Franklin County JAM is a program that began in 2014, and is made possible by the Smith Mountain Arts Council. The program is held for 4-8 grade elementary and middle students at the Essig Center in Rocky Mount on Tuesdays from 4:30 – 6:00. Franklin County JAM currently offers instruction on fiddle, banjo and guitar.
Franklin County is located where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Piedmont of Virginia alongside the county borders of Bedford, Floyd, Henry, Patrick, Pittsylvania and Roanoke. Franklin County also borders the southern shore of Smith Mountain Lake. The area has a strong cultural history in bluegrass and old time music and sits on The Crooked Road Music Trail.
Traditional Music from Franklin County
Current Instructors
Emily Blankenship-Tucker – fiddle
Robin Lavinder – guitar
Guy Ferguson – guitar
Larry Helms – guitar
Andy Buckman – banjo
For more information, please contact:
Jim Mullens
Smith Mountain Arts Council
jhmullens@yahoo.com
Visit the Smith Mountain Arts Council website
