By Angela H. Hill
Musicians looking for a jam in Meadows of Dan can now join Saturday sessions at Poor Farmer’s Market on Jeb Stuart Highway. Held from 2 to 5 p.m. on the store stage, the jam is open to all styles, all instruments and voices, and all levels of experience, said organizer Zeb Hicks.
Hicks, who’s also a market cashier, started the jam May 21 and plans to offer sessions through the end of summer. “We have so much local talent here, but we also have so many musicians who have no one to play with,” Hicks said. “This is an opportunity to play, and it’s also an important part of our musical heritage in this area. And it’s fun!”
Growing up in Laurel Forks, Hicks, now 20, began playing banjo at age 13. “I hated it for the first two years,” Hicks said, smiling. “But after a few years, I loved it.” He also plays a bit of guitar and piano, and hopes to learn mandolin.
So far, the Poor Farmer’s sessions has attracted up to 12 musicians per session; with styles ranging from bluegrass, old time, and country to rock. Most are local, but a musician at Saturday’s session hailed from Seattle. Wash.
Hicks said players are welcome to bring song lists, but that’s not a requirement. He’s seen market shoppers notice the jam, grab instruments from their cars, and join in.
Hicks said when the weather turns too cold for jam sessions, he plans to offer a winter concert series at the store stage. Poor Farmer’s is located at 2616 Jeb Stuart Highway; (276) 952-2670.
