Walking in the Thought Lot Saturday night, the first thing many people heard was the sound of a mandolin, guitar, fiddle, banjo and many more bluegrass instruments that were full of twang as the band Seldom Said No and Jerry Rigged took the stage for the night.

Seldom Said No was the first band of the night, and it covered songs, such as Led Zepplin’s “Going to California” and “Shadowplay” by Joy Division. They also sang original songs such as, “Hey Darlin’, Do You Gamble?” Seldom Said No also ended up adding another member as they played — Scott Matlock on the fiddle.

About an hour later, the night switched over to Jerry Rigged, another local band from Chambersburg. With a banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass and fiddle, this band used the stage to jam out bluegrass-style. They played classics, such as “Rocky Top,” and “(I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle.” They also ended up playing instrumental sections, where it seemed as though they were just going back and forth. Many of the audience members hooted and hollered during these, as many were thoroughly impressed as the musician’s hands flew up and down the fret boards.

While both bands played throughout the night, audience members were line dancing to the bluegrass covers, adding to the laid-back and family-friendly atmosphere of the night.

Looking around, there were a few tables set up that held utensils, crock pots filled with chili, hot dogs and even a bowl of macaroni salad; but the Thought Lot did not set this atmosphere alone. Franklin County Live Music, run by Jenny Shifler and Steve Smith, is a website that puts all the live music events in Franklin County in one place.

With banners up behind the musicians, Shifler said that this was their first sponsored event. Although the money from the sponsorship went to book the Thought Lot, Shifler said they are in the process of becoming a limited liability company and will soon be able to accept sponsorships. It was also mentioned that the admission fees went to the musicians. Shifler said that she liked the venue and hoped Franklin County Live Music could bring more events there.

As Jerry Rigged’s time came to a close, they invited Seldom Said No up to play an acoustic session on the floor in front of the stage. There, both bands played to the crowd, which watched and cheered enthusiastically.

Afterward, while talking to a few of the band members, specifically Seldom Said No’s TJ Enderlein and Daniel Braught, they explained that this was a fun way for them to relax at the end of the day. They each have day jobs. Enderlein is a grad student and Braught an electrician, but they both said they did this for the fun of it all, not as a career.

Enderlein also said that even though both bands are local, they met at a bluegrass festival called Del Fest. It is a bluegrass festival held in Cumberland, Maryland, that occurs over four days. Enderlein explained that this is where bands would play all night, just for the fun of it.

Check out Jerry Rigged, Seldom Said No and The Thought Lot on Facebook and Franklin County Live Music at franklincountylivemusic.com.

Share