MOUNTAIN CITY TN — The Johnson County Junior Appalachian Musician program holds its end of year JAMboree concert and fundraiser Tuesday, April 14 at Heritage Hall Theatre from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The young musicians and their instructors entertain and showcase the traditional music they’ve learned over the last JAM semester.
This event also marks the 10th year of the Johnson County JAM program, whose roots began before officially being affiliated with the Junior Appalachian Musicians. In 2015, local musician and teacher, Mike Taylor along with Celia Pennington and Christi Gentry started talking about getting some students together to jam.
Local musicians had performed weekly at Morefield’s Store in Laurel Bloomery for many years and custodians of the old store were more than thrilled to lend the space to teaching the next generation of pickers. Taylor, with musicians Buddy Morefield and Marty Pennington started meeting every other Tuesday with young, beginner musicians at Morefield’s Store.
“I believe the notion of our young learning and playing this [traditional] music is as old as the tunes themselves,” said Taylor.“As long as there have been kitchens and back porches that has been the case.”
Christi Gentry added,“being part of Johnson County JAM from the early days has been such a meaningful experience for me. I’m especially proud of the many people who gave so generously of their time, talents, and resources in those beginning years.”
“When Mike, Christi, and I first began JAM in Johnson County, it was an exciting time,” said Celia Pennington.“We all were very passionate about sharing this music and our culture with the young people of Johnson County and breaking down the barriers to music education – finding an instrument, cost, and accessibility of lessons. We also wanted to help instill in them a sense of pride in their community.”
After 10 years, the program is still going strong.“We have an excellent group of instructors this year, and the students come ready to learn,” said JAM board president Cristy Dunn.“They’re putting in the time practicing at home, and it’s amazing how far they have come in just a few months.”
Instructor Lois Dunn said teaching with JAM has been deeply rewarding.“Teaching these kids is the fulfillment of my retirement,” she said. Fiddle and banjo instructor Kenny Price agreed, noting both the cultural value and personal growth the program fosters.“I really enjoy teaching these kids our traditional music,” he said.“Being on stage helps build their confidence.”
Each Tuesday evening, the Johnson County Center for the Arts’Gallery on Main fills with the sounds of fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and bass as students learn and play together. The season culminates in the April 14 JAMboree at Heritage Hall Theatre, where students will perform for family, friends and the community. Proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction support the program and help ensure its continued success.
Tickets are $10 and are available at the Johnson County Center for the Arts’Gallery on Main, 129 W. Main St., Mountain City, or at the door the night of the event. Seating is general admission.
