Esteemed Parking Lot Pickers ~ A BLUEGRASS JAM

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The Ocoee Parking Lot Bluegrass Jam is a well-established, open jam and has welcomed pickers of all skill levels for over twenty years behind in the Twistee-Treat Ice Cream Shopping Center at 10870 West Colonial Drive, Ocoee, Florida 34761. The area is about 10 miles West of Orlando. People of all ages and backgrounds enjoy the Jams. It’s very much a place for families, young couples, retirees, children, pets, and tourists who make it one of their stops because they have seen the videos from many points on the globe. Weather permitting the Jam begins every Friday evening at 6:30.

Every Jam has its unique characteristics, its own “personality.” And, its personality may change as the jam progresses, and pickers come and go. This Jam represented veteran pickers and beginners. It has been a welcome venue for first-time vocalists, Grand Ole Opry performers, amateur “bluegrassers,” and for a beloved few who have loved bluegrass for so many years, who at times have more rare and beautiful character in the voice than volume. All are admired and appreciated. Watch their faces as they enjoy performing this great traditional music.

While I have tried to acknowledge the pickers by name, I know I missed a gentleman (banjo) and a young lad who came to the Jam for the first time – my apologies. Hopefully we can add their names by comment later. While I’m apologizing, let me send a big one to Bill Miller, the bassist. If there ever was an unsung Jam hero, Bill is one. While he occasionally sings, you’ll catch only the most fleeting glimpse of his tall frame in this video. Be assured, that’s not by design. He didn’t sing or take a break a break, nevertheless, he was the bedrock of the Jam…listen. In my day I have played a lot of music professionally, and Bill is one of the best intuitive bluegrass bass players I have ever met. He is truly an amazing musical time-keeper.

In the past I have been asked to list the tunes in each video. I’ve come up short on this also. With the hours of calls required to accomplish this added to the days of post-production video editing, the task would be overwhelming. Again, I apologize.

ADDENDUM: A big thank you to Jim Bollinger for providing me with the name of the stand-up banjoist. He's Mick Downey from Deland, Florida, formerly with New River Bluegrass. He's an excellent mandolinist and currently plays with Ernie Evans' Florida State Bluegrass Band according to Jim, also an alumnus of New River.

Copyright Disclaimer--"Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use." NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE. All songs are “cover” songs and instrumentals, and no admission is charged for the event.