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Fifth Annual Heart of the Alleghenies
Folk Music Festival
Friday, August 8-Sunday August 10, 2008
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Open Jam Area (4:00 pm--6:30 Friday, 9:15 am--? Saturday, and 10 am--4:00 pm Sunday)
The open jam sessions will focus on traditional Irish, Scottish, New England, Northern & Southern American fiddle & banjo tunes. This is the music that is popular at contra dances throughout the country. We also may sing some american folk songs or play an occasional Bluegrass tune. Most any acoustic instrument is welcome including fiddle, banjo, guitar, flute, whistle, piano, cello, etc. (no drums or electric guitars please).
Session ettiquette offers everyone the chance to start a tune and the most fun is had by all if everyone makes an effort to maintain initial starting tempos. Most tunes are repeated 3 to 6 times before moving on to another tune. Players are also encouraged to start tunes that at least several others know if possible. The best sessions are when lots of people get to play lots of tunes and we all go away smiling. Generally, the strong players or the musicians who know the tune will be dominant, with the beginners playing quietly (or recording) & learning the tune.
We welcome beginners, listeners, experienced players from other music genres also, but we try to concentrate on the traditional repetoire so that aspiring players can learn the basic tunes that are commonly play in traditional sessions around the country. So if you want to learn more about this music and your instrument, give it a try!
Saturday will feature an all-day open jam in the tent outside the Commons (weather permitting), which is central to all workshop, vendor, and concert locations.
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