Willow Rodriguez ’26
A&E Editor
On Sunday nights, echoes of folksy guitar and warm harmonies reverberate across campus. If you follow the sound, you will find a band of people known as “Bluegrass Jam” who play underneath Kauke Hall’s arch. This group plays non-traditional bluegrass and folksy Americana music utilizing a wide variety of instruments. With an informal feel and impromptu method of music choice, Bluegrass Jam keeps the spirit of folk alive at the College.
Last Sunday, Sep. 7 at 9:00 p.m., I sat in on a Bluegrass Jam session and talked to a few of their members. The crowd started off small, but soon more and more people gathered under the arch. The longer I sat, the more instruments I saw being pulled out of bags and carried into the group. Banjos, guitars, ukuleles, a mandolin, a bass and even a melodica made appearances in the hands of participants. One person even brought a pair of spoons from Lowry to use as a percussion instrument. At one point, I found myself using my own water bottle to play along. Most of the crowd was made up of singers and people sitting in to listen.
Eventually, Bluegrass Jam President Emma McKone ’26, who has been a part of this organization for two years, caught the crowd’s attention and explained the organization’s mission. We quickly decided on our first song and a key signature, which was “Old Home Place” by J.D. Crowe and the New South in G major. Strings, voices and drums filled the air in a slow drawl as we warmed up and read lyrics and chords off our phones. The night went on with a myriad of music selections. We played everything from The Moldy Peaches to The Cranberries, Chappell Roan to The Lumineers and Jack Johnson to Bob Dylan. Each song was chosen by the group as we went. The jam session ended with an original medley of “Miss Ohio” by David Rawlings and Gillian Welch and “Wait So Long” by Trampled by Turtles, as is tradition. Even when people didn’t know a song, we persevered through the music and always ended with smiles and laughs.
“[Bluegrass Jam] is a great thing to do on a Sunday night. We’re out making music together and all the crickets are chirping, then everyone sort of starts gathering as they hear bluegrass music playing in the arch. It’s just a really nice way to spend my evening,” said member Emma Smith ’26. This is Smith’s second semester participating in Bluegrass Jam.
While Stuart Franklin ’26 wasn’t at the jam that night, he previously played the recorder in Bluegrass Jam. Franklin said, “Bluegrass is special to me because of the fact that you can just show up with any instrument… You can show up once and never again or you can show up every week. It’s very no strings attached. It’s a community that gets together and enjoys music and enjoys the process of learning, failing, trying again and improving. I think that’s something really special that doesn’t exist anywhere else.”
McKone, who plays both the electric bass and double bass, reiterated Bluegrass Jam’s mission. “No matter your instrument, level of musical experience, or confidence, Bluegrass Jam has a place for you. This group has been a haven for people who enjoy music but don’t want the stress, pressure and commitment that comes with most music groups. We have people who are just starting out on their musical journey as well as those who are very musically involved but want a break from the normal ensemble environment. We work together and support one another, through the smooth sailing and the struggles. Even those who don’t wish to sing/play along are welcome as audience members.”
The group gathers every Sunday at 9 p.m. underneath the Kauke arch when the weather permits. Their cold location is the first floor common room of Luce Hall.
Those who have any questions about Bluegrass Jam can email Emma Mckone at emckone26@wooster.edu.