PineCone, the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music, Inc. is dedicated to preserving, presenting, and promoting all forms of traditional music, dance and other folk performing arts. The organization is the force behind a lot of the music throughout the Triangle.
PineCone hosts several bluegrass jams each month. You can find these sessions, along with more of their events, on their calendar.
Here’s some of what’s coming up.
Beginner’s Bluegrass Jam
3rd Monday of the month (scheduled through February, 2023)
7 to 9 p.m.
Harry’s Guitar Shop
556 Pylon Drive, Raleigh, NC
Free
This jam is open to all musicians, not only beginners! It is a learning jam, though, to help those who are still learning the basics of bluegrass music and playing with other musicians. It is open to participants of all ages and abilities. This is a great opportunity for participants to learn basic jam etiquette before jumping into a traditional jam. We’ll spend the first hour playing together in a single large group, stopping frequently to discuss the songs. The second hour, we like to break off into two smaller groups and put our new jam skills into practice!
Facilitator Jef Walter is a local musician who plays with Hank Smith & the Beer & Banjos All-Stars (every Tuesday at The Raleigh Times Bar) and other groups; he also mentors The Loblollies youth bluegrass band.
PineCone Youth Bluegrass Jam
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC
Free
These fun, friendly jams will continue to include some skill building, and will also provide opportunities for young musicians to get to know each other and learn about bluegrass jamming.
Songs will be determined depending on the skill levels of the students who come to the event. More experienced music students have the option to come prepared with a song to lead, either an instrumental or a singing song where they sing the verses/chorus, preferably with only 3 or 4 chords throughout (for simplicity in teaching) – this is not a requirement to participate.
This program is open to musicians ages 18 and under, and is organized by the PineCone Youth Council.
PineCone Bluegrass Jam
Fourth Monday of month (scheduled through March 27th, 2023)
7 to 9 p.m.
Transfer Co. Food Hall
500 E Davie Street, Raleigh, NC
Free
The monthly PineCone Bluegrass Jam is a “circle jam,” where musicians gather in a circle and play together. Facilitated by Russell Johnson, the repertoire includes both instrumental tunes and vocal songs. Whether you’re a first-time jammer or a veteran, you’re welcome to learn the tunes and play along, or just listen and observe! However, please note that this is not a learning jam (often referred to as a “slow jam” in bluegrass circles). Nonetheless, it’s a great place to meet other musicians who share your enthusiasm for bluegrass.
Please remember – every jam is different! This jam tends to draw a big crowd, and it is open to musicians of all skill levels. Please help us make sure that newer players feel welcome! Also, big, mixed level jams can be challenging. Patience and kindness are appreciated!
This jam will be outdoors on the Transfer patio.
The PineCone Bluegrass Jam meets on the fourth Monday of each month at Transfer Co. Food Hall in downtown Raleigh. Transfer has an outdoor patio (and patio heaters), parking, and food and drink options as well. A few chairs will be available, and you’re welcome to bring your own chair as well.
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