A toe-tappin’ good time

Saturday, September 13, was filled with toe-tapping tunes and an evening of square dancing fun at the Michel family’s Weddings at the Homestead venue, 262 Collins Rd. in Branson, as musicians of all ages and experience levels gathered for a day of Old Time & Bluegrass Jams. 

Following a week during which Americans were commemorating one tragedy while processing the fresh pain of another one, it seemed appropriate to reflect on the legacies and traditional values that unite us. For decades in the Ozarks, one of those traditions has been to gather for an evening of music, dancing and fellowship following a hard week of work, and continuing such legacies can help bring families, friends and neighborhoods together. 

Admission was free at the jam session, with donations accepted to provide scholarships for youth to attend the Ozark Mountain Music Association’s summer Bluegrass Camp in Branson and Old Time Music & Dance Camp in Mountain View, Arkansas. Follow Ozark Mountain Music Association on Facebook to stay updated as the camps are announced, plus other events including Winter Bluegrass and the Youth in Bluegrass Contest. 

Between special events, musicians are invited to take advantage of area opportunities to meet other musicians and enjoy some old-fashioned music and fun. Jam sessions are held on Thursday evenings at the historic Mountain Grove Schoolhouse on Hwy. T east of Branson; bring your instrument or just come to listen and sing along. Sessions begin at 7 p.m., and twice monthly, a gospel session is held at 6 p.m. 

Stone County Jam provides an opportunity for youth in Stone County to learn an instrument, enjoy some old-time and bluegrass music, and meet friends who also love music. Coordinated by Ray Wheeler, the group meets at New Testament Christian Church in Reeds Spring on Monday evenings, 7 to 9 p.m. Don’t have an instrument? Wheeler said people who want to help area youth get into music regularly donate good used instruments, which kids can use to get started. 

Multiple studies have shown the value of music in helping youth succeed academically and socially, while with providing them with a skill they can enjoy for a lifetime. Add that to the simple joy of singing and playing together, and, what are you waiting for?