The Lafayette Jam Spectular
This is one jam show you just have to see to believe...

This article ran in the Summer 2005 Issue of the Bluegrass Journal

Written by Sherri Chekal • All Rights Reserved by the Author, July 2005
Reprint Rights Available by Contacting the Author or The Bluegrass Journal Editor

What do you do when your favorite bluegrass jam has to close down and youÕve got no where to pick? Well, you do like Tammy and John Papik of Litchfield, Ohio did. They took down names and phone numbers at the last jam session and stewed on it for a while. Then they began asking around to see if there was another building willing to host the informal get together. Add a little divine assistance and suddenly, youÕve got one of the largest and best run jam-shows in the whole state of Ohio!

Every Friday night around 6:00, the Lafayette Methodist Church opens itÕs doors to a special kind of visitor, the bluegrass music fan and musician! There is a $2 cover charge and proceeds go to help various missions and charities that the church supports. On stage, local bands sign up to play a set on the main stage with crowds of 200-300 people easily! Believe it or not, they had a record attendance a few weeks past of 377 people!

A wonderful sound system is overseen by Pastor Floyd Costello and Ed Kelsey, at the door keeps everything moving along smoothly. Save your ticket for the weekly door prize drawings! Back in the classrooms of the Sunday school, there is a buffet of jamming going on! Each room has a wonderful mix of bluegrass, classic country and a little old time fiddling music, too! Just wander about till you find the perfect session and join in. The musicians are gracious and pleasant, and the fans were adoring and thrilled to listen and enjoy this great music. The main stage area is kept professional and overseen by an MC to round out the eveningÕs entertainment.

Each week, various groups within the church run the concession stand with an offering of ÒBilly-DogsÓ; delicious hot dogs with chili and coleslaw, bean soup and cornbread as well as other tasty homemade treats. The proceeds help the sponsoring group such as the Boy Scouts, Missions groups and others within the church. ÒItÕs really been a blessing,Ó said Rev.Costello, Ò ItÕs helped both ways, giving the people a place to experience bluegrass in a comfortable family atmosphere and the church a chance to help their charitable causes and hopefully, weÕve had a few converts both ways!Ó He noted at several young children have made their debut on the stage here, singing and playing and thereÕs been a marriage to two from the fellowship of like-minded souls.

During the summer months from June to late August, the jam-show runs every other Friday night because of summer commitments and festivals around the area. ItÕs a good idea to call or check before coming. You can find out more at BuckeyeBluegrass.com under Jams or by calling (330) 723-4593. The church is located at 6201 Lafayette Rd, near Medina, Ohio. This is one amazing gathering of bluegrass fans and definitely, a wonderful example of how a jam-show can be run professionally and benefit the community as well as the fans.

Lafayette Jam-Show
Lafayette Methodist Church
6201 Lafayette Road - Media, OH (330) 723-4593