Bluegrass music draws Oklahomans of all ages

The sound never gets old for Sanders and others like him. The society's monthly get-together sometimes features workshops on how to play different instruments. The simplicity of the sound keeps people coming back.

“It's just a pure sound, there's no processing, no effects,” Sanders said. “Just a guy with a guitar. That's what has always impressed me about it, that raw sound.”

Bennett joined the society in part to learn how to play. He's taking lessons and is working his way up to jam at one of the monthly events. He admits that's been hard.

“I'm probably a little reserved about being in front of people,” he said. “That's something I'm working on. I'd like to play in one of the jam rooms, and I'm going to work on that over the next 30 days or so. My lessons are taught by Annie Carpenter, who played at the Grand Ole Opry. She's been a big help. It's just amazing that we have all this talent and ability and desire for this music right here in Oklahoma City.”

And it's not just the older generation that enjoys the genre.

“We definitely have more of an older generation, but there are some kids who get into it, college students and that age group,” he said. “It's a kind of music that has plenty to offer for any age.”

To learn more

For more information on the Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Society, go to www.gobms.org.