RDU Session Players
More than just a few years ago, there was a collection of musicians that only saw each other while doing session work for various projects. After many years of playing together in studios around the state, they decided to come together on a regular basis and share their gift of music. Over the years, that core group grew to include many others from around the triangle and even the state to the point where now there are over 100 people on the email list, including both musicians and spectators.
Typically, on the second Saturday of each month, we gather to share music and each other's company. Everything from Bluegrass to Bruce Springsteen is played until the wee hours on the morning. The rules are simple, nothing can be plugged in, everything is acoustic. There are guitars, lots of guitars, but there are also mandolins, dobros, harmonicas, banjos, violins (or fiddles depending on who is playing), upright basses, and even a cello. There is Paulie's music stand, Keith's amazing rhythmic bass, and Greg's flat picking. On fortunate nights, Harry will play Tear Stained Letter, and Frank even shows up for a little Born to Run.
As with any group, time has brought changes. Jen moved to San Diego and Ray moved to DC or Arizona, or wherever he ended up. However, many others have joined the circle during these same times. Pammy, the Queen of Bluegrass, Virginia with her wonderful voice, and even several of John's students.
The first Marathon Jam was held in 2004 and the RDU Session Players played over 13 hours straight. Year two saw us again play over 12 hours straight. Year three was in Chapel Hill and again saw us play from noon until midnight. This years Marathon Jam will easily be the best ever and should raise even more money for our two charities in the process.