Every 2nd and 4th Saturday - Bluegrass Circle Jam

Twice a month join the gathering for the Bluegrass Jam Circle and make music.  You can join the fun every 2nd and 4th Saturday throughout the year, right here at 950 Bynum Rd.  The circle forms around 10am until 12ish.  This is an open circle type jam for all skill levels and ages. If you pick, bring your instrument. If you sing, bring your voice.  Come enjoy great music at the historic Bynum General Store.  Pickers are asked to bring Acoustic Instruments Only.  As always, the Circle Jam is Free and open to the public!

Summer - Bynum Front Porch Friday Night Music

The Bynum Front Porch Friday Night Music Series kicks off the first weekend in May. Every Friday Night from 7-9pm May through the end of August.  Each week the bands take the outdoor stage or we move inside if the rain clouds roll our way.  

The Bynum Friday Night Music series began in 2001. Bynum neighbors wanted to create an event that would help sustain the Bynum General Store and Post Office the social center of the community.  The General Store’s operator retired in 2006 and there was no one waiting in the wings to take over.

Located off of Highway 15-501, Bynum was originally a cotton mill village set along the banks of the Haw River with the first mill built around 1872.  As the mill grew, the town grew and became a vibrant community where neighbors knew each other and played along the river banks.  In 1934, the Bynum General Store opened and was one of the five stores in town.  There was also two grist mills, a movie theater and a school.  The mill closed in 1983 and Bynum’s community life started changing.  Fast-forward to today, the mill and school long gone but the residents of Bynum are just as vibrant as years past and the longing to keep a community together continues to grow strong.

To keep the community gathering place alive, Bynum Front Porch was created as a non-profit and leases the old general store.  The organization creates family-friendly events and programs that celebrate the community’s rich history and bright future.  Now all gather under the night sky or move indoors when weather becomes inclement.  The Bynum Friday Night Music Series runs May through the end of August and is open to the public featuring a variety of bands spanning multiple musical genres, including gospel, folk, blues, rockabilly and bluegrass.  No tickets are needed to come and a hat is passed for contributions.

Food vendors on site.

Winter - Second Saturdays for Storytelling

Every second Saturday great storytellers spin their yarn within the walls of the historic Bynum General Store fron 6:30-9pm. The shows and refreshments are free, but the iconic pith helmet is passed for donations (proceeds go to the storytellers and a portion to BFP).

The storytelling shows are family friendly "most enjoyed by those 8 and above." Each show has several professional storytellers plus “a few folks that just know how to spin a good yarn!" says Bynum Storyteller Cynthia Raxter. The shows also feature a local top comedian as emcee.

The BFP Storytelling Series started in November 2015 with Tellebration™. ”Since it was Saturday night, I wanted it to be just a little bit fancy.” says Producer Cynthia Raxter. “I brought triple cream brie - Chapel Hill storyteller Ken Corsbie brought dark chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies!” Several months (and cookie trays later), “I realized this was more than just a show. It’s a party with friends. And some of the friends are really good storytellers!”

The old Bynum General Store twinkles on second Saturdays. Go planning to visit and hear very good storytelling. Bynum resident Rebekkah Cote agrees, “Storytelling nights end up being the best nights after all!” 

Other programs

Include storytelling workshops, Scouts, children’s events, community picnics, and fundraisers to support the Bynum Front Porch’s educational grants. BFP awards three $1000 grants to local high school students that are the first in their family to go to college. John Winecker, Bynum Front Porch Grant committee member said. “Our goal with the scholarship/grant is to give back to the community that has passionately supported our efforts through the years.  By creating a scholarship/grant, we can support Chatham County students and encourage them to go after their dreams.”