Music moves downtown

Theresa Curry / News Virginian
Published: May 23, 2007

"With all these wonderful local musicians, why would you need to bring in talent from outside-" asked Sarah Lynch.

Lynch, a partner in Staunton's Baja Bean Restaurant, is the organizer of "Staunton Jams," taking music to the streets of downtown Staunton beginning at noon Saturday. It's the fifth downtown celebration of local performers, an event that began in May 2005. The first organizers, the mother-daughter team of Katherine Low and Paula Kiscaden, were looking for something fresh and new to draw people downtown and just generally show off the tremendous variety and quality of area musicians.

"Some of these musicians have come every time, and they all do it for free," Lynch said.

Staunton Jams is held on the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. The second "Jams," held shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, raised $14,000 for rescue efforts just by passing the hat.

"There's never a charge," Lynch explained. "Last year - the first time I managed it - I collected money from the merchants to defray expenses. This year, we'll ask the audience to contribute whatever they can."

It's a happy crowd that comes each spring and fall to celebrate the beginning and end of the outdoor season.

"Last year, there were 200 or so people on Beverley Street," Lynch said. "They bring chairs, sit on the curb, sit down on rugs or on the steps of Suntrust Bank or in the window. Everyone loves it."

There's a lot of dancing, she said, especially as the day wears on. Some local merchants will have specials for lunch and dinner, or offer festive services like the henna tattoos at Shanti Yoga.

Those who park their lawn chairs between Augusta and Central avenues Saturday from noon until 8 p.m. will hear an amazing variety of music. Lester Bowers, who roasts some of the area's best coffee, begins at noon with classic blues. The Hound Dog Hill Boys play a kind of "kicked up" bluegrass, Lynch said, with style and speed. Nathan Moore, a teacher and veteran of the alternative adult music scene about to embark on a nationwide tour, plays country folk.

Punk hour begins at 3 p.m., with Mahatma Baby, formerly known as Sub Rosa, a handful of Shakespearian actors who love this chance to play fast and loud for punk-rock fans. Waynesboro's beloved Sundried Opossum takes the stage at 4 p.m., with the roots rock and jam that has won them fans far beyond the Valley. Downtown Conspiracy, a group of 6-7 versatile musicians, plays a little bit of everything, with a couple of very distinctive vocalists, Lynch said. Big Boots, a band made up of five Staunton residents, covers modern rock favorites like the Pixies.

By then the downtown is ready for the headliners. Staunton's Findells, who pack the house wherever they play, end the day playing the wonderful mixture of humor and passion, sweetness and irony that has made them cult favorites for many years, in many configurations.

Lynch encourages people to set up early and stay all day. In between, have lunch or dinner in one of the many downtown restaurants, or simply stroll around town listening to the sweet sounds of music made by friends and neighbors.

For more information contact the Staunton Downtown Development Association at 332-3867 or http://www.stauntondowntown.org, or Sarah Lynch at Baja Bean Company at 885-9988.

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