SEARSPORT — This year's Strung Together Music Jam Campout will be held on the coast of Searsport, September 17 - 19, 2021.

The Old Time and Bluegrass Jam weekend begins Friday afternoon with an OT Jam and banjo workshop followed by the Strung Together wood fired pizza bar and concert. The jams will take place in different areas in the park but close enough to give all participants easy access to both jam circles. Wood fired pizzas $10 a pie.

An Old Time Banjo Workshop is being offered by Sara Grey with a focus on two-finger song accompaniment. (7 student minimum to hold weekend workshop. Suggested workshop donation-$90). Call 207-548-6059 to sign up for this workshop. 

An addition to this year’s Campout is an introduction to the Montville Project – learning and playing Essential New England Dance Tunes under the guidance of George Fowler, Art Bryan and Fred White. This session will take place on Saturday, from 1 - 3 p.m. (musicians welcome) with a live out-of-doors dance at noon on Sunday. Dance steps will be taught by Chrissy Fowler of the Belfast Flying Shoes. Bring along your favorite partner or instrument. Old Time session will be offered by Jeff Titon and friends.

This year's jamming will happen around the grounds under tents, porches, trees and other canopies. Designated spaces will be laid out for each style of music, with unlimited spots to hold your own jam.

Workshops and jam sessions are being offered this year in a more spontaneous fashion. Volunteer workshop and jam leaders will post their offerings on the big marker board in the middle of the camp. Please feel free to offer up a workshop, lead a jam or just sit by the fire playing with a friend during the weekend.

“Most importantly, enjoy sharing/ learning a few tunes by the ocean in a welcoming and relaxed space,” said the release.

A room will be available to lock up your instruments in the evening.

The weekend is sponsored by the Old Time Music Players and the Maker's Guild of Maine and is hosted by Searsport Shores Ocean Camping in Searsport.

“Come with some friends and make new ones while you are here celebrating American string band music, stories and the cultures that brought us those traditions,” said Searsport Shores.

All types of camping is available that weekend including tents, hammocks, RVs, safari, cabin rentals. Volunteers are needed, and any time you can give is appreciated, according to Shores. Bartering welcome.

Suggested donation is $30 for the weekend, which includes admission for Friday, Saturday, Sunday to all jam spaces, performances and community fire rings along with any other activities that may pop-up. Your donation helps to cover costs of jam leaders, staff, tents and clean bathrooms. Ask about volunteer opportunities or lead a jam session as your donation. Extra proceeds will be to help fund the instrument lending project at the Searsport Carver Memorial Library.

Call or write to Searsport Shores for a camping spot. Campsites include hot showers, picnic table and fireplace (oceanfront & RV site upgrades available). Reserve your campsite now by calling Searsport Shores at 207-548-6059. Make sure to mention you’re coming for the jamming weekend when you call.

Sign up for the mailing list: makersguildme@gmail.com.

The Campground follows the most current CDC COVID 19 recommendations. FMI  (207) 930-5920 or email makersguildme@gmail.com