Free events this year include: open jams, Saturday night concert at 25 O’Clock, Sunday afternoon Family-friendly community contra dance with live music and help from Urbana Country Dancers. Please read below for details.
Traditional Open Jams!
2022 Saturday night jam under the tent
There is no charge or registration required to participate in any of the jams this weekend–just come on by and join us if you play fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, or anything else that works in an old-time jam! Experienced jammers and novices are all welcome. Most of us will be playing by ear during open jams, but there may be a limited supply of sheet music or chord charts.
Saturday, June 7, 10am to 12pm. Classic Saturday morning old-time jam led by fiddler Laura Sleade with Tom Faux on guitar/banjo, under the big tent at the Rose Bowl Tavern, 106 N Race Street in Urbana–across the street from C4A and the Courier Cafe.
Saturday, June 7, 3:15 to 4:15pm. Slow jam led by Robin Kearton (fiddle) with Tom Faux (guitar/banjo) at C4A, 202 W Main Street in Urbana. For people who can play their instrument but don’t play very fast, or who are not used to playing by ear. Instruction will be offered as needed. Especially for fiddle, viola, banjo, and guitar players, but all are welcome! Experienced jammers are welcome too!
Saturday, June 7, 8:30 pm or so. . . Open jam after our evening showcase concert at 25 O’Clock. Bring your ax to the show and stick around afterward to jam with everyone!
Sunday, June 8, 9am to 11am: “Whiskey Before Breakfast” traditional open jam at the Rose Bowl Big Tent, with lots of Fiddle & Jam Weekend staff. Coffee also available!
Saturday Evening Concert
Saturday, June 7, 2025
7:00 pm at 25 O’Clock Brewing Company, 208 W Griggs St, Urbana
The show will be in 2 sets: The first features a unique combination of instruments with Robin Kearton (ol-timey viola), Sol Baer (bass clarinet), Tom Faux (cello banjo), and Jean René Balekita (percussion) offering a distinct take on traditional dance music!
The second set features two Illinois fiddle champs! Fiddlers Charlie Walden and Aaron Albrecht, with Patt Plunkett on keyboard, will spin out their favorite tunes in a variety of styles for your listening pleasure!
The concert will conclude with a few tunes from the two groups combined, then morph into an open jam starting around 8:30 pm, so bring your ax and stick around for some tunes!