Pickin' In The Park

Why should we join in on the Pickin' In The Park® movement?
Because it involves you, local and visiting musicians, families and family-run businesses, your local radio and cable television stations, all in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. It elevates public awareness of the wonderful talent that your hometown has to offer. It endears you to your regional artist community. It ties your local event to other Pickin' In The Parks.

We already have an area jam session. Can I simply change it to a Pickin' In The Park®?
Absolutely! You've already have momentum. Once you have officially signed up as a Pickin' In The Park® chapter, you can tailor your event to the look and feel of Pickin' In The Park® and begin promoting the event in your community.

I want to be involved but I have never done something like this before. What can you do to help?
Once you sign up we will send you the Pickin' In The Park® Event Operations Manual and companion CD-Rom with permission to use the name and marks. Additionally we will add your event information with a link to the www.PickinthePark.com website. We are standing by via email, phone (423) 496-4653, or even with a road trip to help with suggestions on making a sponsor pitch, approaching the media and local newspapers for support, handling roadblocks --- or helping with whatever questions you may have.

Sorry, I'm new to this. Just what is a “Pickin?”
Traditionally, “Pickins” are a regular place and time where musicians can come together and spontaneously and informally play music together. “Pickins” can be found in many small towns and rural communities up and down the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What kind of music will be at Pickin' In The Park®?
In many communities, there is a rich tradition of Bluegrass and Oldtime Appalachian music, so you’ll attract those musicians for sure. In addition, there are many musicians who play Country music, Blues, Jazz, Reggae, and participate in drum circles. All of these types of musicians are encouraged to attend and even mix their music styles if the “chord” strikes.

What makes up a jam session?
A jam session consists of one or more musicians playing the same tunes and/or singing the same songs.

How do the musicians know who to play with?
That’s the charm of a “Pickin,” it’s informal. Musicians can play in one jam session for a while, and then move on to another one. If there seems to be too many instruments of one type in one jam, a musician can take the initiative to start another gathering of music.

What if a person has just started playing a musical instrument; is it okay to join a jam session?
Of course! If they don’t know the tune, they can just play quietly on the outside of the jam. A more experienced musician might try to catch their eye to see if they would like to “take a break or a solo” on the tune. If the newer person is not comfortable, a subtle shake of the head “no” and everyone will understand that they are still learning.

How many musicians will be there?
The numbers of attendees will change from week to week. Some weeks, there might just be a dozen musicians on hand, other weeks scores. But as long as musicians attend in any number, Pickin' In The Park® will sustain itself for years to come.