Thunder Bay Bluegrass Guild
The Thunder Bay Bluegrass and Old Time Music Guild has been a part of the Thunder Bay music community for many years. Several of its members are professional musicians who perform in well-known bands such as Shades of Grey, Gibson Martin & I, and Flipper Flanagan's Flat Footed Four.
And in addition to these pros, the Guild includes many proficient and enthusiastic music hobbyists who are committed to keeping bluegrass music alive in the Thunder Bay area. They devote most of their spare time to honing their personal musical skills, playing in volunteer bands that bring cheer to many goodwill causes, and holding a weekly jam session that gives budding musicians an opportunity to perform in front of a crowd.
The weekly jam session is held every Tuesday (September to June) at the Castlegreen Community Centre from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome, listeners and players alike. There is a door fee of $2 which covers the cost of coffee and cake served at the sessions, a weekly 50/50 draw, and general funding for benefits provided to Guild members. The music is strictly bluegrass and only acoustic instruments are allowed, but anyone, regardless of skill level, is welcome to participate in the music to the best of their ability.
The Guild offers memberships at a cost of $15 per year. Some of the benefits accompanying a membership are a book of songs generally performed at the jam sessions, an instrument case decal, a year-end banquet, and discounts on tickets for Gulid-sponsored concerts that feature both out-of-town groups and local talent.
The Castlegreen Community Centre is in County Park at 213 Castlegreen Drive.
