This update on a regular Saturday jam hosted by the Central Florida Bluegrass Association is a contribution from the Association. They have worked hard to bring this long-running feature back, knowing how important such events are to increasing participation in the music.
In the lead up to the Central Florida Bluegrass Association Expo on April 18, 2026, the third Saturday bluegrass jam at Cassia Community Club in Eustis, FL was hopping! For those who have been around to recall the massive bluegrass jams in the 1990’s, it’s a welcome scene to see the parking lot filling again after a long decline in participation.
CFBA President, John Parrish, recalled nights when there were multiple bands anchoring jams wrapping around the clubhouse with groups playing on stage to a large welcoming crowd. As a teenager, John cut his teeth playing bluegrass at Cassia. There’s a lot of bluegrass history tied to the Cassia jams.
Vassar Clements’ cousins Carroll and Gerald were regulars, along with Marty Rabon’s father Kenny, who seemed to be a walking songbook of fiddle tunes. Nathan Livers of Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper also regularly attended during a period when his family lived in Central Florida.
Sadly, as happens in many areas, the folks that were instrumental in the success of the early bluegrass jams at Cassia passed on. Without that catalyst, over time the music dwindled to the point that where there were once hundreds, there were just a few left willing to travel out and play.
The Cassia Community Club kept hope alive and continued to make their venue available for a bluegrass jam.
Everyone in the area is invited out at 4:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Come to pick and sing, or just to listen. All are welcome!
