Country jam and music swap at the Bedford hall

Julie Druker | Jun 04, 2015

At this week's open mic and jam that takes place every other Sunday at Bedford Hall near Godfrey, owners and keepers of music and musical instruments set up a sale in the basement where musicians of all sorts came to peruse a number of unique items that were put up for sale. Up for grabs were numerous guitars, fiddles, a stand up bass, banjos, electric keyboards, a Hohner accordion, plus a number of woodwind instruments, sheet music and much more. Buyers who attended made off with some exceptional deals.

The idea for the sale came about when many regular performers and guests at the jam decided they wanted to get rid of musical items that have been collecting dust around their homes and others who have either outgrown their instruments or wanted to see them used and treasured by other players. Dave Dawson had three gorgeous instruments for sale, one Martin classical guitar, a Gibson guitar and a gorgeous mandolin (interested buyers who missed the sale can contact him at 613-279-2280). There was no charge to the sellers and the sale in no way interfered with the lively and very well attended regular Sunday open mic and jam that took place upstairs in the main hall where no less than 35 performers took to the stage.

For those not in the know, the Bedford Open Mike and Jam happens every other Sunday from 1 – 5pm. Now under the direction of Wilomene Card, it is a great place to relax on a Sunday afternoon and a great place to enjoy the talents of so many local performers. Olde time country crooner Mitch Barker, who got his start in the early days of the Bedford jams that were formerly held at Piccadilly Hall, was also in attendance selling his latest CD just out one week ago titled “Mitch Barker Showcase” and he said he participates regularly in the jams because “It's the best jam going and it feels so much like home.”

The next jam takes place on Sunday June 14. In lieu of a cover charge, organizers suggest a donation of $2 per person. Light refreshments are also available. The Bedford hall is located at 1381 Westport Road near Godfrey.