A monthly old-time music jam in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is bringing together musicians from across the region.

Music played includes traditional folk tunes of the Southern Appalachians but often branches off into newer songs by the Carter Family and Bill Monroe. The instruments are all acoustic and include the fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, autoharp and modern-era instruments such as the guitar, mandolin, doghouse bass.

“The setting and backdrop of the new Oconaluftee facility has proven to be a ‘perfect place’ in which to share and preserve our Appalachian music heritage and culture,” said Judy D. Sipes, the old-time music jam leader who is from Waynesville. “They all come for one thing – to learn, share and enjoy the enduring music that has wafted across the hills and hollers from the cabins, porches, school houses and church houses, of Appalachia for centuries.”

The porch has a cozy fireplace for cool weather, and the jam moves indoors in cold weather.

Everyone is welcome regardless of his or her musical level or age. Come learn, share and enjoy the enduring music of Appalachia every third Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center on U.S. 441 outside Cherokee.

Bring your instruments. Jam is subject to weather/roads cancellation during winter months.

828.497.1904.