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Thread: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

  1. #1
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Thumbs up Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    The monthly bluegrass jam in Pearl, Texas is one of my favorite places to be. I just visited the website and was surprise to find it under construction - although there was a link to the new homepage, which can be seen here:

    http://www.pearlbluegrass.com/New-Home-Page

    Texans, and of course anyone else from anywhere, this is a great place to be on the jam days! I drive, with my bass fiddle buddy, a couple hours most months from Abilene to be there, and have never regretted the distance traveled or time spent.
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    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Might get to go in December with a couple of buddies; all of us will fly out from SoCal...
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


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    Middle-Aged Old-Timer Tobin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    A couple of banjo playing friends of mine go every month, and keep trying to get me to come. Just haven't been able to get away for a weekend yet.

    I think one of them told me that Tom Ellis has been known to show up at Pearl on occasion, with his bass in tow.

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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Quote Originally Posted by DataNick View Post
    Might get to go in December with a couple of buddies; all of us will fly out from SoCal...
    Cool stuff, maybe we'll meet there.
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  9. #5
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Quote Originally Posted by Tobin View Post
    A couple of banjo playing friends of mine go every month, and keep trying to get me to come. Just haven't been able to get away for a weekend yet.

    I think one of them told me that Tom Ellis has been known to show up at Pearl on occasion, with his bass in tow.
    We just make a Saturday "day trip" out of it, and it's only one Saturday a month, LOL "Officially" it doesn't start 'til noon Saturday, that's when the stage shows start, but you know people come early (like Thursday or Friday) with campers and start jamming. Anyway, if you get there Saturday by noon and spend 4 - 6 hours you'll have a time, definitely worth the trip.

    And yeah, anyone could show, pros to newbies, kids to octogenarians, it's definitely a down-home bluegrass jam in the middle of nowhere.
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    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Hey Mark,

    Next time you go to Pearl, look up my banjo buddy, Shawn Spiars...good guy and pro-level banjoist!
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


    "Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
    "If you wanna get soul Baby, you gots to get the scroll..."
    "I would rather play music anyday for the beggar, the thief, and the fool!"
    "Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Gonna try to make it to Pearl one of these days. Thanks for the link. Looks like big fun. Do you need to get there on Thurs or Fri to get an RV hookup? Are there plenty of intermediate level jams or lots of hot pickers? It's clear it's pretty bluegrass oriented but are there other styles played some? Playing music with new folks is among my favorite things to do but I'm not a great bluegrass picker (just don't have enough memorized and not all that fast).

  13. #8
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Hi jdh! As stated above, I always make a day trip down from Abilene, usually arriving around noon and leaving at 6 . . . or 7 . . . or 8 or so. They have recently added additional RV hookups, expanding again. I don't know an answer to your question, but you can contact them through the website and find out. Also, I plan to be there in Nov, so I'll try to get some info for you on the RV situation in case you haven't talked to them by then.

    There are usually several intermediate level jams in the old school rooms. There are also quite a few beginner-intermediate level players there. It is definitely a bluegrass jam. Nevertheless, there are quite a few intermediate to advanced, and pro-level players that jam there, jams happen indoors and out, depending on weather. I have played in quite a few circles of all skill levels and have known some country, blues, ragtime, old-time and celtic tunes to be played among all skill levels as well.

    I am a more eclectic guitarist, interested in old acoustic blues, gospel, country, and rock ballads. Only recently been into some bluegrass, and I have had no trouble fitting in at Pearl. In fact, Pearl Bluegrass Jam is what got me interested in learning bluegrass, and bluegrass is what has fueled my new mandolin passion. If you have just enough interest in bluegrass to show up and respect the music, you'll surely fit in well enough and enjoy it.

    ------
    Addendum ~ Regarding skill level, I have seen several times I'll be in a circle with a number of advanced players, and some young child or pre-teen will come join in with a fiddle or banjo they're learning on, and they'll be welcomed. A really nice bunch of folks and not at all snooty about skill levels and such.
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    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    From the Pearl Website:

    6. How do I reserve an rv hookup?
    The RV Hookups at Pearl are first-come/first-served
    . We have plenty of spots so reservations are not necessary
    . There are 32 full hookups (water, electric, sewer) and both 30 and 50 amp are available. When you arrive select any open spot you like and use the envelopes by the donation box to pay your $15/night fee
    . Note: Musicians who perform on stage can camp for free.

