Pickers in Alabama?

[Marty Henrickson]

Hello all, I'm looking for anyone in the central Alabama area that would like to get together and jam. I live halfway between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, just south of I-59 in Woodstock, Alabama. I consider myself an intermediate-level guitarist, but a beginner-level flatpicker. I love to pick and sing bluegrass, old-time, country, etc., and I'm looking for more opportunities to get together with like-minded folks in my area.

[James Mullen]

I live in Chelsea and work in Bessemer. My wife and I play everyday. Drop me a line. Also there are Jams first and fourth Sundays at Java and Jams in Birmingham (3rd Ave N and 20th Street). On the Third Sunday there's jam at Indian Spring School in Pelham.

[Marty Henrickson]

Thanks, James! Yeah, we should get together sometime. Glenn Tolbert is my teacher and he told me about the jam sessions at Java & Jams. I made it to the slow jam in March, and had a great time, but I missed the one a couple weeks ago because my brother and I went to MerleFest. I haven't made it to the "big" jam (as Glenn calls it) yet, due to conflicts.

[James Mullen]

I forgot. I have coworker with a son that lives in 'blocton. He's 16 or so, but is supposed to be pretty good.

[James Mullen]

Are you going to be in Hayden next week?

I'll be looking for you at the big jams too. Glenn is a really good picker.

[Marty Henrickson]

Yes, I'm going to see Tony in Hayden. I guess it'll be just me, my wife and girs are going to a fish-fry (I was conflicted, but how many opportunities do you get to hear Tony Rice in person?). Are y'all going?

Glenn is a very good person, as well. Remind me to tell you how I wound up taking lessons from him sometime (it's kind of a long story to type out). When is the next big jam? I already found out the slow jam was knocked out this month due to Memorial Day and Acoustic Cafe.

[Steve Calatrello]

Hey Marty:

I am in North Alabama, in Athens, and enjoy picking, too. You need to come up to the Fiddlers Convention we have here every October. It's a great festival. Love to hear from some pickers up this way, too.

Steve

[Marty Henrickson]

Hey Steve, I was born in North Alabama, in Florence. When in October is the Fiddler's Convention, or where can I find info?

[Jarod Lewis]

Hey, I'm about 50 miles north of Birmingham in Cullman, AL. I hope to go to the Acoustic Cafe, but it's still up in the air right now. Y'all missed my bluegrass festival this past weekend in Cullman, I guess. I had Clay Hess of Mountain Heart doing a guitar workshop. Killer stuff.

-jarod

[Marty Henrickson]

My brother Jeff lives in Cullman - well, Good Hope, technically.

I didn't know about your festival last week, who else was there?

[Jarod Lewis]

Mostly local bands: Roy Crawford, Hurricane Creek and Act of Congress (and my band, Liberty Junction). We hope to add some bigger acts next year. I'll keep you posted. Does your brother pick?

[Marty Henrickson]

Naw, he just grins. He's really more of a classic rock fan, but he did have a good time at MerleFest, even though he wasn't quite as "stoked" as I was to be there.

[Steve Calatrello]

Marty:

The Old TIme Fiddlers' Convention is ALWAYS the first weekend in October. This year is the 42nd year: It's always a huge time:

http://www.athens.edu/fiddlers/

Jarod: I anted to come down to cullman, but we had a family event to attend. Clay Hess is a great picker. Hope to meet you some tine and pick,

Steve