Area musicians gather for weekly jam session

Fourteen people gathered Saturday to make some music at the Americana Music Academy, 745 N.H. Above, John Dillard, Lawrence, left, plays his mandolin with Scott Searl, Baldwin.

A weekly event, “Acoustic Community Jam Session” is in its second month. The event aims to bring local musicians into contact. Thom Alexander, academy executive director, said there were several community jam sessions about five years ago that eventually stopped.

“Jam Session is based on the fact that we want a bunch of people to play together again,” Alexander said. “We wanted to have a weekly outlet for people to just get together to play or have fun.”

Alexander said as many as 19 musicians have participated in the weekly sessions, which are from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. He said if the jam sessions grow any larger the academy will have two separate sessions. Alexander said he also hopes to start an electric jam session in the future.

Music: Wellsville country singer to perform at county fair

Wellsville native and country singer Chely Wright will perform Aug. 3 at the Douglas County Free Fair.

Wright will follow Dixie Road, a country band from Topeka, at 8 p.m. in the Rodeo Arena at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds. Dixie Road will begin performing at 6:30 p.m.

Wright will sing hits from her new album “Never Love You Enough,” including singles “Jezebel,” “Shut Up and Drive” and “Single White Female.”

Wright recently was named one of the 50 most beautiful people in “People Magazine” and also was featured on the cover “Nashville Scene” magazine’s swimsuit issue.

Grandstand tickets are available online at TicketWeb.com, Town and Country Supply in Ottawa, Mid-American Band/Hilco Mortgage and Heritage Tractor in Baldwin, Deems Farm Equipment and Orscheln Farm and Home Supply in Lawrence or by calling the Douglas County Extension Office, 843-7058, ext. 18. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the night of the performance. Reserve tickets are $25.

Politics: U.S. Rep. Ryun to speak during luncheon in Lawrence

U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, who may be representing a much larger portion of Douglas County, will give a legislative update during a luncheon Thursday.

The luncheon will be from noon to 1:15 p.m. at the Hereford House Restaurant, 4931 W. Sixth St. The cost is $15, which includes lunch. Pre-registration is required and can be done by calling the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce at 865-4411.

Under a congressional redistricting plan yet to be signed into law by Gov. Bill Graves, Ryun would represent a much larger area of Douglas County, including Lawrence west of Iowa Street.

“We’ve had a great working relationship with the congressman and his staff, and hope to see that relationship grow even stronger for not only our organization but the entire Lawrence community,” Tim Holverson, vice president of public policy for the chamber, said.

Gasoline prices: Pump Patrol seeks best deal

The Journal-World has found a gasoline price as low as $1.27 at several Lawrence stations.

If you find a lower price, call us at 832-7154. Be prepared to leave the name and address of the business and the price.