Old Time music session at the brewery

Next date: Thursday, 05 June 2025 | 05:30 PM to 07:00 PM

This is a regular Old Time jam for string players in Armidale. We are an inclusive queer-friendly group, meeting on the first Thursday of every month at the Welder's Dog Brewery, 101 Beardy St.

Old Time is an always-evolving folk genre associated with Appalachia but with roots in Africa and Europe. Pre-dating bluegrass, it typically accompanied dances, led by fiddles, with an alternating A part and B part.

'Old Time' does not strictly refer to a historical period but a style. New tunes in this style continue to be composed today.

If you've never played Old Time before, have a listen to a playlist of some of our regular tunes: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6XU5slIAXyKD0VMaNwEyM2?si=Z1Yspt0NT9m50KNnlqgwwQ

For strumming instruments—like guitars, ukuleles, mandolins and banjos—it's easy enough to learn the basic chords. Most of the tunes we play are in G or D or A modal (sawmill tuning) and we can write out chords for you to follow along or practice later.

Kids and learners are welcome! Feel free to just listen or join in.