You walk in and you’re greeted by a lady at a card table who, if she sees you carrying an instrument, sends you to the right. If you don’t have an instrument, you must be an audience member/toe tapper and she sends you to the left. If you’re carrying a snack to share, she sends you to the Clubhouse’s kitchen counter. Then you’ll pick out a seat and enjoy an assembly of musicians and singers performing country, bluegrass and gospel music…for a little over two hours, for free!

Everyone is invited to this On-Stage Jam to be held at the Southern Oaks Clubhouse (just behind the Shell station off FM 416) on Wednesday, December 21st, beginning at 7 p.m.

It’s an annual activity that Tex & Mary Schutz present when one of their musician friends comes to town to visit family for Christmas. And it’s a chance for area musicians to get together to “pick and grin” and for fans of acoustic music to gather to enjoy a casual concert of bluegrass, country and gospel music.

“Back in the day, folks would push the furniture against the wall, invite all the neighbors and host an evening of light-hearted music and dance,” said Mary Schutz. “It’s a little like that, just a get-together of fun and music, for those who like their music relaxed and not too loud. You’ll be amazed at the talent you’ll see!”

Musician guests will include Dan Woods on harmonica, Jeff Harrison on Dobro, guitar and vocals, Keith Sandlin on fiddle, Russ Ansley on guitar and vocals, Joanna Fritz on vocals and keyboard, Don Jones on guitar, David Grosshans on conga drums, Rod Davis on guitar and vocals plus singers including Joyce Davis, Betsy Metcalf and Lynnette Engleholm, all joining Tex & Mary.

There’s no admission cost, but a donation jar will be available to help cover the cost of the rental of the Clubhouse. The on-stage jam will last until about 9:15 p.m.