Glens Falls Bluegrass Music Jam

Monday, September 8, 2025 at 4:09 PM

Hometown Gem At Crandall Public Library

I had heard of The Bluegrass Music Jam at Crandall Library in Glens Falls for years, and finally got a free night to attend the event. First, we are fortunate to have a first class venue like the Crandall Library, with so many arts and entertainment offerings, in our own ‘hometown’. The first Thursday of the month is dedicated to showcasing area musicians, professionals and amateurs alike, in an intimate circle of fellowship enjoying the heart and soul of some of the best songs and traditions in American roots, bluegrass, gospel and country music.

This particular Bluegrass Jam, hosted by Denise Radtke and Frank Orsini, featured nearly 20 area musicians, ranging in ages from early teens to seasoned senior performers. The experience reminded me of what it might have been like to attend an early Grand Ole Opry show, in it’s formative years. The evening was full of a diverse group of musicians eager to share their talents, and respectively join in and compliment each others performances.

I was impressed by the variety of performers, the talent of these musicians, and the camaraderie witnessed around the microphone. From watching neighbors practice picking with their peers and young talent, like the Red Haired Boys, honing their skills alongside mentors like Northeast Music Legends Al and Kathy Bain- the night was filled with the best of American musicianship.

If you’ve never attended a Bluegrass Jam, I encourage you to go, get connected with pure musical talent and the true heart of music. Even if you’re not a big fan of the ‘Bluegrass’ genre, I will guarantee that you will hear something you like- and you might realize you liked ‘Bluegrass’ music after all.

I look forward to returning- and encourage you to take advantage of this unique night of original entertainment at The Crandall Library in Glens Falls, NY, on the first Thursday of the month (except May - August). The event is produced by the Folklike Center at the Crandall Public Library. A big 'Thank You' is owed to Alan Epstein for launching this hometown gem in 2015.

Click Here For Our Tributes to Smokey Greene, Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely and Kathy Mattea