Front Porch Community Jams are open to players of all levels—students and non-students alike. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to stretch your skills, our jams are a fun, low-pressure way to play music with others and build confidence.

Jams meet at our Downtown location (221 East Water Street) unless otherwise noted.

NEW: Intermediate/Advanced Bluegrass Jam

Every Thursday, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Starting April 16)

For experienced players who are comfortable with standard bluegrass repertoire, chord changes, and taking solos. This is a faster-paced, collaborative jam focused on traditional and contemporary bluegrass tunes.

Expect:

• Trading solos and leading songs
• Strong rhythm playing and ensemble awareness
• Common jam standards and on-the-fly song calling

Best for: Players who can follow chord progressions by ear and keep up with jam tempo.

Jam Schedule

Thursdays

1st Thursday – Old Time Jam
7:00–8:30 PM | Host: Christen Hubbard
Sponsored by the Phyllis & Lewis Gilbert Bluegrass Jam Fund

2nd Thursday – Beginner Bluegrass Jam
7:00–8:30 PM | Host: Lucas Rhondeau
Great for advancing beginner students & beyond (all are welcome)
Sponsored by the Phyllis & Lewis Gilbert Bluegrass Jam Fund

3rd Thursday – Americana Jam
7:00–8:30 PM | Host: Tim McNamara
Featuring artists like Gordon Lightfoot, Watchhouse, John Prine, Bob Dylan & more

3rd Thursday – Open Mic Night
7:00–9:00 PM | Host: Erynn McLeod
📍 Held at Potter’s Craft Cider
Sign-up starts at 6:30 PM (first come, first served)
Original songs only

Every Thursday – Intermediate/Advanced Bluegrass Jam
10:30 AM–12:30 PM (Starting April 16) | Hosts: Rick Ramsey & Malcolm Pulley 

Saturdays

Every Saturday – C’ville Drum Circle
11:00 AM–12:30 PM | Host: Kevin Munro
Held outdoors in nice weather—follow their Facebook page for location updates
Bring your drum, sticks, shakers, or just yourself—some instruments are provided

What to Expect

• A welcoming, low-pressure environment
• Playing music with others and learning by doing
• Exposure to new songs and styles
• Opportunities to practice rhythm, solos, and group playing

What Jams Aren’t

• A step-by-step teaching space for learning new songs
• A place to stop and workshop arrangements

Tip: If you hear a song you love, jot it down and work on it later at home or in class!

Jam Etiquette

• Tune before joining (or tune quietly off to the side)
• Take turns leading songs (or feel free to pass)
• Follow the leader’s tempo and structure
• Pass solos around the circle
• Support others—play rhythm under solos and vocals
• When in doubt, play quieter and listen more

Before You Come to a Jam

• Learn 3–5 simple songs you feel comfortable playing
• Practice common chord progressions (G, C, D, A)
• Listen to recordings of familiar jam tunes
• Be ready to follow along—even if you don’t know the song
• Bring a tuner and any chord charts you like

Jam Resources

Common Bluegrass Jam Tunes

You don’t need to know all of these to participate!

Boil ’Em Cabbage Down (A)
Soldier’s Joy (D)
Old Joe Clark (A)
Angelina Baker (D)
Will the Circle Be Unbroken (G)
I’ll Fly Away (D)
Long Journey Home
Tombigbee Waltz (G)
Shady Grove (Dm)
Arkansas Traveler (D)
Whiskey Before Breakfast (D)
Spotted Pony (D)
The Crawdad Song (D)
Blue Ridge Cabin Home
Little Cabin Home on the Hill
Lonesome Road Blues
Bury Me Beneath the Willow
Nine Pound Hammer

Learning to Jam

• Wernick Method Jam Resources – jam skills, songbooks, and play-along videos

Practice Tools

• Strum Machine – tempo + chord practice

• iReal Pro – custom chord charts and backing tracks

Tabs & Tune Libraries

• Mandolin Café

• Mandolin Hangout

• Banjo Hangout

• Idaho Bluegrass Association Tune Library

• Pegram Jam Songbook

Tips for Progress

• Write down songs you hear at jams and listen during the week
• Focus on learning chord progressions—not just memorizing songs
• Start by playing rhythm, then gradually add fills and solos