Issue date: 6/19/09 Section: ARTS & LIFE

Tim Fisher is among the first to arrive at Denton's Downtown Square on an almost perfect Saturday morning. He sits at a bench on the Denton Ccourthouse lawn, mandolin at the ready.

Another mandolin and guitar join, and the music begins.

The group quickly grows as more and more local musicians of all ages, skill levels, and instrumentation instrument varieties join the ranks, filling the Square with bluegrass and country music of decades past - a soundtrack that compliments the historic setting.

It is not long before a small audience gathers on the lawn to listen. A few spectators even begin to sing along.

Since 1994, the Acoustic Lawn Jam has brought together local musicians as well as spectators from Denton and surrounding cities.

The event is organized by Denton Main Street, an organization concerned with the preservation of dDowntown Denton. The jam session is held each Saturday from the beginning of May to the end of October. The musicians meet on the courthouse lawn from 10 a.m. to noon.

"We wanted an event that could eventually run itself," said Julie Glover, manager of Denton Main Street.

When the weather turns nasty, the event moves to Banter, a bistro at 219 West Oak St.

"We started playing at Banter in the winter too, so now we can meet year-round," mandolin player Tim Fisher said.

The event appears to be as beneficial for the Denton community as well as it is for the musicians themselves.

"This is great, and, sadly, it's something that's rapidly disappearing," said Martha Weller, a visitor from Champagne, Illinois, said. "Hearing old songs and the old players keeping them alive. I; it's very authentic."

The Saturday morning jam session also gives the musicians an opportunity to play together, learn from each other and share stories.

"I really enjoy the music and the fellowship," said Ade Butler, a guitar player from Sanger, Texas said.

Spectators (and even lowly news reporters) are warmly welcomed and encouraged to sing along and join the fun.

"I don't get many chances to sing" said Corinth resident Connie Salsman, who crooned along with the group. "What's great about this [event] is that you have no idea what these people do in their regular lives. Music is a good leveler. Y: you don't know their history, their economic situation, or anything and it doesn't matter."

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