TAM YAM Campers Show Their Skills in Talent Show

More than 40 young musicians took part in the fifth annual Traditional Arts & Music Day Camp for Young Appalachian Musicians (TAM YAM Camp), held this year at a new location, the Pickens Recreation Center.

Many of the campers, and camp counselors as well, showcased their music skills at the week-long event’s finale – a talent show held Friday, July 19, at the new Pickens Downtown Amphitheater.

“The facilities worked out great and the staff at the Recreation Department were wonderful to work with,” YAM Director Betty McDaniel said.

The camp is designed to expose youngsters – grades 3 through 8 – to the traditional arts, crafts and music of the Appalachian region. Like other YAM activities, the camp is sponsored by Preserving Our Southern Appalachian Music Inc. (POSAM), a charitable non-profit organization.

More than 300 students are enrolled in YAM’s after-school program offered at six elementary schools and two middle schools in Pickens County. POSAM also sponsors evening classes in traditional acoustic music for students of all ages, at locations in Pickens, Greenville and Oconee counties.

More information is available online at www.YAMupstate.com, or by contacting Betty McDaniel at (864) 878-4257 or mcdanibw1@gmail.com.