ROCHEPORT, Mo — Every fourth Friday of the month, Southern Provisions is hosting a new town tradition in Rocheport, Missouri, an improv music jam called the Old Time Music Jam Fest which features folk and gospel music. It’s a family-friendly event, it’s free and people are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks. Depending on the weather, the event location varies from the Rocheport Community Hall in the cold months to the back patio behind the soon-to-be-new location of Southern Provisions at Central Street and Second Street in Rocheport in the warmer months.
This month the Old Time Music Jam Fest was held in the Rocheport Community Hall. The hall created an intimate and lively atmosphere where more than a dozen players joined the stage and played along with their accordions, mandolins, guitars, fiddles, upright bass, flute, harp, harmonica, and banjo while they joined in on the singing. The group was led by its veteran performers who guided the newer musicians into harmony.
Roman Clarkson with guitar, Phil Gresham with accordion, a musician with base and musician with guitar playing on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times Musicians talking on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo provided by Amanda Belflower. Musician with guitar on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo provided by Amanda Belflower. Musician with banjo, a musician with mandolin and a musician with the base setting up on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo provided by Amanda Belflower. Musician with accordion and other musicians on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo provided by Amanda Belflower. Musician with guitar warming up, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo provided by Amanda Belflower. People in the audience watching the players, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo provided by Amanda Belflower. Musician with guitar, Tashianna playing the harp and Jim playing the flute on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo provided by Amanda Belflower. Phil Gresham playing accordion and musician playing base on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo provided by Amanda Belflower. Musician with banjo on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo provided by Amanda Belflower. Roman Clarkson with guitar, Phil Gresham with accordion, a musician with base and musician with guitar playing on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times. Musician playing base and musician playing accordion on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times. Phil Gresham with accordion, a musician with base, and a musician with guitar playing on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times Audience watching the players, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times. Four musicians playing on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times. Ten musicians playing on stage, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times.
In addition to the music, Roman D. Clarkson of Noble Strings, a luthier and violin and viola maker in Rocheport, Missouri, brought four of his handmade fiddles, two in the traditionally shaped violin style and two in the guitar-shaped style along with a viola. As people approached the table, they were encouraged to pick up and play the instruments. When asked what brought him out, Clarkson said, “This new town tradition is an excellent way for people within and outside the community to see the musical talent residing here in Rocheport, Missouri.” Additionally, one of Rocheport’s music legends, mandolin maker Mike Dulak of Big Muddy Mandolin, who plays the fiddle and guitar, came out to try Clarkson’s fiddles and gave a taste of his talent as the doors opened. Roman plans to bring his fiddles to more of these upcoming jam fests.
Roman Clarkson behind his violins set out on the table, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times. A close-up of one of Roman Clarkson’s violins, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times. Roman Clarkson holding one of his guitar-shaped violins, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times. A close-up of one of Roman Clarkson’s violins, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times. Musician playing one of Roman Clarkson’s violins, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo provided by Amanda Belflower. A close-up of one of Roman Clarkson’s violins, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times. A close-up of Roman Clarkson’s violins, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times. A close-up of one of Roman Clarkson’s violins, Jan. 27, 2023. Photo by Tara Clarkson for the Rocheport Times.
If you play an instrument and are looking for an easy-going group of folks to jam with, bring your instrument and hop on stage. There is room for everyone. If you are in the area and hear the siren call of music, come on in and take a seat. You will meet a friendly and welcoming group of people every time. Each person who joins in helps make this new town tradition a memorable one.