Welcome to Laurens Old-Time Jam!
Join us for some tunes!
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month from 2-5pm at the Laurens County Museum, 116 South Public Square, Laurens, SC 29360.
The first hour is a slow-jam, which means we play pre-chosen tunes in 1 key at a slow tempo. The slow-jam is a great opportunity for those who are new to their instruments, old-time music, or listening by ear.
From 3-5pm we have an open old-time jam. Tunes are called as we go, but we usually stay in one key for awhile. Keys we play in include G, C, D, A, and A modal (Dorian).
Our goal:
The Laurens Old-Time jam welcomes musicians of all-levels who love old-time music. Whether you are a seasoned player, or just getting started, our community is a place to share tunes, learn from each other, and connect with other players. This is a space where everyone can feel comfortable joining in, whether you want to lead a tune, play quietly in the background, or simply listen and enjoy the music. Come make music , friends and memories with us while keeping old-time traditions alive!
What is Old-Time Music?
Old-Time music is pre-bluegrass folk music of the Appalachian Mountains. At it’s roots are folk songs and tunes of European immigrants blended together with the rhythms and traditional music of enslaved Africans. The first banjo’s design was influenced by the gourd stringed instruments of Africa. In addition to the banjo, other instruments you’ll commonly hear in old-time string band are fiddle, guitar, upright bass and sometimes mandolin or banjo-ukulele. Unlike bluegrass, at an old-time jam, no one plays a break. Traditionally, the tunes are learned by ear from other players. There is a sense of community as tunes are passed down. Besides music jams, old-time music can be found at contra and square dances, and performances by local string bands for concerts, events, and farmer’s markets. The SC Old Time Fiddlers Convention is held at Hagood Mill in Pickens, SC every September which is a contest with categories such as String Band and Fiddler of the Mill, and features concert performances by past winners, as well as jamming opportunities.
Let’s talk banjo.
We can’t talk about old-time without mentioning the banjo. The type of banjo used and style of playing is unique to old-time. The most common playing style used in old-time music is called clawhammer (or frailing). the instrument is tuned to the key of the song or tune. The strum used in clawhammer style is known as “bum-ditty” which is the sound of the rhythm created by striking a note with the first (or second) finger, then strumming along the strings in a downward stroke, followed by a pluck of the fifth string with the thumb. Other styles you may hear are 2 or 3 finger-picking styles (often without picks). The banjo design used in old-time music is open-back (no resonator) and may be fretted or fretless.
There are many resources available to learn more about old-time music, tunes and techniques, workshops and performances, and connect with the old-time community.
Contact Us
Send us an email with tune requests for the slow-jam, to share jam photos, or questions and comments.
Email us at laurensoldtimejam@gmail.com
