Since March, many local musicians have had an opportunity to display their talents during Acoustic Jam at the Front Street Pub.

Pub owner Eric Fennell said he came up with the idea of having a sort of "open mike" night and allowing musicians to perform one night each month. He said when it first started, there were many acoustic acts, hence the name Acoustic Jam.

After a while, there were fewer

acoustic acts and more bands performing. Fennell said he wanted to bring back the acoustic acts and give some of the less experienced musicians the opportunity to "jam" with other musicians.

"I really wanted to find a way that all of these different musicians could get together and perform," he said. "It's entertaining, plus it's a great learning experience for all the musicians."

Now, Acoustic Jam is held the first Tuesday night of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Fennell said that he feels the key to getting Acoustic Jam started was installing a PA system in the Pub. "It's very easy for people to come and play," he said. "They don't need to bring much equipment. We provide microphones, cables and speakers."

He also said that, in order to get musicians to participate, he personally invited local musicians he knew. After that, many others began to get involved in the event.

Musicians who have performed at Acoustic Jam include Steve Norman, Renny McNaughton, Keith Chandler, William Watson, Chad Edwards, Gene Braden, Troy Gunderson, Greg Wiggins, Jarvis McCoy and Eric Fennell. Fennell said a few others have participated by singing, and anyone is welcome to perform at one of the jam sessions.

Many types of music are performed during each Acoustic Jam. Some types of music that have been performed include folk, country, blues, oldies, classic rock, Southern rock and contemporary rock.

The food special on Acoustic Jam night is oysters on the half shell for $5.50 per dozen.

Fennell said he hopes to have more musicians at the next jam, which will be held June 4 at 7:30 p.m. "If we're able to have more participation, we'd love to have them [jams] every other week or every week," he said. "I believe there are a lot more closet musicians' out there."

This weekend, the Pub will host Zig and the Zigtones, unplugged. Fennell said he hopes many will come out Friday night to hear "Ziggy." "Ziggy is an incredible musician and showman and would really impress any music lovers who have never been to the Front Street Pub" he said."

Fennell said that variety is definitely offered at the Pub. "Greenville is not large enough for us to cater to one interest," he said. "We have a large variety of bands and entertainment."

A calendar of events at the Pub is available online at www.frontstreetpub.com.