Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (May 3, 2017)
Polk County Living Polk County Itemizer-Observer • May 3, 2017 7A A GATHERING OF FRIENDS Guthrie Park weekly music jams bring toe-tapping good times By Jolene Guzman The Itemizer-Observer DALLAS — You can hear guitars, mandolins, fiddles, a c c o rd i o n s a n d vo i c e s singing before you open the door at Guthrie Park Com- munity Center. The sun is setting on a rare nice spring day, and the sound of the old-timey music is as soothing as the warmth in the air. “This is the only place I think I’ve been that we hear this music,” said Corine Fraser, who spends each Fri- day night at the Guthrie Park acoustic jams. Sh e c o m e s w i t h h e r daughter, Joan Coleman, who plays the accordion. “I just love the music. Everybody is so nice and friendly,” Fraser said. “Joan has played ever since she was in the third grade. When we went camping, we would always take the accordion with us, and we always had a group around us.” That tradition continues each Friday night at Guthrie. Coleman is part of more than a dozen musi- cians that dropped in the circle to play. “Jam” is the correct de- scription for the gatherings. There are no set lists or spe- cific acts taking the stage. It’s just people sharing a love of playing and listening to music. Starting in the center and moving clockwise, each mu- sician selects a song and be- gins playing — and some- times —singing it. Those who know the tune join in right away. Those who don’t pick it up soon enough. In the audience, toe tap- ping is contagious, and some sing or hum along with the tune. The closeness of the play- ers to the audience — most musicians sit in chairs in front of the stage, not on it — makes the gathering seem less like a concert and more like a group of friends having fun. “We came out six years ago and have been here every Friday night since,” said Lyle John as he worked in the kitchen Friday. He said it isn’t just the JOLENE GUZMAN/Itemizer-Observer Each player at Guthrie Park’s Friday night jams selects a song for the group to join with their instruments or voices. music that brings him and his wife back each week. “It’s the whole package,” he said. Anyone is welcome to join the sessions — just bring your instrument and your voice. For the audience, the jam sessions are free to attend, though the center does take donations. Singing, dancing and all- around enjoyment of the old-fashioned music is strongly encouraged. The jams began decades ago, part of Guthrie owner Sally Clark’s vision to make the former schoolhouse a place where people could celebrate old-time folk, swing, and country music. It’s working. “It’s just enjoyable to come in and listen to them. They have such a variety,” Fraser said. “You find your- self singing with all the songs.” Sharing music What: Guthrie Park Friday night jams When: Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Where: 4320 Kings Valley Highway, about three miles south of Dallas. Admission: Free, but donations are accepted. Of note: Guthrie Park hosts gospel music jams the third Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. Admission also is free. The last country folk dance, they will be discontinued after this season, is May 13. Ad- mission is $5 for those 13 and older and $15 for families of four or more. Children younger than 12 are free. JOLENE GUZMAN/Itemizer-Observer JOLENE GUZMAN/Itemizer-Observer A long-standing Friday night tradition at Guthrie Park Community Center, the Friday night jams attract an audience young and old to listen to the old-time folk, swing and county music. Not a formal concert, the events feel more like a collection of friends who love to play music, sing and dance. Truman Price, right, sways to the music as he plays along with the group on Friday night. The weekly events are free, and audience participation is encouraged. She’s always in your heart. Now let her know! Personalized Custom Family Jewelry & Gifts Visit our website, www.polkio.com ...for local news, sports and community events. Follow us on Start a tradition. Kelly K. Denney Financial Advisor 503-623-2146 244 E. Ellendale, Suite 2 Dallas, OR 97338 503-623-3117 837 Main St • Dallas Across from Polk County Courthouse M-F 9-5; Sat 9-4 There’s still time to make mom an heirloom piece of family jewelry in gold or silver. We have designs and all are handmade in our store. Itemizer-Observer Ben Meyer, AAMS ® Bob Timmerman Financial Advisor Financial Advisor 503-606-3048 503-623-5584 193 E. Main Street Monmouth, OR 97361 159 SW Court Street Dallas, OR 97338
