saturday night- jefferson school auditorium

We have heard about, and been curious about the bluegrass live music show on the 1st, 3rd and 5th saturday nights in Parkersburg, at Jefferson Elementary school's auditorium, so we went last night, with Brendan and Kim. Its free (they pass around a donation bucket, and try to sell 50-50 drawing tickets through out the evening). There are refreshments; coffee, hot dogs, chips, soda. I guess the set up is that musicians come around 6:30 pm and sign up, and then there is a random drawing for time slots; groups are given about 25 minutes each, there is a pretty quick turn around between acts, and there are about 5-6 acts per night. Demographically, its a pretty old crowd; probably 75% older folks; with some family groups, and a scattering of younger folks. Last night there were probably 80 people or so, while we were there, through the first three acts. Most musicians use a mike for their instruments instead of electric plug-ins; except for a bass player with the first groups. Last night (first timing being there)- there was more "standard" "classic" kind of country music than "purer" bluegrass. The crowd is very attentive and relaxed. A little bit of banter between the bands and the audience, as if there is quite a bit of familiarity with those regularly attending. Free music right there in the neighborhood. Dolly Parton's "coat of many colors" was a highlight. Kim cruised around the musicians set-up area, and said that several of the combinations were playing throughout the other acts' time in class rooms, etc. and this was where some pretty good pickin' was going on.
Wendy saw some folks who used to come out to play/ sing at the nursing home she worked at, about 10-15 years ago. Virgil Loscar was there, enjoying the music.