Clar-Mill Hall Packed with Pickers for Jack and Lois Weber Tribute

Craig Bakay | Jan 25, 2017

It was standing room only at the Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna last Saturday as more than 30 pickers got together to honour Jack and Lois Weber on the occasion of Jack’s Jam’s 10th anniversary.

There were 90 people in total at that first jam (which went from 1 p.m. to “five to ll”) and there had to be a lot more than that for the 10th anniversary.

“Jack’s Jam is one of the key community events both for entertainment and socializing,” said North Frontenac Mayor Ron Higgins while presenting plaques commemorating the event to Jack and Lois. “It’s popular for musicians, visitors and residents alike.

“It’s key to ensuring community spirit (and) lives on by sustaining historical traditions.”

Jack’s Jam started out in the Webers’ basement but soon outgrew its modest beginnings. After a few years, health issues required the Webers to scale down their organizational duties which were handed over to Karen and Roger Hermer.
“We started this just for enjoyment,” said Lois. “We still haven’t got many young children (although their 12-year-old cousin Hayden Weber was in the band and there was a 101-year-old young lady in the audience).

“Hopefully, Roger and Karen can fulfill my dream.”

“Age is catching up with me but I’m still not over the hill,” said Jack.

Jack grew up in the area and actually got his first guitar at age “16 or 17” but didn’t get much playing in.

“I learned a few chords but there was nobody in the country that you could get lessons from,” he said. “I didn’t sing much then either.

It wasn’t until he was in the army and stationed with NORAD that a buddy, Richard Frasier started showing him a few things.

And then, in Madison, WI, he went to a George Jones/Johnny Cash/June Carter/Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs concert.

“It was listening to Earl Scruggs that made me buy my first banjo (a Gibson RB250 Mastertop in Cleveland, OH),” he said. “And I bought Lois a guitar to keep her happy.”

After coming back to the area, Jack took a course and made 11 guitars. In 1997, he bought himself a Dobro (“I’m still working on that.”).

He admits to being a little nervous getting up on stage but a love of country and bluegrass music has kept him at it.

“I’ve had to work at it,” he said. “We were on the camping circuit for 15 years.”

He also admitted to being “a little overwhelmed” by the outpouring of affection on Saturday but “I feel very good about it.

“It’s all been for music, not for money, just the love of music and a lot of nice people.

“I really, really love all these people.”

He does have one small regret however.

“When I was young, I would have given anything to get lessons,” he said.

For her part, organizer Hermer was “thrilled” with the way things went. “We always have good crowds but never like this.

“I was hoping but you’re never sure . . .”