Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam
...on The Coffee Mill sidewalk
The Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam is a bluegrass jam session held every Monday in the intimate environment of The Coffee Mill. Bring an instrument or just listen to the sounds of bluegrass and old-time mountain music played by local musicians. The jam appeals to a cross-section of folks, from old-school bluegrass fans to college students. A large crowd gathers every Monday, so get your table early. The Coffee Mill offers a selection of sandwiches, coffees, espresso drinks, pastries and desserts.
RADFORD -- A cup of coffee and a banjo. Or fiddle, if you prefer. The Coffee Mill in Radford has been hosting the Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam since June 2003. Musicians of all instruments, not just fiddles and banjos, and skill levels are welcome to the open jam session.
The Coffee Mill also hosts bands on some Fridays and Saturdays, said Stephen Schmidt, an employee at the coffee shop. "The coffee shop has the right setting for music," Schmidt said. "It really brings together the local community."
Since its inception in 2000, the jam moved around restaurants and other sites in Radford before settling at the Coffee Mill. It usually brings out a good crowd for the size of the coffee shop, Schmidt said, 15 to 20 people on average.
"There's a diversity of ages -- from college age to older people to kids," he said. "I think it's keeping the bluegrass tradition going."
The only times the jam isn't scheduled are the two Mondays at Christmas and New Year's, and depending on the weather, musicians might play on the sidewalk in front of the Coffee Mill.
People come from across the New River Valley on Monday nights, said Frank Fitzgerald, a guitar player who has been playing at the jam for about six years. "We love the music, and people come from all over to hear it," Fitzgerald said. "It's good fellowship."It's a way to recharge for the musicians as well as the listeners, said Wayne Frye, who has been playing guitar and mandolin at the jam for about seven years.
"It's a fun opportunity and a way to relax," Frye said. "You can't imagine all the different things we do for a living, but our common link of music brings us together."
Music Events Schedule Dec - Jan 2010
Date Time Events
Mon. Dec 21 6:00pm Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam
Mon. Dec 28 6:00pm Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam
Mon. Jan 4 6:00pm Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam
Mon. Jan 11 6:00pm Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam
Mon. Jan 18 6:00pm Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam
Mon. Jan 25 6:00pm Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam
Contact Keith Bolte, for music events
and art exhibit coordination.
Phone: 540-951-0851
Email: keith@boltedevelopment.com
We sell music CD's by The Coffee Mill performers.
Ask any of the Coffee Mill associates
Note to the performers... If you have produced music CD's and
you would like The Coffee Mill to promote and sell them on consignment, please provide us with demo CD's.
A typical Monday night in Radford...
Copyright © 2009 Bolte Development Corp. All rights reserved
Bring your fiddle, banjo or whatever and join in for a great evening of "jamming."
Updated: December 17, 2009
