Western Carolina University’s newly christened “First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Jam Session Series” for 2009-10 will get under way Thursday, Nov. 5, with a concert by versatile musician Josh Goforth, followed by a jam session in which local musicians are invited to participate.

Goforth, a Madison County native best known for his fiddling abilities, will get the music started at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center. Performers of old-time and bluegrass music are invited to bring their instruments and take part in the jam session that will follow Goforth’s performance.

Formerly a part of East Tennessee State University’s bluegrass and country music program, Goforth has toured extensively and has shared the stage with artists such as Ricky Skaggs, the Yonder Mountain String Band and the Steep Canyon Rangers. Goforth also provided fiddle music for the movie “Songcatcher” in 2000.

The concerts and jam sessions will continue at the Mountain Heritage Center on the first Thursday of each month through May, with all programs held from 7 to 9 p.m. Other performers scheduled to present shows are Danielle Bishop, Wayne Seymour, the Frogtown Four and Laura Boosinger.

The events are free and open to everyone. Pickers and singers of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part in the jam sessions, and the events also are open to those who just want to listen.

The Mountain Heritage Center is located on the ground floor of WCU’s H.F. Robinson Administration Building. For more information, call the museum at (828) 227-7129.

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Last modified: Friday, Oct. 23, 2009