PORT TOWNSEND — The Quimper Grange Old Time Jam will host Channing Showalter at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Showalter will be back in Port Townsend at the grange hall at 1219 Corona St., after a several-year sojourn to the East Coast where she and her musical partner, Annie, performed as West of Roan.
To start off the jam, Showalter will break down Edden Hammon’s “Cumberland Gap” in the key of G.
Participating jammers will play in G until the break, then shift into the key of D.
Fiddles, banjos, guitars and other instruments are welcome at the grange jam. A donation of $1 or $2 is suggested to help pay for the hall use. Snacks to share are appreciated.
The Quimper Grange Jam is a led jam, so players don’t have to know how to start a tune or remember what key they are playing in, according to a news release.
Participants usually play in two keys and the first tune is broken down for learning. Then the group plays tunes at a moderate pace, meaning not slower than molasses and not at breakneck speed.
The purpose of the monthly Old Time Jam is to further Quimper Grange’s mission of “fostering community connection” by pursuing the goal of “creating a vibrant live music and dance community,” said the news release.
This is an opportunity to learn new tunes and practice learning to play old time string band music by ear in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, organizers said.
All levels of experience are welcome and it is designed to make it easy for for less experienced players to participate. Tunes are chosen by the jam leader.
For information, go to www.quimpergrange.com/ or call Marla at 360-385-6924.
