Bluegrass group keeps old-time music alive

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The old-time music never gets old for bluegrass enthusiasts.

The Frozen Fingers Music Association of Minot has conceded a little bit to the times. Musicians now can plug in their amplifiers. But the melodies haven't changed.

Wally Holter, 76, says it's still the music he grew up with as a kid. Although health issues have kept him from picking up his guitar at the association's monthly jam sessions, he was singing lead at Saturday's gathering in Minot's Sleep Inn.

"It doesn't take too much of an excuse to start jamming," he said. "You don't have to be good. You just have to be willing."

The jam sessions are held every fourth Saturday of the month.

The association's 14th annual Frozen Fingers bluegrass festival runs Feb. 13 to 15 in the Sleep Inn and will feature stage shows, a dance and a polka mass - a church service with polka music. All association events are family oriented and alcohol-free.

From humble beginnings, the event has grown to attract as many as 700 people from across the state and Canada. The stage lineup at the annual festival has shifted to showcase more area musicians.

"What's happened here is the quality of the local talent has grown to the point where we don't have to go out of the state to find good entertainment," said Dick Johnson, association vice president.

The monthly jam sessions bring association members from as far as Tioga, Dunseith and Harvey. There's the traditional, acoustic jam session and the more modern, amplified group. Old-time country and country gospel are favorites regardless of the format.

The next jam session on Dec. 27 will include stage shows and food, beginning at 1 p.m.

"The purpose, of course, is to promote the old-time music," said association president Karen Rath. "We formed our organization to get our young people involved in music."

Many of the participants at the jam sessions have been involved in music for a long time. But there's always some young people who show an interest. Participants have ranged in age from 15 to 85, although a few months ago a group of fiddlers from the Belcourt area - the oldest barely in their teens - came and played with the Saturday jammers.

"They did a real good job, too," Johnson said.

To further encourage youth interest, the association invites youth up to age 16 to attend its Frozen Fingers festival at no charge. For others, the cost is $15 a day.

The admission helps fund the association's activities. The association also is supported by dues, donations and festival sponsorships. The association is in the process of registering as a nonprofit organization to be able to accept tax-deductible contributions.

Anyone can become a member by attending a jam session and signing up. Dues are $15 a year and include a subscription to the association newsletter.

Holter said he's most proud to be part of the association because of the members' involvement in the community.

"I would say 80 percent of our group are out playing in nursing homes," he said.

Watching the older generation clapping and tapping their feet, the musicians get as much back as they give.

"That's the most rewarding," Holter said. "That's the best pay I could have."