‘Country Jam’ keeps growing

The Emo Legion hosted its fifth monthly “Country Music Jam” on Friday.
Each time, as people learn about it, more and more come our to enjoy a variety of old-time country music songs and dances.

About 100 were in attendance this month, who listened, danced, and sang along to old favourites such as “Seven Spanish Angels” and “Waltz Across Texas.”
John Reader, a local children’s performer, played some action songs for the children in the audience. Having the young people come each month has been a real treat.
Jeremy Haw, a young guitar player from Stratton, sang some of his favourite songs.
Morris Halverson helped all the musicians with his versatile lead guitar. He always has a surprise for the country music lovers and this time it was “Five Dollar Fine” (for people who whine).
Those who like old-time waltzes, polkas, and fox-trots were treated to some excellent tunes from Dr. George Elliott on the fiddle, Bob Brown (harmonica), and three accordion players (Emily Smith, Mary Curtis, and Stan Cottam).
All of the musicians really have appreciated the addition of Maurice Betournay, who adds zest to the music with his drumming.
For the first time, and hopefully not the last, Carl White joined the musicians and added “the blues” to the evening with his voice, guitar, and harmonica.
The guitar players and vocalists were Donna Heyens, Edith Haw, Bob Wepruk, and Charleen Gustafson. People from the audience always are welcome to join the musicians on stage.
The performers have been getting some pressure to charge an admission from people in the audience, but none of them wish to charge for their music and the Legion executive has offered the hall for this event at no charge.
The musicians from across the district want country music to be available to everyone in the community, with none of the restrictions that a fee would impose.
Altruism obviously thrives at the Emo Country Music Jam.
With all the modern electronic means of entertainment, a return to home-grown, intergenerational, old-time fun has been a welcome addition to the district’s music scene.
The next “Jam” will be held Friday, June 12, at which time they hope to have a date for one in July.
If you would like to have a feel-good, fun time with music lovers of all ages, from pre-schoolers to grandparents, come out and join them!