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Community Jams
Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: Winter 2024 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro
Nancy Kovacs is inviting musicians of all skill levels to join the Jam Sessions being staged from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. every second and fourth Sunday at Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library.
Bill Mauldin
Though hushed voices are usually the order of the day at Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, those notions are tossed out the window with the delirious Jam Sessions, staged every second and fourth Sunday of the month.
“Bring your guitar, banjo, harmonica, mandolin, fiddle or rhythm instrument and join the fun at an informal jam session,” says organizer Nancy Kovacs. “All skill levels are welcome and we have a piano on site. Participants can expect folk, country, acoustic rock, Americana and traditional music.”
An eager participant in the jam sessions at the Farmers’ Market in Columbus, Ohio, Nancy was eager to join the experience here on the Plateau.
“When I moved to Cashiers, I was sure I would find another group of friendly amateur musicians, but although there were many opportunities to hear live music,” she says. “I found no informal jam sessions on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. I was encouraged to stop in to see Serenity Richards at the Cashiers library. I was able to reserve their meeting room, and began to search for likely participants.
Jodie Zahner
“I had saved a list of participants from a workshop held in conjunction with a festival in Highlands, and after a little more digging sent out invitations for our first community jam session in the summer of 2023. We have grown our group slowly since that time.
“We play a wide variety of popular music including soft rock, country, folk, blue grass and traditional Americana tunes. Everyone gets an opportunity to ‘call’ a song, and others play along. We also have a shared google drive folder accessible via internet where we post words and chords to make it easier to follow along.
“Several folks who have only been in the area during the summer season have expressed that they are excited about returning next season. We have all been especially happy to make new friends through music and hope to gain more new music friends. I hope we will expand to playing at some quasi-public spaces or events, and perhaps increase the frequency of our sessions.
“People are generally a little shy when they first arrive, not knowing what to expect, but we welcome folks of all skill levels and those who might want to just sing along, lend some harmony, or pick up a shaker or tambourine. We have had guitar, piano, upright bass, violin, banjo, and harmonica players attend.
“Anyone who has an interest is welcome to join us. Some people will find it hard to make that first step, but I am confident they will be glad they did.”
