Page last
edited on
08/13/2008
Announcing for 2008!
The 6th Annual
Little Brother's Acoustic Jam at Bell Farm
October 3rd, 4th and 5th
REGISTER
NOW FOR LBJAM 2008
Mandatory
PAY JAM FEES
If you already registered but
still need to pay
OFFICIAL SCHEDULE
Will be updated often and much more
to come!
DISCUSSION BOARD FOR LBJAM ATTENDEES
PHOTOS & VIDEOS of Previous LB JAMS
QUESTIONS, HELP, JOIN Mailing List
Hello my friends. I'm proud to announce the Little Brother's Acoustic Jam will be held for the 6th year at a new location. First let me say my wife and I have the most wonderful memories of over 300 different players and music
lovers coming to our jams for these first 5 years. Now it's time to take this thing to a new level. Good things come around and I got a call from Bill at Artisan guitars who mentioned Peter Readey, a fantastic guitarist by night and engineer and business man by day, offered to host my jam at his family home an historical 1840s farm just outside Nashville Tennessee. Two days later my wife and I we're walking the farm with Peter exploring the idea of holding my annual jam.
The atmosphere on the farm is like stepping back in time with the exception of running water, electricity and his own commercial broadband satellite dish.
Everything seems to slowdown as you unwind and get away from the sound of traffic and breath the clean fresh air. They're almost completely restored two huge 1800s barns plus an old slave quarters now used as a craftsman's workshop. Even the bricks in the chimney were originally made on the farm. If you walk to the rear of the house toward the Cumberland river you cross a huge 20+ acre field with a bluff on the left revealing caves that still have markings from the smoke and fires when Indians lived here. The land is full of arrow heads since this field made a perfect hunting ground for game being concentrated as they came down to the river. Peter and Sharon host fishing and camping for their customers on the river and creek that border the property. I plan on going down by the river for some relaxing music at some point and maybe bring a fishing pole. The problem is I can fish anytime. I can't come to this jam but once a year.
EVENTS - Please check the regularly updated schedule. Stars will be performing from the main stage, presenting workshops and spending time with fans and junior players. Song circles, groups of players will be forming in shady little spots all around the property. Teaching,
learning and inspiration around every turn. Workshops and activities on guitar building, guitar playing and a showcase of fine new and vintage instruments on display. People there to educate and get to know you for no other reason that the joy of people and music. Guitars begin making noise at the earliest hour each day helping to wake others and get the coffee brewing. We usually have to force everyone to stop playing and get some sleep. I've seen some people jam all night long but that can ruin the next day. I think the best time of the day is the morning when minds are clear and ears are fresh. Acoustic guitar and a cup of smooth coffee is about as good a
s it gets. There's magic seeing people of all skill levels, ages, styles and walks of life coming together like this. I often have a hard time getting my old friends to drive across town to play yet people from all over the USA and overseas fly in for this wonderful event. Why? I think it's because of the feeling of instant acceptance and support. People know there's something different going on at these jams. You have to just relax and soak up as much as you can. The main thing you walk away with is inspiration and a recharged spirit for music and your learning. One of the greatest pleasures is discovering great unknown talents with our live stage and open mic. We also see familiar faces getting better each year. In the photo above Joseph teaches a workshop on chord construction. Tim McKnight teaches a class on guitar setup and construction.
DATES - Updated - Jam beginning on Friday and the stages will even open up too. We decided to run this the way all previous LB jams were operated. It more closely follows what all the people want to do which is arrive and begin Friday with a nice evening then all day Saturday and late into the night with some activities on Sunday with some goodbyes. Then Monday the remaining stragglers pack up and leave and help with cleanup. A few may show up early on Thursday evening and camp but fair warning you may have to help with small chores.
WHO'S INVITED - Anyone that loves acoustic stringed instruments and music is welcome to attend as a player or a peaceful observer and listener. Since most of these activities are easy to disturb we do not allow pets, small children or any activity that might interfere. We have camping sing alongs, song circles and many live performances that are very entertaining for players and non players alike. We just want to make it clear that music and it's related activities are the priority. We hope any teens or young adults are interested in the activities and music. We especially love to see beginners and newcomers and warmly welcome every good person that wants to get involved. There's a real magic from having all skill levels and styles of players and people in one place. We value everyone equally and we want to see you leave inspired and recharged. There will be players from all walks of life, guitar builders, world class star performers and groups performing, teaching and just hanging out. Yet it will feel like you're at a family reunion.
REGISTRATION - I'm opening up registration most likely tomorrow Aug 08, 2008 and we can begin official registrations and reserve your spot.
