Jam ’N Beans serves up food, music and Ozarks tradition

Some things just feel like home, like a bowl of beans and cornbread and the sound of music shared among friends.

What some may not know is that one local church has been keeping that feeling alive since 2019, bringing neighbors together around the table and a circle of musicians.

Jam ’N Beans, held at New Testament Christian Church in Reeds Spring, combines a home-cooked meal, acoustic music and community fellowship inside the church’s 1960s’-style diner.

• 

• 

• 

Pastor Ron Rasmussen said the community gathering originally began as a spring event, with fall gatherings added during the past two years.

“It’s a way to help preserve Ozarkian music culture and provide community fellowship,” Rasmussen said.

The evening begins with beans and cornbread, hot dogs and homemade desserts at 5:30 p.m., followed by music from 6 to 7 p.m.

Typically, about 20 musicians form a circle with guitars, fiddles, banjos, ukuleles, stand-up basses and other stringed instruments. When it is a musician’s turn to be “on mic,” he or she can choose a song, with other musicians joining in as they wish.

The music is entirely acoustic, with gospel, country, folk and bluegrass among the styles played, along with music reflecting the traditions of the Ozarks.

Rasmussen said musicians of all ages and skill levels take part, ranging from amateurs to experienced performers. Participation is not required, allowing musicians to join in at their own comfort level.

“Bring your guitar, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, stand-up bass, your singing voice, etc., and join in for some country, folk, bluegrass and gospel music,” Rasmussen said. “Or just come and listen and enjoy the food, music and friends.”

The musicians are only part of what brings people back. Jam ’N Beans typically draws between 40 and 80 people who settle in around the diner tables, sharing a meal, visiting with old friends and making new ones while the music plays.

It is that combination of familiar food, familiar music and fellowship that gives Jam ’N Beans the feeling of coming home to friends.

There is no charge to attend, although donations are accepted. Soft drinks are available for $1.

Two gatherings remain in this year’s fall series, Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesday, Oct. 28, at New Testament Christian Church, 21016 Main St. in Reeds Spring.

For musicians and listeners alike, Jam ’N Beans continues to offer a place to gather around the table, share music and friendship and carry a piece of Ozarks tradition forward.

For more information about Jam ’N Beans, contact New Testament Christian Church at 417-272-0445.