© Arbuckle Mountain Park 2009
WHAT IS A JAM?
Jams are a very important part of bluegrass music. Have you ever sat around a family event while your relatives were playing an instrument and singing their favorite songs? These are nothing more than a "JAM". Every performer you see on stage has probably spent many hours playing in jams.
You will see different groups sitting together in a circle playing and singing their favorite songs. Each person has an opportunity to play or sing their choice. Just tell the group what key you will be playing in and let the music begin!
People have paid hundreds of dollars for music lessons and not get the experience you receive in a jam. If you are a new player and don't feel comfortable sitting in the circle, you can sit just outside the circle and play along until you feel you are ready to join in. There is always someone that would be glad to help you if you have questions.
Bring your chair and visit any or all of the jams around the park. We have tents spread around for anyone that wants to participate in Open Jams.
WHAT IS A FESTIVAL?
Festivals are planned events where Feature Bands play on stage Thursday thru Saturday night. We try to have good solid traditional bluegrass bands that the fans enjoy seeing. There are many people that really enjoy watching a planned show. During the week we have several events leading up to the Thursday noon start. We offer instrument workshops, area tours, the golfcart parade and the Arbuckle Bluegrass Queen Contest.
The newest addition is our Youth Instrument Contest. Our youth are such an important part of traditional bluegrass music, we want to encourage them in every way to carry on this tradition.
SO WHAT IS THE DIFFERNCE?
The Jams are very informal with jamming going on at anytime from any part of the park. The ONLY STAGE EVENTS will be on Saturday when we have the Band Scramble. The Fall Jam also has an Instrument Swap Meet on Saturday morning. There is ample time to sit and visit and listen to a lot of good music.
The Festival has a full week of planned events for you to enjoy and Stage Shows starting at noon Thursday.
Some people prefer one or the other but, we have found that if you come once, you never want to miss a thing!
