The Pineconers - an original Homeplace band playing in the early Albert Music Hall. Pete Curry (2nd from the left). Janice Sherwood (4th from the right)

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Albert Music Hall will continue its year-long celebration of its 50th Anniversary with its annual Homeplace Show. This special event honors the timeless sounds of the Jersey Pines and pays tribute to the musical roots that inspired the creation of the Hall.

The name "Homeplace" recalls the Alberts' cabin, where weekly jam sessions once brought together local musicians. What began as intimate gatherings soon grew into the dynamic musical community that became Albert Music Hall. Join them for an evening of traditional music, rich history, and the spirit of the Pines that started it all.

This year’s Homeplace Show will feature a special guest performance by local singer-songwriter Pete Curry, one of the original musicians from those early jam sessions. Pete, who wrote the iconic song, "Come On Down to Waretown," will open the show with a few songs that reflect the early days of the cabin and the Hall. Also performing is Katie Sherwood Eaton, who is Janice Sherwood's daughter. Janice was also an original Homeplace musician and one of the Hall's founders.

The evening’s lineup showcases an exciting array of talent, with performances by Pete Curry, Greater Pinelands Dulcimer Society, Katie Sherwood Eaton, Jackson Pines, James Dalton, Easy as Pie, Doctor Creek and Sawmill Run Old Time String Band.  Doors will open at 5:00pm with music starting at 5:45pm. Admission is $6 or $1 for children under 12. 

The food booth will be serving several hot food options and a wide selection of desserts and beverages. The gift shop is filled with a variety of music-related items, Albert Music Hall and Pinelands-themed gifts, as well as 50th Anniversary merchandise. Visitors can also purchase a copy of the iconic yellow songbook, which includes many of the songs featured in the show, including "Come on Down to Waretown."

There will be a 50/50 drawing and you can purchase Anniversary Raffle tickets in the foyer for $10. Parking is free and the Hall is wheelchair accessible. The venue is cash only.

As the song goes, visitors are invited to “Come on down to Waretown” and “leave your troubles behind.” The event promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the Hall’s musical heritage. 

Albert Music Hall is run by the Pinelands Cultural & Historical Preservation Society (PCS), an all-volunteer, non-profit-501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation of the Pinelands Cultural Heritage. Since 1974, visitors and musicians have gathered at the hall for live Bluegrass, Country, Folk, Americana, Old Timey & Pinelands Music and to jam in the Pickin' Shed every Saturday night.