TRANSPORTATION - If you leave Nashville Tennessee or the Intl Airport
and head east you'll find Lebanon about 20 miles out. Then another 13-14 miles is Bell Farm. There's a shuttle train that leaves morning and night from Nashville to Lebanon. If you can make it to Lebanon we can easily scramble over and pick people up. When you register let us know if you need a ride. Also communicate with others on the free discussion forum and car pool from Nashville and Lebanon. You might be able to save by working together on carpools. There's even a shuttle (Groomes) that travels 38 times daily from Atlanta-Chattanooga-Nashville.
CAMPING OR HOTELS - Bell Farm is huge and I'm sure many people will have an extra spot you can toss a sleeping bag but it will be a little chilly and damp at night so we recommend a decent sleeping bag, tent, camper, RV or some type of mild shelter. We don't expect rain but there's always a possibility. If you need a hotel room there will be a number of guests carpooling back and forth from the cluster of hotels in Lebanon about 15 minutes away. I think most of the camping will be around areas (A), (B) and (J) which is all around the main farm house, barns and the shady little groves.
FACILITIES - There are two main fresh water pumps in addition to the farm house with filtered water. Tons of AC power if you have a long extension cord. Also wireless Internet will be available when you arrive. There will be a number of clean (fresh) and well lit portable outhouses hiding
in convenient safe locations. We're still working on some way to pipe water to a temporary shower booth but we also know many people will be sharing showers back at hotel rooms nearby and we'll be working on improvements.
PARKING - We'll be using the field labeled (K) for the main parking and there's several shady areas campers can pull up near the smaller barn (A) and access everything easily. We'll try to advise guests on some best choices for locations when they arrive and we see what they need. Again, I think most of the camping will be around areas (A), (B) and (J) which is all around the main farm house, barns and the shady little groves.
FOOD - Dinner served on the finest paper plates Friday evening for all
registered guests around 6pm then a noon lunch and afternoon dinner on Saturday. The final served meal will be brunch on Sunday but you're welcome to bring as much food, drink and snacks as you want. We may have some staff planning on firing up the grills in the off hours for any hungry stragglers but if you come unprepared please bring some small bills for the grill master's tip jar.
ALCOHOL BEVERAGES - Moderation is the key here. There will be acoustic performances going on and expensive musical instruments everywhere. So please use common sense and be at your best.
SMOKING - We prefer fingers smoking on fret boards but if you need a smoke break just step away from the tents or crowds and pop a breath mint when you're done. Make sure all butts are stored in designated sand filled cans. We cannot start a fire on the property.
WEATHER - In the beginning of October the days are mild and the evenings start getting chilly as you get near midnight. We may have to rent gas heaters for the main performance tent but
camping should be a pleasure and we'll try to designate some camping and campfire zones. The good news is no bugs and autumn colors. Bring layered clothing and a hat if you have one.
LEARNING - TEACHING - The official schedule will indicate when the seminars and workshops will happen. Muriel Anderson is giving one on guitar Sunday at 3:00pm and Little Brother will be giving a country blues workshop early Saturday morning. There will also be small groups and one on one sessions popping up everywhere. The idea is to blend all skill levels and spread knowledge and most of all inspiration.
SAFETY - Read the safety orientation on the registration page. This is very important and you must take this seriously or you will not be allowed to participate in the jam.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS - We must be made aware of any major health issues or considerations . If there is an emergency we need to know what your potential issues might be and any medical alerts, coverage, special care
and people that should be immediately called. Please see these fields in the registration form and fill them out when you sign up.
CHILDREN, PETS - No pets allowed. No small children. Teens welcome but must be supervised, remain on the property at all times and hopefully participate in the festival activities.
FISHING - No hunting but you can fish in the Cumberland River which is clean and jam packed. Just do not get into the water, try to swim or cross any body of water. The creek is actually the property line so if you want to fish in the river you'll have to walk or drive to the end of Arrow head field to area (G). Please ask a host or staff before you head out to the river or any other area. Just so we know where you are. You can buy a temporary fishing license.
OFF ROAD VEHICLES - No dirt bikes, recreational vehicles of any kind.
Legend
A - Barn number one and smaller of the two near main house and jam area.
B - Main 1800s farm house
C - Old slave quarters which is now a work shop
D - The huge 1800s historical barn and possibly future venue
E - Trail and gate to the lower arrow head field and fishing
F - Arrow head field with the cliffs and bluffs overlooking.
G - Beautiful area by the Cumberland river for relaxation, jamming or fishing
H, I - These are the two towers on the bluffs you cannot climb.
J - small shady grove by the main house can be used for jam area or camping
K. L - huge front fields great for parking or RVs
