On Friday night, Tryon Fine Arts Center hosted the Pacolet Junior Appalachian Musicians for PacJam Fest. (Photo courtesy of TFAC)

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TRYON—On Friday, June 27, the Tryon Fine Arts Center and Pacolet Junior Appalachian Musicians hosted the PacJAM Fest, a free celebration of traditional music, dance, and family-friendly activities. The event took place at TFAC’s Peterson Amphitheatre and Pavilion, attracting community members of all ages.

The event featured live music, jam sessions, square dancing, delicious food, and a cakewalk, all designed to foster connection through the rich tapestry of Appalachian music and culture.

PacJAM Director Julie Moore expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the commitment shown by the summer camp teachers, who are professional musicians and students from the Berklee College of Music. 

“I was touched because they voluntarily come back to PacJAM Fest to continue to connect with the students they had taught all week,” Moore said. “Their JAM with our advanced students went on for two hours after everyone else had trickled away.”

A fun feature of the evening was the cowbell that rang every time someone made a donation of $20 or more for the “name your price” hot dogs, adding to the festive atmosphere.

TFAC Executive Director Marianne Carruth emphasized the positive impact of the community’s support. 

“The cowbell sure did ring a lot, and our students will benefit greatly from our community’s generosity,” she said. “PacJAM always makes room for all interested youth, and its fundraisers like this that help make PacJAM such an accessible program. It was fun to see how many people came out to dance and to hear the music, and inspiring to see those folks who brought their instruments and played along. We love providing a place for young and old to connect through music.”

 The commitment shown by the volunteers was evident throughout the evening, from the hot dog grillers to Sue Truitt, who transported attendees from Trade Street via the “PacJAM Express” golf cart. The event also relied heavily on the efforts of dedicated parents who volunteered their time and effort.

“We had a team of devoted parents who did all the legwork—standing in the sun, grilling hot dogs, and hosting the event,” said Moore. “It is so nice to see how supportive these parents are of PacJAM, and it feels great to have a team that is so hands-on and invested.”

PacJAM is part of TFAC’s Arts Education and Outreach program, providing instruction in traditional Appalachian instruments, including guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and bass. More than 100 local children and adults participate each year.

TFAC is located at 34 Melrose Ave. in Tryon. For more information, visit tryonarts.org/pacjam.