Monday night jams

WHYNOT – The Whynot Country Boys, aka brothers Ted and Kenny Welch, meet every Monday night to pick and grin. 

Ted comes from Liberty, Kenny from Star, and they meet in the Old Hard Times Pottery Building on Union Grove Church Road, south of Seagrove. The siblings are joined by various area musicians and music lovers in the small building just off Highway 705. It is a tradition that began in 2006 and continues today.

The band first formed in Seagrove in the home of Herbert Williamson. The original members included Archie Luck, Carl Crotts, John McNeill, Amon Garner and Williamson. In 2010, it outgrew Herbert’s living room so the pickers moved to County Line General Store. As more musicians began to take part, the musical ensemble relocated again in 2012 to its current location.

Over the years, many familiar faces in the bluegrass community have turned out to participate and kick off the week with a little music. Among those participants were the late Shorty Byrd, Theron Caviness and Clay Davis. All were well-known and well-loved in Randolph and surrounding counties. Other musicians included James Crabtree, Eugene Williamson, Rene Singleton, Roger Brown and many more.

Folks start to gather in around 6 p.m. Usually, some of the ladies bring finger foods and the fun begins. The music typically runs a couple of hours or longer when the adrenaline is really flowing. The jam is a great opportunity for budding musicians to join in and learn from seasoned pickers. The setting is informal, friendly and fluid.

“We have a good time picking and singing,” Kenny Welch said. “We have met some good friends, both pickers and people just wanting to listen.

”We play gospel, bluegrass, country, even some rock and blues. It's a good family atmosphere and anyone is welcome to come and sing or play or just hang out and talk. You never know what you are going to get!”

On the other end of the county, the Welch brothers also perform at the Sophia Support Club on the third Saturday of each month as the Rocky Bottom Country Boys (with James Crabtree and Rene Singleton). Located at 4249 Old High Point Road Extension in Randleman, a meal is served at 6 p.m. with music from 7-9 p.m. Other bands perform on the first, third and fourth Saturday nights.

If you’re looking for good acoustic music nearby, check out these venues played by Kenny and Ted Welch. Bring an instrument or a listening ear and join in on the fun.