"Archie's Barbershop" Bluegrass Jams

At "Archie's Barbershop", 4502 Hamilton St, Hyattsville, MD, just off of Rt. 1. The space is not an actual barbershop, but an empty storefront with a large room in the front and a small room in the back. The small room contains a refrigerator and a sink, and of course there is a bathroom. There are plenty of chairs in the large room and a table in the middle to put our drinks on. There is plenty of parking on the side and rear of the building.

On the first and third Mondays of each month, from 7:00-10:00 PM.

At this time there are no vaccination or mask requirements, although you may of course wear a mask if you wish.

No, there is no cover charge per se but if you can, please show appreciation for the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation's kindness in providing a venue for the Jam by donating generously. They're not demanding any particular amount but $3-4 per person would be reasonable, less if you're hurting, more if you've got it to spare.

Musicians of all levels of ability are welcome, as are those who simply want to come and listen. We get everyone from the rankest beginners to full-time professional musicians. The Jams have something to offer everyone who comes; good musicians get a chance to have a good time with fellow jammers, and novices are supported and encouraged. Children are welcome too.

We all stand in a big circle around a table and take turns. Some stand in the front row and some in the back. As we go around the circle, each person has a chance to choose a song (or instrumental). If a beginner wants to play an instrumental really slowly, then that's what we do. If you're not comfortable with your playing, stand in the back; and if you don't want a turn just say, "I pass." No need to feel pressured.

No. Some try to sing different songs every time we get together, but others have shorter lists that they repeat more often. Best would be to learn to play songs by ear. Listen to a bluegrass station like bluegrasscountry.org, 88.5 FM HD Channel 2 in Washington DC, or Sirius XM, and try to play along.

Acoustic instruments are used. Guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro, fiddle, bass fiddle, and sometimes harmonica (if they're good). No drums, no electrified instruments such as pedal steels. (Electric bass is the exception.) I host the Jams and play bass fiddle, but as a representative of the DCBU my job is to make all pickers feel welcome, so if another bass player comes I let him or her trade off or even play the majority of the time.

This is a bluegrass jam, but country, pop, rock, and folk songs may be acceptable if played in a bluegrass style. We ask only that you choose a song at least vaguely bluegrass-related, and easy to follow.

Yes, a few days ahead of each Jam, I send out an email notification. I maintain an email list, and also send the notification to DCAB-L. To be added to the list, send an email to barb@barbdiederich.com or click here.

You may if you wish, but it's not necessary.

No, you should bring your own food and beverages. If there are sodas in the refrigerator, you may take one but it would be courteous to drop a dollar in the donation bucket.

Yes. The closest Metro Station is the College Park Station on the Green Line. At College Park Station, walk to Bus Bay B. Take The Bus 17 towards Rhode Island (US Rte 1) at Mount Rainer Terminal. Get off at the stop at Baltimore Ave and Jefferson St. From there, walk 2 short blocks south to Hamilton St.

Or, go to the Rhode Island Station on the Red Line and walk to Bus Bay E. Board Bus 83 towards Cherry Hill. Get off at the stop at Baltimore Ave and Hamilton St.

"Archie's Barbershop" is at 4502 Hamilton St.