On any given Thursday night, you’ll find between 6 and 24 musicians grouped around a single mic on Grumpy’s stage. While Gern f. keeps spectators and musicians entertained from behind the bar with drinks, banter and the occasional jaunt to the stage for backup vocals, Lonesome Larry Whitaker takes the reins of the jam, keeping the night on the straight and narrow with his controversial no drums/no electric guitar rule.

A true character in the Montreal roots and Old-Time scene, Lonesome Larry has tailored Thursday nights at Grumpy’s Bar into a unique acoustic session allowing folks of all ranges of talent, new comer to old-hand alike, to take part. The magic of Moonshine on Thursday is that there is room for virtuoso pickers and hard working beginners. Musicians new to this style of music and performance can sit in, watch the others for the changes, hanging back a little until they are up to speed. People learn the songs, make friends, argue, start bands and really get into Old-Time music.

Moonshine on Thurday’s roster of regulars and drop-ins make up the full spectrum of Montreal’s biggest and brightest Old-Time and bluegrass musicians. Moonshine Jams have included folks like Terry Joe Banjo, Jordan Officer, Katie Moore, Dar Wiess, Dan Livingstone, Andrew Horton, Joe Grass, Bob Fuller, Yann Falquet and bands like the D. Rangers, Yonder Hill and Lonesome Pine Special. Weekly, Lonesome Larry is anchored by local musicians Dangerous Glen Paterson, Bob Comeau, Bill Bland (Oldtime Country Music Club of Canada house fiddler) and a host of locals.

Whether you come to see the jam, hear the music or join in and play, you’ll leave satisfied and inspired.

Photo: Barbara Lavoie