Though most people think the music jams at the Bryson City library are just a summertime thing, they carry on year round — the first and third Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer — anything unplugged — is invited to join. Singers are also welcom to join in. Or, you can just stop by and listen.

The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of Grampa’s Music store in Bryson City. Normally Larry starts by calling out a tune and its key signature, and the group plays it together. Then everyone in the circle gets a chance to choose a song for the group. The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs.

This gets support from the North Carolina Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts. 828.488.3030.