My experience at the Ransom Pub Bluegrass Jam

Ransom Pub Bluegrass Jam

Boone is a community steeped in the traditions of Old Time and Bluegrass music. Country music musicians are easy to find in bars, restaurants, and even college classes. Last night I took part in a night of music at the Ransom Pub on King Street in Boone. I arrived early, with a friend I had met in class, and talked to people at the bar. My friend introduced me to musicians from Boone and the surrounding area. The musicians I met were incredibly friendly and befriended me almost instantly. As our group of musicians talked and ate pizza more people began to show up carrying fiddles, guitars, mandolins, and dobros. After finishing our supper, my fellow musicians and I began to take out our instruments and tune up. Within an hour the entire room was filled to the brim with bluegrass musician picking and singing along. "This is the largest jam we've had in years" I heard Mike, the jam coordinator, say. So many people attended the jam that many of the more talented musicians began to form new jam circles outside. My friend and I grabbed our instruments and rotated around the bar participating in all the different groups. I became so involved and entranced with the jam that I lost track of time. I played my banjo for six hours and eventually made it home long after midnight. The jam at the Ransom was probably the best jam I have been involved with in years. 

For a boy who grew up in an isolated community with nobody to play music with, this was a dream come true. At the jam last night I impressed myself and others with my banjo playing. I made dozens of new friends who have similar interests as me and I felt accepted by the community both in music and in my studies as an Appalachian State University Student.