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Hillside Jam: Valley musicians band together for 'family reunion' [The Tribune-Star, Terre Haute, Ind.](Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, IN) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sept. 22--The hill was alive with the sound of live music, toe-tapping and hands clapping during a six-hour musical jam and fundraiser on Sunday. The Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Fame hosted its annual picnic and jam at the Zorah Shrine Country Place, Shrine Hill on Terre Haute's north side. The event started at noon and ended around 6 p.m. About 400 musicians from the valley, their families and other supporters went to the outdoor, open-house-style event for a day of music, family and charity. Board president Andrew Hayes said the event was an opportunity for the "brotherhood" of Wabash Valley musicians to play music together and catch up with each other. "It's like a family reunion," Hayes said of the annual event, now in its sixth year. He considers the effort a success because of the attendance it received. While the event was free and open to the public, organizers used the occasion to raise money from several activities of the day. Proceeds will be given to the Shriners Hospitals for Children and other local charities, Hayes said. About three big boxes full of non-perishable food items were collected at the event and will be given to area food banks, Hayes added. The "family reunion" was complete with food, dancing, a silent auction and, of course, live music --all types of music including country, blues, and rock. And it attracted not only music lovers but also car and motorcycle enthusiasts. One of them was Mike Lembcke, who stood proudly as he showed off the 1967 Camaro that he uses for racing in the area. "We come here every year," he said of the picnic and jam. And every year, the Terre Haute resident brings his family along. "It's a family thing," said Lembcke, who called himself a music lover. He likes to listen to the musicians with his family. This time, he was accompanied by his 10-month-old grandson. "This car will be his," he said confidently as he held the little boy in his arms. This activity was formally called the "Frank Crawford Memorial Open Car/Motorcycle Show," in honor of "one of the finest performers" in the area, Hayes said. They decided to honor Crawford with a car show simply "because he loves cars." "It's our way to remember him as a musician and a friend," Hayes added. Other younger members of the audience showed their enjoyment of the music. One of them was 14- year-old Gavin Waggoner, accompanied to the event by his family. "I'm a musician myself. It's kind of a family trade," Gavin said. He is the grandson of Wabash Valley Musicians hall of famer and board member Rick Waggoner. "I really, really like music," said Gavin, who plays in the Terre Haute North Vigo High School marching band. He likes when he performs well, and he believes it builds his self-esteem. In the future, he would like to continue music as a hobby, but he intends to pursue a career as a video game designer or a psychologist. But on Sunday, it was all about listening to music and spending time with family. He said he is proud of his family's musical heritage. "It's really cool to have a family that literally rocks," he said. Reporter Dianne Frances D. Powell can be reached at 812-231-4299 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @TribstarDianne. ___ (c)2014 The Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, Ind.) Visit The Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, Ind.) at tribstar.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |