The First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Jam Session Series for 2010-11 will get under way at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center on Thursday, Nov. 4, with a concert by traditional music ensemble Dehlia Low and a jam session in which local musicians are invited to participate.

Featuring an early country sound with a strong bluegrass flavor, Dehlia Low will get the music started at 7 p.m. in the museum auditorium. Performers of old-time and bluegrass music are invited to bring their instruments and take part in the jam session that will follow the group’s performance.

After its formation in Asheville in 2008, Dehlia Low quickly developed a loyal fan base with its first recording, “Dehlia Low,” and its 2009 release, “Tellico.” The group has performed across the United States on the festival circuit, with shows at MerleFest 2010, the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival and the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Dehlia Low will release a new album, featuring live performances at the Grey Eagle in Asheville and the Down Home in Johnson City, Tenn., in November.

Band members include fiddler Anya Hinkle, dobro player Aaron Balance, guitarist Stacy Claude, mandolin player Bryan Clendenin and bass player Greg Stiglets.

The concerts and jam sessions will continue at the Mountain Heritage Center through the winter, with programs from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. Other performers scheduled to present concerts are David Holt, the Freight Hoppers, Mountain Faith and Wayne Martin.

The events are free and open to everyone. Pickers and singers of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part in the jam sessions, and the events also are open to those who just want to listen.

The Mountain Heritage Center is located on the ground floor of WCU’s H.F. Robinson Administration Building. For more information, call the museum at 828-227-7129.