Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
July 3, 2008 issue
Story by Sean Leary
When Glenn Bolick was a young man, he traded his most prized coins for a banjo and a guitar. From that day to this, Bolick has played old-time bluegrass.
Known throughout the Blue Ridge as the “Sawmill Man,” Bolick will open his stage to polished pickers and potential pluckers alike when his annual Mountain Music Jam resumes on Sunday July 13, at 2:00 p.m.
“It’s an open jam, and everybody is welcome,” said Bolick. “It is a very laid-back atmosphere. We make sure to pass it around so everybody is heard.”
Bolick began the weekly series as an alternative for younger generations.
“I started the jams as a way to encourage kids, to let them know that you can have fun without television,” Bolick said.
The event has blossomed since the early days.
“You never know who might show,” said Bolick. “We’ve had Gillian Welch down here and David Rawlings. We’ll usually have between 8 and 20 people playing.”
Bolick’s property features a covered stage surrounded by wooden benches milled by none other than the Sawmill Man himself. The store on the property showcases the Bolicks’ selection of handmade traditional pottery.
For those who simply cannot summon the courage to get up on stage, Bolick has another invitation.
“I think some folks just come for the food,” said Bolick. “And that’s fine with me.”
Bolick will continue to welcome musicians and music lovers every Sunday through the end of September.
For more information, call 828-295-5099.
Get on down to the Bolick place this summer and get to jammin’!
From Boone and Blowing Rock, take 321 South and make a left at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church onto Blackberry Road. Hang a right on Bolick Road and follow the pottery signs.
Jamming is every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. starting July 13.