johnrusset - Posted - 01/09/2026:  06:41:54

New here. Been playing clawhammer now for about a year. Would like to play with someone in Virginia who is pretty new too but are solid on the basics. Fiddle, banjo, guitar, doesn't matter. Main goal is to learn to play solid with someone else.

Is there a forum for that here somewhere?

Culloden - Posted - 01/09/2026:  07:38:10

What part of Virginia are you from?

Texasbanjo - Posted - 01/09/2026:  08:04:38

You might check our calendar to see if there are any jams or clubs in your area. Look on left hand side of the page. Under More, click on calendar. You can narrow your search to city, state and genre of music.

There's no forum here about jams where people play together. You might, however look at some of the other Hangouts and ask if there's anyone in your area interested in jamming. Other hangouts are free, like this one. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the one you want to join and ask questions. You can join one or all of them.

dbrooks - Posted - 01/09/2026:  08:09:47

Brendan D recently posted a link in the forum to some online slow jams that he and his wife hosted during Covid.  Take a look.  Some fine playing and may meet your needs until you find a jam locally.

The Slow Jam Fizz series playlist is still available! - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout

David

Old Hickory - Posted - 01/09/2026:  08:13:55

Welcome to the Hangout.

If you are in the Northern Virginia, Washington DC , area, then you might look into the Capital Area Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association (CABOMA). They have jams two Sundays a month, 2 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Virginia, 4444 Arlington Boulevard. Separate, simultaneous, bluegrass and old-time jams, apparently with groups for differing levels of ability (you're free to move about).

The information on the website looks old. Hope they're not defunct.

johnrusset - Posted - 01/09/2026:  08:32:58

Hi all. Thanks for the replies. I'm in the Richmond area. I'll look into the recommendations above.

StephenARhodes - Posted - 01/09/2026:  08:36:15

I’m in Richmond but I’m not in any way advanced. Just a beginner. Good luck on your search.

johnrusset - Posted - 01/09/2026:  08:39:59

Stephen. I emphasize the "beginner" in advanced beginner. I sent you a message in case you're up for getting together to play.

localhost - Posted - 01/09/2026:  10:44:59

I'm just above Richmond and am also probably about an advance beginner. BHO has a Richmond group that you can join and make posts for local questions/jams/hangouts etc.

Old Hickory - Posted - 01/09/2026:  11:48:52

LMGTFY

RVA Old-Time Jam

2nd and 4th Wednesdays

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery2410 Ownby LaneRichmond, VA

 

"Join us the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, on the Deck, for an open RVA Old-Time Jam!

The RVA Old-Time Jam has been running for 10+ years, and is a place for the community of Richmond and nearby areas to gather to play music together! We play mostly Old-Time Appalachian music with its roots in pre-bluegrass dance music. The jam is open to players of varying levels and ages who play acoustic stringed instruments, such as fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and bass. It is led by several experienced musicians, and we aim to play outside when the weather cooperates. "

Edited by - Old Hickory on 01/09/2026 11:49:41

localhost - Posted - 01/09/2026:  12:36:53

Here is BHO's RVA Pickers group:



banjohangout.org/group/richmondvapickers

Join it and put some posts out there to see if anyone local wants to meet up.

tonygo - Posted - 01/10/2026:  10:10:50

quote:

---

Originally posted by johnrusset

New here. Been playing clawhammer now for about a year. Would like to play with someone in Virginia who is pretty new too but are solid on the basics. Fiddle, banjo, guitar, doesn't matter. Main goal is to learn to play solid with someone else.



Is there a forum for that here somewhere?

---

You will learn more playing with advanced players when possible. Their rhythm is more solid, they can play variations, and you will hopefully see what a groove is like. You will get pulled along!