Jackson History Center Traditional Music Night brings together local musicians, community members

Eight or so musicians sat in a loose circle, tuning strings and watching each other with the seasoned eye of much practice playing in a group, if not this one in particular. One popped a capo onto his guitar's neck while another ran scales on his autoharp.

They were warming up for the Cape Girardeau County History Center's Traditional Music Night, held once a month and open to any who want to attend.

People filed in through the front doors, some carrying lawn chairs, others lured by the musicians in the wide windows. Humming or singing along, people were sitting back, relaxed. Some brought families or friends, others came alone, but everyone was there to enjoy the music.

About 20 people were there right at the start, but as the evening wore on, more and more people filled the room.

History center director Carla Jordan says they've been holding a traditional music night at the center every month for about two years now.

Local musicians play together during a Pickin' Music Night at the Historic Center on January 21, 2017 in Jackson.Ben Matthews

"We started calling it a traditional music night instead of a 'pick-in' because 'pick-in' really implies bluegrass, and we're so much more than that," Jordan says.

While bluegrass tunes are certainly welcome, Jordan says, typically folk songs or country and western tunes are crowd pleasers. Gospel standards and rock songs also make appearances.

"I like jazz, too," she says, adding that she'll play Miles Davis when the mood suits.

Musicians bring a stringed instrument to play, and gather in a circle rimmed with microphones. Music stands hold iPads so musicians can look lyrics up online. Handwritten notes were clipped behind a few of the tablets in a mix of low and high tech. Each musician takes a turn choosing a song and a key, and the rest play and sing along. The crowd is encouraged to join in if they know the words, and many people nodded along between passages they knew.

The music circle may not be a formal music group, with each instrument assigned a particular role, but these musicians played together with an ease born of years of playing.

Local musicians play together during a Pickin' Music Night at the Historic Center on January 21, 2017 in Jackson. Ben Matthews

While guitars are most prevalent in the circle, people have brought an autoharp, banjo, mandolin, even a cello, Jordan says. The only real restriction, she says, is the instruments must be acoustic.

"No amplifiers," she says.

Between songs, musicians laugh and banter together.

"Wanna end up in A, don't care how we get there," says Steve Parker before a rendition of an Arlo Guthrie song.

Jordan says there's a wide variety of music on these nights. For her turn on the circle, she chose "I'm So Lonesome," and encouraged the crowd to sing along. A violin joined its voice to Jordan's alto, melded with the tenor and bass voices of the other men in the circle. The crowd murmured along, unsure of the words or their own voices, but still comfortable.

Local musicians play together during a Pickin' Music Night at the Historic Center on January 21, 2017 in Jackson.Ben Matthews

At the very least, people were nodding along.

Charlie Ireland says he tries to make it every month with his wife. They've been attending for about a year.

"Love the music, the acoustic sound," he says. He says he thinks he might bring his guitar next time, "even though I'm nowhere near as good as the guys playing now."

He says he really likes the variety of music played. "You'll hear everything from Peter, Paul and Mary to Gordon Lightfoot to Miles Davis," he says. "You hear it all."

Ireland added, "There's a lot of talent here!"

Local musicians play together during a Pickin' Music Night at the Historic Center on January 21, 2017 in Jackson. Ben Matthews

Traditional music nights are typically held on the fourth Saturday night of the month. Call (573) 979-5170 or visit facebook.com/Cape-Girardeau-County-History-Center-980104255347536/ for more information.