back. Good
picking & nice folks. There are usually enough pickers to support several
jams here and they tend to break out into separate jams self-selected on the
basis of musical emphasis (country vs. Old Timey vs. BG) and ability level.
This means there's usually something for everyone.
Holmesberg (N.E. Phila.), PA. Bluegrass & Country Jam. Thursday nights
8ish-midnight. Contact Fred Moore (215)-624-6614 or FdFnMoore@aol.com. All
levels of players are tolerated. During the Summer this jam meets out doors
and there's room to break out into smaller jams. During the Winter it meets
in Katie O'brien's Bar (215-335-3911) on the corner of Longshore Ave. &
State Road. This jam is a Philly institution and has been a continuous
source of jamming opportunities for 20 years!! The number of attendees is
much smaller now than it used to be. This is probably a good thing as in
the past, the number of musicians could be a bit overwhelming but they're
definitely interested in some new blood at this point in time.
Cocalico Valley Jammers: Meets the first Sunday of every month at 2
p.m. in the Fire Hall at Terre Hill, PA. It's an odd group. There are
mostly country players with some Old Timey and a little BG but they do allow
the occasional electric keyboard as long as it's kept low. This is another
jam I( haven't been to in years but I'm assured they're still going strong.
You do have to join the group at a very nominal dues rate but you can join
when you go. I think the first one you attend can be a freebie. The skill
level is very heterogeneous and beginners will definitely not feel out of
place.
Warwick Tavern Bluegrass Jam: Warwick Township (Bucks County) on Rt.
263 a few miles north of Hatboro, PA. meets the last Monday night of the
month from 8:30-11:30. A small jam of fairly good pickers but less
experienced folks are well tolerated and the attendees are quite friendly.
For more up to date information contact Jim Simpson at (215)659-8623.
Washington House Bluegrass Jam: Main Street, Sellersville, PA (Bucks
County): on the first Tuesday of the month. I haven't been to this one in a
long time but I know it's still active. Call the Washington House Restaurant
for directions and details.
Bill & Fritzi Wisdom's Old Timey jam. Friday nights 8 p.m. - midnight
at their home in Bryn Mawr, PA This jam is STRICTLY Old Timey so banjo
pickers be sure to leave your picks and resonators at home. For directions
and details call Bill & Fritzi at (610)527-7080 or wisdom@vm.temple.edu.
This is another of the longest running jams in the Delaware Valley.
Philadelphia Folksong Society (PFSS) Monthly Sing: These are usually
held on a Saturday night once each month. They rotate among different
members' homes. These tend to be "Folky" in nature. Sometimes they use a jam
format and sometimes it's more of an "open circle" format where people take
turns playing their favorite stuff. It often depends on the preferences of
those who show up. You should be a member of the PFSS to attend regularly
but I'm sure no one would mind if you showed up for one or two before
actually joining. In addition, the PFSS sponsors the annual Festival in
August and numerous concerts and workshops throughout the year. Their
monthly PFSS Newsletter also has a calendar of who's performing where in
Del. Valley night clubs (and other venues). This alone can make the price
of membership worthwhile. Contact the PFSS by snail mail at 7113 Emlen St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19119 for more information. (They're also listed in the
phone book.)
Horst's Farm Market Bluegrass/Gospel/Country Jam: I've never been to
this one so you're on your own. It meets every Friday night from 7 p.m. - ?
Two miles North of Lebanon, PA on Rt 72. According to the flyer I have,
friends & families are welcome. There's an open mike as well as parking lot
picking. For more information call Rachel or Jim at 717-865-6710.
White Oak Jam (Lancaster County): Every Saturday night throughout the
year at the White Oak Campground near Gap, PA. It starts around 7:30 or 8. I
haven't been there in years. My experience is that they're a pretty inbred
group and not overly welcoming of new folks but maybe it was just my
personality (or playing). I don't have more specific information on this
one but I assume you can find the campground listed in the phone book.
Seven Mountains Bluegrass Association Jam: Thursday nights in the
Franklintown Fire Hall at the south end of town on the main drag.
Franklintown is in the Gettysburg/Dillsburg area. I've not been to this one
but I'm told they get 50-100 people attending (I assume not all are pickers)
and tolerate all levels of musicianship with equanimity. (Contributed by P.
Lenig).
Richard Gordon's Old Timey Jam: Second Sunday of the month (at least
for now). The address is 115 Cleveland Avenue, Westview, Delaware (really
Wilmington). Primarily Old Timey but bluegrassers are welcome. All
levels of ability are well tolerated. Call Rich at 302-996-6480 or e-mail
richard@hounddog.us.udel.edu to confirm the dates and get directions
NEW JERSEY
Garden State Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association: 4th Sunday of
the Month, 1 p.m. at the Voorhees Community Center, Haddonfoeld-Berlin Road
and Whitehorse Rd. in Voorhees, Camden County. Contact Larry Hoke
(609)795-3720. I haven't been to this one yet but I hear good things from
musicians of all levels of proficiency.
New Jersey Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association: Jam session & stage
show every 3rd Sunday of the Month (September through May) 11 a.m. until 5
or 6 p.m. at the M&M Hall, Texas Road, Old Bridge. (908)828-1059.
Musicians of all levels well tolerated.