Ben Jarnutowski
– 5-String Banjo/Vocals. – Perkasie, PA. Founder of The Doylestown Bluegrass Jam and member of the Appalachian Fiddle and Bluegrass Association. Originally from Feasterville, PA, Ben now resides in Hilltown with his family. At the age of 10 Ben picked up an accordion, learning theory and keyboard. At age 14 his father coaxed him into joining the Harrowgate String Band, Hulmeville PA, and marched in the Philadelphia Mummer's Parade for several years until he put music away to follow his career and raise his family. Fast forward about 30 years and knowing his desire to play a banjo, his wife presented him with a left-handed 5-string banjo. With banjo and flatpick in hand at his first lesson, his instructor asked what type of music he liked, Ben's response was "Dixieland", his instructor smiled, took away the flatpick, gave him finger picks and introduced him to "Bluegrass", and Ben never looked back. In 2002 Ben founded The Doylestown Jam, where folks meet weekly to learn and play their favorite Bluegrass, Country, Folk, and Gospel Songs in friendly surroundings. Today musicians/travelers from across the US stop in to join the weekly fun. He also hosts an annual Bluegrass Festival known as "BenFest".
Tom Campbell
– Mandolin/Vocals. Huntington Valley, Pa. Member of The Doylestown Jam and Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association. Tom has always been interested in playing an instrument. Over the years he has tried banjo, fiddle and guitar. While vacationing in 2009, a friend told him about Albert Hall in Waretown, N.J. After stopping by and listening to the front porch musicians he began to search for something similar in the Montgomery Co. Pa. area and found the Doylestown Jam. With the passing of his Mother, Tom inherited her mandolin and started attending the Doylestown Jam. He learned the tunes and found many helpful friends that made learning easy. He likes up tempo instrumentals and accompanying others with background melodies. Tom’s talents include the ability to draw cartoon caricatures, which mirrors his sense of humor. We are proud to acknowledge 2014 as Toms 50th anniversary as an active Fire Fighter in Huntingdon Valley, PA.