1st Saturday Bluegrass
An often multi-day bluegrass jam nestled in the Texas Hill Country at a historic schoolhouse with an attached RV park. Pickers and Grinners welcome.
Please note: This website does not get updated very often – it’s safe to assume the jam is on for any given month.
Ronald Medart Retires from the Pearl Bluegrass Jam
(updated 5/9/24)
On the first Saturday of the month, except September, which is hosted on the 2nd Saturday, you could find Ronald Medart sitting at the back of the Pearl Community Center’s Auditorium at the sound board. You might think that is the extent of his involvement unless you have been around this monthly acoustic music jam more than a few times.
Ronald has been on the board of the Pearl Community Center and helped put on the Pearl Bluegrass Jam for many, many years. Endless hours of enjoyment have come from his work in Pearl.
Ronald has retired from the community center board and May 6th was his last day at the sound board. Going forward we hope to still see him on the stage and in the jam rooms enjoying his retirement a little more. The Pearl Community Center Board honored Ronald at the May 4th Bluegrass Jam, to show their appreciation for his service. Ron Is no longer a point of contact, Garrett Dickey is taking his place – the contact page has been updated.
If you would like to attend the jam the address of the Pearl Community Center is 6301 FM 183, Gatesville, TX 76528. As always, there is no charge to attend the Pearl Bluegrass Jam and everyone is welcome to bring an acoustic instrument and jam; spectators are welcomed and encouraged. Home cooked lunch items and desserts are for sale in the kitchen starting at 11:00 am; cash only.
New Year, Old Friends
12/21/23
The Pearl jam is still rocking along. A few of the regulars that do, or did, a lot of the behind the scenes work have had personal things come up, or are simply getting up in age and looking for a break. Volunteers to help with the stage, and the kitchen/community center crew would be appreciated. Talk with them at a jam if you’re interested.
Remember – the Pearl jam isn’t Ron’s project, or Connie’s, nor Liz or Jeff’s project. It’s everybody’s project. A few stalwarts can’t keep the jam going if people don’t come jam and camp. Everyone can contribute by going to the jams, sharing our information and talking it up at events.
Check out some pictures from our jams on our Facebook page here.
Next Dates: June 1, July 6, Aug 3, Sept 14 (September, second Saturday!), Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7.
2025 dates: Jan 4, Feb 1, Mar 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, Aug 2, Sept 13, Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 6.
We are always looking for bands (or even three banjos in a trench coat) to perform on the stage each month – it is an open mic set up. This is how those that love Pearl can donate time and skills to give back to the local community that lets us come in and have this wonderful space to meet friends old and new.
Meet Friends
You’ll find friends, old and new, tied by the love of Bluegrass and this old schoolhouse. You never know who might show up to jam!
Scenic Location
Held at an historic landmark school-turned-community center, nestled deep in the Texas Hill Country, 30 minutes outside Gatesville
And So Much More!
A bookstore packed to the brim, with a side of vintage treasures; home-cooked food (and pies – never forget the pies!) on Saturday, with proceeds going to the Community Center
Pickin’
Play until you shout “I’ve got blisters on me fingers!” Four different rooms, plus plenty of room outside when the weather is tolerable. You never know who is going to drop by, and what kind of fun can be had. Some players come as early as the Thursday before to play and enjoy the scenery. Photo courtesy of Jerry Pool.
Grinnin’
Saturday, starting about 1 pm there is a stage show of local musicians. The performances, held in the old school auditorium, are their way to give back to the community, as they volunteer for these sets.
Pies! (and more)
Did we mention there were pies? Drop by the kitchen from 11 AM to 4 PM (or when the food runs out! it happens occasionally) on Saturday for some home-cooked good ol’ fashioned southern food. Proceeds go to support the Community Center.
Camping
30 and 50 amp RV hookups available ($20 and $25 a night, respectively), and there is an area reserved for tent camping in the southwest corner.
We can’t wait to meet you!
If you have additional questions, contact us or check us out on: