Strung Together Music Jam Campout Searsport, Maine, September 17-19th, 2021.
The OT & Bluegrass Jam weekend begins Friday afternoon at 3 PM with an OT Jam and banjo workshop followed by our world famous Strung Together wood fired pizza bar and concert. The jams will take place in different areas in the park but close enough to give all participants easy access to both jam circles.
Old Time Banjo Workshop is being offered by Sara Grey with a focus on 2 finger song accompaniment. (7 student minimum to hold weekend workshop. Suggested weekend workshop donation-$90). Click here to sign up for this awesome workshop! Sign up for your space today
An exciting addition to this year’s Campout is an introduction to the Montville Project– learning & playing Essential New England Dance Tunes under the guidance of George Fowler, Art Bryan and Fred White. This will be a one hour or so learning session on Saturday with a live out-of-doors dance on Sunday. Dancing will be lead by Chrissy Fowler and the Belfast Flying Shoes ensemble.
Workshops and jam sessions are being offered this year in a more spontaneous fashion and are held throughout the campground under tents, porches, trees and other canopies. Designated spaces will be laid out for each style of music, with unlimited spots to hold you own jam.
Volunteer workshop and jam leaders will post their offerings on the big marker board in the middle of the camp. Please feel free to offer up a workshop, lead a jam or just sit by the fire playing with a friend during the weekend. Most importantly, enjoy sharing a few tunes along the seaside in a welcoming and relaxed space.
Jam Spaces will remain open all weekend and are not limited by the schedule or time. A room will be available to lock up your instruments in the evening.
The Campground follows the most current CDC COVID 19 recommendations..
General Admission Tickets:
Suggested donation is $30 for the weekend
Weekend includes admission for Friday, Saturday, Sunday to all jam spaces, performances and community fire rings along with any other activities that may pop-up. Your donation helps to cover costs of jam leaders, staff, tents and clean bathrooms. Ask us about volunteer opportunities or lead a jam session as your donation (Extra monies will be used for musician scholarships and to help fund the instrument lending project at the Searsport Carver Memorial Library).
Base cost for the weekend will be $30 not including camping, special workshops, lunch or private lessons. Call or write to Searsport Shores for a camping spot. Campsites include hot showers, picnic table and fireplace (oceanfront & RV site upgrades available).
Please stay tuned for more updates as the date approaches.
Sign up for our mailing list: makersguildme@gmail.com. Reserve your campsite now by calling Searsport Shores at 207-548-6059. Make sure to mention you’re coming for the jamming weekend when you call.
For Festival & Camping details call 207.548.6059
2021 Schedule
Friday:
2-5 PM: Check-in, reception, & informal picking time.
Free to all: Introductory Old Time music session 3-5 PM for this session. Promises to be a great introduction, refresher or warm-up session for Old Time Music. Get your groove on!
3PM Old Time Banjo begins with Sara Grey: Sara has been playing banjo for over 58 years for song accompaniment as well as for tunes…both frailing style and two finger picking.
Sara’s voice alone makes her one of the most popular singers on the folk scene. On many of her songs Sara accompanies herself by frailing a five string banjo and, when playing tunes, it is obvious why she is regarded as one of the foremost exponents of the old-time style.
5-6:00 PM: WELCOME (Snacks, orientation, etc) Hoping you can all arrive by this time. The pizza Bar is open! Please bring your favorite toppings to share and we’ll do the rest!
6:00-7:00 PM: Opening Concert – Sara Grey performs Old Time Music
7:00-8:30 PM: Music Continues – John Pranio live! John will be performing a few Old Time Tunes before he gets everyone involved in the evenings music jam for all of the Strung Together Gang. A celebration of Old Time Music at it’s best!
Dancing at Center Stage. Sit by the fire, make music, make friends, eat chips, enjoy music by and with friends.
8:30 PM: Small Group Jams Pick a spot in the center of things or seek a quiet spot to make music. spaces are identified on map.
Saturday:
10-11:30 AM Banjo Lessons
Sara Grey teaches old-time banjo and banjo to accompany Appalachian Songs and Ballads ($90 for weekend of instruction)
10-12 AM Jams begin. Please check the marker board for what’s happening and where.
12 PM: Picnic Lunch
1-2:30 pm Banjo Workshop continues
1-4 PM: Jam Sessions continue. Volunteer jam leaders will be on hand or feel free to begin your own. Plenty of space to work with others on particular songs as well.
2-3:30 PM Delve into the New England Dance tune world with the Montville Project Band.
5:30 PM: Community Picnic at the Garden Kitchen! Bring your favorite dish and beverage to enjoy by the campfire. Ovens and grills available for heating your meal.
7-9 PM: Saturday Evening Coffee House. One or two and off. Sign up with new or familiar combinations to play up to two pieces. Instructor bands to perform….. Followed by campfire and jam circles.
Sunday
9:00- Sunday morning community sing, in the round by the garden kitchen. Led by singer/songwriter Mark Baker and Guitarist/ Songster Richard Hoverman
10-12 PM: Jam tents open. All invited to play Reveille on your harmonica, key of C
10:30-11:30: Last Banjo Workshop. Practice a few tunes to present at noon.
12:00 PM: Final Dance Jam with the Strung Together Band (everyone is welcome to join in) This is an outdoor dance session. The waltz will be taught during the music jam to all that are willing and able. Bring your favorite partner or fiddle! Led by Chrissy Fowler of the Belfast Flying Shoes
Goodbye and Cleanup 1:30-2:30PM
