Free events this year include: open jams, Saturday night concert, 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 6, 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 6, 3:15-4:15 pm. Slow jam led by Robin Kearton (fiddle) with Tom Faux (guitar/banjo) at C4A, 202 W Main Street in Urbana. For people who are not used to playing by ear. Instruction will be offered as needed. All are welcome!
Saturday, June 6, 8:30 pm or so. . . Open jam after our evening showcase concert at 25 O’Clock Brewery, 208 W Griggs in Urbana. Bring your ax to the show and stick around afterward to jam with everyone!
Sunday, June 7, 9am to 11am: “Whiskey Before Breakfast” traditional open jam at the Rose Bowl Big Tent, 106 N Race St, Urbana, with lots of Fiddle & Jam Weekend staff. Coffee also available!
Evening Concert and Jam!
Motherlode
Saturday, June 6, starting at 7:30pm at 25 O’Clock Brewing Company (208 W Griggs, Urbana)
Everyone is welcome at this sweet outdoor concert, suitable for all ages, followed by an open community jam.
The show will open with Motherlode from Charleston, IL featuring Gaye Harrison (fiddle & mando), Alethea Pendergast (lead vocals) and Wendy Meyer (guitar).
Betse & Clarke
Next up will be Betse & Clarke, featuring the dynamic fiddler, Betse Ellis, with her partner, Clarke Wyatt, on banjo & guitar.
After the performance we’ll hold an open old-time jam! Bring your instrument to the concert so you can play along, or just hang out and listen.
If the weather doesn’t work for an outdoor concert and jam we’ll just go inside. 25 O’Clock also serves non-alcoholic beverages, and kids are OK to go in with their parents.
Family Contra Dance!
Sunday, June 7, 2026
2:00 to 3:30 pm at Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, 202 S Broadway Ave, Urbana
Grab your partner, load up the family and friends, or come solo–this dance is for everyone! Our friendly caller, Kristi Emilsson, will show you the ropes, and members of the Urbana Country Dancers will be there to lend a helping hand as you dance to live music performed by the Fiddle & Jam Weekend faculty band. The Saturday morning fiddle orchestra participants will augment the band for a couple of tunes too!