1st Friday Jam, Bluegrass Gospel up next at George

GEORGE – The community of George will continue its Bluegrass music events with First Friday Jam today.

On Saturday, Nov. 16, the focus will be on Bluegrass Gospel music with a performance by the Hahner Family Band of the Palouse Hills.

Both events will be held at the George Community Hall at 403 W. Montmorency in George.

First Friday Jam is amateur night for practitioners and fans of Bluegrass. Anyone who can play, sing or listen is invited.

First Friday Jam is free of charge. It starts with a 6 p.m. potluck dinner. The music kicks off at about 7 p.m. and goes to about 9 p.m.

The Hahner Family Band presentation is part of the George, Washington Coffeehouse Concert Series. It will kick off at 7 p.m. with a $3 admission charge. A tip of $8-12 for the musicians will be suggested.

Music has been a large part of life at the Hahner household since brother Greg began taking fiddle lessons at age 5. He was named flat-picking champion for the Northwest Regionals for 2009.

Not to be outdone, Greg's sisters Danielle, Amanda and Emily have each played piano from a young age, followed by the rigors of classical violin. These three excel at triple-fiddle as well as vocal harmonizing.

The youngest fiddler, Hannah, is 10 and helps out with vocals. Twins Sam and Rebekah (8) do a few vocals as well, and piano lessons are in progress. Leah (5) adds a sparkle of vocal joy.

Family friend Dave joins in with bass, guitar and mandolin.

Mom and dad Hahner handle the logistics. Moira is in charge of scheduling bookings and joins in with the singing and adding a little background piano. Bryan is the sound man and road wrangler.

There will fresh-baked refreshments at half-time prepared by the George, Wash. Georgettes.