    Arriving noon Saturdays, I've not seen the RV spots all completely taken.
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Thanks Mark. I'm going to be selling my business at the end of the year with any luck and will then have a little time to travel, play more music, etc. Sadly, I won't likely make it there before the new year but will look forward to meeting you there, God willing. I always enjoy your posts and it sounds like we have similar music backgrounds so hopefully will be able to jam some.

    I started playing bluegrass over 20 yrs ago on guitar, at the time to improve my right hand skills, but have drifted in and out of it through the years. I now play mando in an acoustic "Americana" band and my church band and play fairly unstructured leads. When I go back to fiddle tunes I get too focused on playing the lead as I once memorized it instead of just being happy with whatever comes out. I need to get over that, just relax and play. So I'm back on bluegrass tunes, trying at least.

    My dad grew up in Anson, Tx and I now live in the Austin area. Lots of great music opportunities here. I've heard lots of good things about the Pearl Jam and have wanted to give it a try for a long time. My veterinary hospital has kept me too busy ... After over 30 yrs I'm looking forward to not being a veterinarian for a while and playing lots of music.

    Thanks again for your reply and I look forward to running into you at Pearl!
    Jim Hudson

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  17. #11
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    2 more days to the next Pearl TX jam

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    texaspaul texaspaul's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    I have wanted to go but it hasn't worked out. Fred and Sue Noir always encourage me to attend. Saw them at Pickin and Grinnin Festival at Coushette Recreational Ranch and Sue was as excited about Pearl as always. Had a few good jams last week inspite of the rains.

  19. #13
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Hey Mark,

    Shawn's band will be featured this month

    Pearl-Nov2015-Showcase-SABINE-RIVER-BEND
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


    "Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
    "If you wanna get soul Baby, you gots to get the scroll..."
    "I would rather play music anyday for the beggar, the thief, and the fool!"
    "Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
    Playing Style: RockMonRoll Desperado Bluegrass Desperado YT Channel

  20. #14
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Thanks, Nick! And congrats on the restaurant gig!
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    Registered User Hallmark498's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Hey thanks for the info on the camping!

    I plan to head down there in feb.

  23. #16
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Great! I'll look for you there.
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  24. #17
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Hello 2016, the first Pearl Bluegrass Jam and Stage Show of the new year is tomorrow! Anybody else here planning to attend?

    Where in the world is Pearl?
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    Registered User Hallmark498's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Had a great time jamming in Jan!

    Our band will be performing there in Feb.

  26. #19
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    January was a lot of fun. Which band are you in? I'll look for you there. I play guitar at Pearl, my mando chops aren't much ready for jamming yet.
    ---------
    Edit: I think I spotted you in the promo pic for Robertson County Line?
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage


  28. #21
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Looking forward to hearing y'all, David! I've enjoyed watching your videos, especially Satisfied With Jesus with your mom and dad!
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    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    It's been a long time since I made the trek down to Pearl - but on their FB page today they were reminiscing about when Sarah Jarosz used to come out and play mandolin there as a kid. This pic of Sarah at Pearl is undated:

    Click image for larger version. 

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  30. #23
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Quote Originally Posted by texaspaul View Post
    I have wanted to go but it hasn't worked out. Fred and Sue Noir always encourage me to attend. Saw them at Pickin and Grinnin Festival at Coushette Recreational Ranch and Sue was as excited about Pearl as always. Had a few good jams last week inspite of the rains.
    Sue puts the energizer bunny to shame.
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  32. #24

    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Fred and Sue Knorre FWIW. Pearl is a great venue and the volunteer spirit of it is what keeps me going.

    https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pe...8!4d-98.028237

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  34. #25
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    Default Re: Texas: The Pearl Bluegrass Jam's new webpage

    Made it out to Pearl today for the first time in over a year. Despite the return of winter today, and a somewhat smaller turnout, it was a blast getting to play with and listen to so many pickers out there.

    Click image for larger version. 

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