By John C. Nelson, July 17, 2024.
Jim Lloyd hails from four generations of family musicians. He was raised primarily in Virginia and West Virginia. He recalls first picking up a guitar when he was about five years old. “I would sneak into my grandmother’s bedroom and take out her guitar. This was strictly forbidden.”
Today, at 58 years old, true to his roots, Jim can be broadly categorized as a renowned icon and devoted emissary of bluegrass and old time Appalachian music. He will be sharing his unique down-home perspective as the featured guest (LIVE) on stage at the 53rd Ashe County Bluegrass and Old-Time Fiddlers Convention WKSK 580 radio show at 11:00 am Saturday, July 27 at Ashe County Park.
Best known for his guitar and banjo playing, Jim has toured throughout the country and England with bands and as a solo artist. He’s also a successful record producer, radio host, gifted storyteller, historian, banjo museum curator and barber. He has appeared on PBS radio and in the public TV series, “Song of the Mountains.” His work has been documented by the Smithsonian Institute. He owns and operates the only combination barber shop/banjo museum in Rural Retreat, Virginia, population approximately 1500.
Despite his wide-spread acclaim, when asked, Jim says his proudest and most satisfying musical moments have come as a teacher.
“Now you’re getting into JAM territory,” explained Jim. JAM stands for Junior Appalachian Musicians, an organization Jim has worked with for over ten years. The group is dedicated to passing along the tradition of old time Appalachian music to the next generation. The Ashe County Arts Council has sponsored JAM programs since 2002. It offers music instruction to 3rd through 8th grade students who want to play banjo, guitar or fiddle. The Arts Council loans instruments to students in the program.
According to Jim, JAM currently has about 60 chapters operating in seven states; North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia and Tennessee. Jim travels throughout the region for JAM, teaching students and training instructors.
“My proudest and most satisfying moments are when I see the lights come on in a student’s eyes; when I see them start to understand.” explained Jim.
He especially likes to watch students trade ideas with one another and what they’ve learned before and after class. “I’ll watch a banjo student, for instance, show something he or she learned to a guitar student. That’s special to me. I tell them that going from one instrument to another is speaking the same language just with a different accent.”
“I also love when things come full circle,” explained Jim. “By that I mean, I’m now teaching some students whose grandparents taught and helped me when I used to play with them years ago. They’ll ask me what song did they like most to play? That’s coming full circle for me.”
Jim Lloyd’s website: http:// jimlloydappalachianmusician.com
ABOUT THE ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
The Ashe County Arts Council is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to enriching the cultural life of our region through nurturing and supporting the arts. For over 40 years, Ashe County Arts Council has championed arts as a catalyst for change and economic growth, positioning Ashe County as a cultural destination. Ashe County Arts Council’s programming, including concerts, arts education, festivals, and community collaborations, reflects our commitment to accessibility and quality of life enhancement for all citizens. With two dedicated facilities and a robust volunteer network, the Arts Council continues to innovate and inspire, celebrating our heritage and embracing the arts as a vital component of community development and cohesion.
Want to attend the Ashe County Fiddlers Convention? Find out more by clicking here.