After taking a summer break, the Buffalo Grass Acoustic Society returns Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. to the Cowboy Church of Peyton. Juni Fisher, 2006 Western Music Association female vocalist of the year, is the feature performer. The stage acts are preceded by an open jam session.Lee Patterson, volunteer publicist for the group of music enthusiasts, said the music at the open jam session varies from blue grass, country and folk to new age and gospel. “It’s a great group for people who like to make their own music,” he said.The jam session runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and usually attracts 10 or more instrumentalists, including guitars, banjos, mandolins, fiddles, string bass, Autoharp and accordion.”It is very informal, and open to all ages and skill level,” Patterson said. The group meets in the church kitchen area around the tables and plays their instruments and sings. Group members make song selections and each person picks up the beat, creating a fun interactive environment, he said.Kristin Scott of Peyton began attending BGAS meetings as a spectator last winter with her husband. Until then, she had never played an instrument. She has since picked up the Autoharp and now plays with the group.Scott said she and her husband enjoy participating in something close to home. “It’s great to have something like this out east,” she said.After the jam session, the musicians join other spectators for a live performance. The open stage portion of the evening is for amateur musicians who perform for 20 minutes. Feature acts vary in style and have included Palmer Divide, CeoliCeili, Sons & Brothers and local folk artists Phil Volan and Joleen Bell.Carol Cummings regularly attends. “It’s a nice evening and it doesn’t cost a lot of money,” she said.The Buffalo Grass Acoustic Society meets the third Wednesday of the month at the Cowboy Church of Peyton. Open jam is free of charge; admission to the stage acts is $5; children 16 and under are free.For more information about Buffalo Grass Acoustic Society, e-mail Lee Patterson at llpatterson@earthlink.net or call 719-495-0733. Groups interested in booking a performance can contact Joel Theriault at wdwrkr@earthlink.net or 719-494-0666.
