“Music is a great gift, one of the greatest anybody can have, because it’s something nobody can take away from you. Money can’t buy it. It’s a precious thing, I think, very precious.”
– Ernie Carpenter, 1909-1997 | Appalachian fiddler, “Elk River Blues”
Welcome To NOTSBA!
The members and Board of Directors of NOTSBA – the Nashville Old-Time String Band Association – are dedicated to sharing and promoting Old-Time music. Membership in NOTSBA is open to anyone who has a love for string-band-style tunes. Musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to join in.
sample Tune List
Upcoming Events
Breakin’ Up Winter
NOTSBA’s biggest event of the year is the annual Breakin’ Up Winter old-time music retreat each year at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. This 28 year old conference brings together young and old for a weekend of fun and education. There’s usually a dance and plenty of fiddle tunes. It’s always well attended. Mark your calendar for next year’s event which will be held Thursday evening, March 7-9, 2025!
Old-Time Jams
We meet to play music on the first and second Thursday evening of each month for old-time jams. We also have Fourth Sunday Jams featuring an afternoon pot-luck and pickin’ session in the homes of kind-hearted NOTSBA members and friends. Currently, we are holding two recurring jams – on the first and second Thursday of the month to be held at the Buchanan Log House (2910 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214) from 7:00-9:00 pm.
