Learn a Folksong with
Jay Armsworthy
Jay Armsworthy
Come join Southern Maryland music legend Jay Armsworthy for a two hour session, in which Jay will teach participants a few songs to form the backbone of a group group-participation jam session. Bring whatever instrument you play - guitar, banjo, mandolin, etc. A basic competency on your instrument is necessary
Jay Armsworthy, a 2019 recipient of the Heritage Award from the Maryland Traditions program, has been performing, promoting, and airing Bluegrass music for nearly 40 years. He was raised in California, Maryland, and started playing guitar at 10. By 13, he had his own band performing throughout St. Mary’s County. Armswothy has been a member of many bands over the years, including Ernie Bradley & Grassy Ridge, and the Paul Adkins Band. Currently, he plays guitar and sings with his band, Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition, throughout the East Coast. He has five LPs, including 1995’s “Just Lookin’ For Fun,” an all-gospel project, "I Couldn't Make It Without Him" (Blue Circle, 2011), and most recently, “My Best Friend” (Patuxent Music, 2020). In addition to performing, Armsworthy has been a prolific bluegrass DJ and festival organizer. He has organized L’il Margaret’s Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival, among others, and his radio show, “The Bluegrass Hour,” is heard on a number of radio stations throughout Appalachia and the Mid-Atlantic.