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.
New Year, same 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 Ron with the stage, and help Connie, Betty 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.
Eclipse Eclipse Eclipse!
IYKNK (if you know you know – youngsters these days!). If you live in central(ish) Texas and don’t already know about this… start planning now, even if all you want to do is stay home.
“But we just want to pick, why do we care about the eclipse?” you may be saying. Because April 6, 2024 would be our normal jam weekend, the eclipse is on Monday, and apparently there are a bunch of folks that go a little bonkers for good viewing of a total eclipse. Some of those involved in the Pearl Community Center, and some jam regulars maintain connections to local county and city planning departments, and they are planning for a madhouse, and Pearl is going to have prime viewing if the weather cooperates.
We are going to have our regular jam weekend BUT – anyone who camps (“primitive” or RV) will need to either be out of their spots by 10 am Saturday (and park in general parking to jam until you want to go home) or buy your ticket for a slot for a minimum of Saturday through Monday. Coordinate with friends and have a 4 day jam-a-thon. We don’t anticipate anyone needing reservations earlier, but if that changes we’ll keep you up to date.
Next Dates: Jan. 6, Feb. 3 (hello leap year), Mar. 2, April 6, total eclipse, May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug 3, Sept 14 (September, second Saturday!), Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7.
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: