Old Man Jim’s MusicWorks

James Smyle

Bluegrass, Americana, Progressive Acoustic Guitar & Mandolin, Singer/Songwriter

IBMA Member #25542 (International Bluegrass Music Association)

What’s Happening

Recordings, Tips & Lessons

All the digital do-whop available via links below:

Original Music (coming soon)

Cover Tunes (coming soon)

Quick Tips (coming soon)

Hosted Open Jams

  • Berryville Barns Acoustic Open Jam (Barns of Rose Hill) is held each 3rd Thursday from 5pm - 8pm on the second floor, elevator available. Street Address is 95 Chalmers Court, Berryville, VA 22611. Email me for additional information.

  • Chilly Hollow Brewing Company in (669 Chilly Hollow Rd, Berryville, VA 22611) will begin its’ Acoustic Open Jam series Thursday April 10, 2025, from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Jams will be held every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month - drop me an email to be added for group reminders and notifications.

  • Another regional brewery is interested in starting a regular open bluegrass / Americana jam series for the early spring, summer, and early Fall months. More news as it solidifies.

Out & About in March 2025 - you’ll likely find me:

Out of action most of March due to an injury - hope to see y’all soon.

  • 03/18/25 Hamilton GastroPub Open Jam

  • 03/20/25 Barns of Berryville Open Jam

  • 03/21/25 Old 690 Open Jam

  • 03/23/25 Beans in the Belfry Open Jam

  • 03/26/25 Steinhardt Brewing Bluegrass Jam

  • 03/27/25 Farm Brewery Bluegrass Jam

  • 03/28/25 Notaviva Bluegrass Jam

Lil’ Bit o’ Bio

James (Old Man Jim) is a lifelong musician with an early background in piano, brass wind instruments, and percussion before moving into guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, dobro, fiddle, and Native American flute for the last several decades.

James has been a player & singer with many bands in both the Santa Clara, CA and Mid Atlantic areas including Dead Poets, Waiting for Jon, The Plum Island Pickers, Horse Feathers, The Grass Stained Hippies, and Blue Leaf Collective.

A big fan of clear and precise flatpicking, clean and quick runs along with slower and equally intentional leads and licks are our specialty. Intuitive melodies, lyrics that tell a tale, and strong tight rhythms is how we do our thing.

Check out our music in the downloads section for samples of originals and covers.

See our Course page for guitar and mandolin e-lessons, or reach out to arrange a one on one session.