Actually, around here (Chicago) it seems that fiddle, mandolin, and banjo are all in short supply.

Actually I think musicians in general are scarce here in Chicago as compared to some other areas I have lived in Illinois. I lived in Benton for 3 years, and knew in that small town of 5000 people at least 50 musicians, who were playing out regularly. The once formed Rend Lake C&W buttociation had nearly 400 members in a community of around 20,000. More than half were musicians.

Here in Chicago we have the NIBA and the Chicago Old Town School of Folk Music. The OTS has recieved alot of recognition from many professional musicians, including many cast members of the "Down From The Mountain" tour group. Incidently I attended that show held at the United Center on a Monday night, and they did a good job of filling up the half court arena they had provided, At at 70 bucks for the cheap seats, shows how many fans of that music are around. The Northern Illinois Bluegrbutt buttociation I believe has a current membership of close to 500. Our club sponsors 2 jams every month and usually at least one Festival in the summer. Has one of the best bluegrbutt newsletters in the state too. For a current listing of Jams held locally check out their website at

There are jams every weekend within 2 hours of the city somewhere.

There 2 pretty good sized venues each year in the area. One is the Folk Festival held at the University of Chicago and the 2nd is the Festival held in Naperville, if you want to meet others in the area, they all come to these 2 events.

The players are around you just have to know where to find them.

good pickin to you Michael Over 125,000 Served. 50 banjo players Free mp3s.