Jams in Central, IL

[mandocentric]

After months and months of practise I feel I am ready to make a fool of myself in front of others. I was hoping some of my mando brothers and sisters have any info on jams in Central, IL. Preferably around Champaign, Peoria, Bloomington and maybe as far as Springfield. Thanks a lot for the help.

[grant_eversoll]

there used to be one on hwy 36 east of tuscola (sp) I will call my Bro. today and see if it is still there

[David M.]

It's Western, IL, but at Blackhawk State Park in the Quad Cities (don't know which of the "quad" cities it is, maybe Moline or Rock Island) there is a b.g. jam on the 1st Sunday of each month.

We have one across the river in Muscatine, Iowa the last Fri. night of each month (that'd be tonight). It's not only b.g., but lots of old timey.

[bluebilly]

try this. www.bluegrassmidwest.com

[Windflite]

Take a peek at the Northern Illinois Bluegrass Assocation Website #www.nibaweb.org #The closest jam to you listed on their list is the 'Peoria Pizza Works Jam' which sadly (as of January) is no longer. #I am in Peoria and am trying to work with a couple of guys in town to get a new jam set up once a month on a Thursday night at another restaurant/bar in town. #Meanwhile there is a festival in Chillicothe, IL the first week of June...a great place to meet some locals. #You may want to join NIBA ($15.00/yr) to receive their newsletter for upcoming events as well. #Finally, drop me an email if you want to get together and or if you would like me to let you know if I hear of anything!

[withak]

The Verde Gallery and Cafe (http://verdant-systems.com/verde.htm) in downtown Champaign hosts a jam from 7-10 on Tuesday nights.

I haven't been able to make it since December. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

edit: Also, one of the bands that plays for the Urbana Country Dancers (http://www.prairienet.org/contra/) hosts a old-time slow jam before the dance from time to time. I've never gone to that one though.

[mandocentric]

Andy, do you teach mandolin @ Dons Music Land in Peoria?

[hellindc]

Probably farther than you want to go, but every Thursday night there's a jam at Focal Point in St. Louis (actually in Maplewood) from 7 p.m. to midnight. There is a local newsletter called "Folk Fire" that you can get that lists other jams, including some in Illinois. Yes, this is farther than Springfield, but if you find yourself travelling this way (Cardinal-Cub game?), you can look us up.