Free events this year include: open jams, Saturday night concert at the Rose Bowl with Patt & Possum, Sunday afternoon fiddle anti-contest, and community contra dance. Please read below for details!
Traditional Open Jams!
2022 Saturday night jam under the tent
There is no charge 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 3: 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 the Courier Cafe.
Saturday, June 3: 2pm to 3pm at C4A. 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 3: 9pm or so. . . Open jam after the Patt & Possum concert at the Rose Bowl. Bring your ax to the show and stick around afterward to jam with Charlie and Patt!
Sunday, June 4: 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!
Concert at the Rose Bowl Tent
Saturday, June 3 at 7:00pm at the Rose Bowl Tent
Opening the show will be Urbana’s Fiddle Sax Fusion Band, playing blues-infused takes on Old-Time and Irish fiddle tunes and folk hymns. The feature of the night will be five-time Illinois state fiddle champ, Charlie Walden, and his trusty accompanist, Patt Plunkett, who will spin out tunes in a variety of styles for your listening pleasure. Followed by an open jam led by Charlie & Patt starting around 9:00 pm, so bring your ax and stick around for some tunes!
At an Urbana Contra Dance event
Community Contra Dance!
Sunday, June 4 at 3:00pm at the Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon St, Urbana.
Dancing is what this music is all about, so come on out and get your feet moving! We have partnered with the Urbana Country Dancers to present this community dance for all ages and all experience levels!
The caller with teach the steps to each dance, and members of Urbana Country Dancers will help new dancers find their way. This is a perfect place for families, couples, and individuals to enjoy some lively and inclusive social dancing! Free for eveyone!