This Forgotten Genre Has Become Unique Part Of The Missoula Community

Bluegrass music is a popular genre of music, but have you heard of old-time music? Old-time and bluegrass may sound similar, but there are differences. Bluegrass music is more for concerts and performances whereas old-time music is more for dancing.

On the first and third Wednesday of every month, Western Cider hosts Old-time Jams. This is where any member of the Missoula community can bring their banjo, fiddle, and other old-time instruments. Even if you do not have a musical instrument, the public can attend a square dance or just enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Newcomers are more than welcome to join, even if they are new to performing old-time. Jams at Western Cider are not rehearsed but rather played on the fly.

Old-time music hosts its roots in Africa, Scotland, and Ireland, however, it evolved in the Appalachian Mountains. Old-time music was originally considered “hillbilly music,” but grew very popular in the 1930s and 40s. As more music became popular the popularity of old-time declined, but it did not die. People all over the United States still played instruments.

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Western Cider is a brewery that intends to keep the Missoula community connected. Western Cider not only hosts old-time jams but also hosts many other events such as game nights, cider, yoga, trivia Thursdays, and so many more one-off events. Events are posted on the Missoula Events website as well as on the events tab on the Western Cider website. 

Western Cider brings the community together in so many different ways. Old-time music is something that one may not think of having a large community. However, old-time music is still very much alive today and brings musicians and dancers together both new and familiar to old-time.

Western Cider hosts all their events at 501 N California Street, Missoula, MT, 59802.