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.

Fall and Winter: “Mill Town Yarns” Monthly Indoor Performance Series

Experience the magic of storytelling and live performance in our charming former mill village. Each month, top storytellers, singer/songwriters, and other performers share their craft within the historic walls of the Bynum General Store. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences in a unique venue!

The Bynum Front Porch “Mill Town Yarns” series is recognized by the NC Storytellers Guild as one of the state’s premier storytelling hubs.

The 2024-25 season will feature a mix of professional and local performers. Most shows are free, with a hat passed for donations. For high-demand shows, advance tickets will be available to reserve seats.

2024-25 Season Lineup:

• Saturday, Sept. 7, 7 PM
  Michael Reno Harrell – An internationally known singer/songwriter and storyteller. Advanced tickets recommended. Suitable for all ages, with tickets priced at $10.

• Friday, Oct. 18, 7 PM
  Chatham County Stories and Songs – Enjoy tales and tunes from local celebrities, featuring stories about “haints,” hippies, “Deep Chatham,” barbecue, and more!

• Sunday, Nov. 17, 3 PM (Matinee)
  Lipbone Redding – A nationally acclaimed performer and “voicestrumentalist,” known for imitating trombones and other instruments with his mouth. Advanced tickets recommended.

• Saturday, Jan. 11, 7 PM
  Bynum Stories and Songs – Presented by local residents, including those who grew up here and those who fell in love with Bynum and its stories.

• Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 PM
  Carolina Folklore – Featuring the Carolina Haints podcasters and local celebrity musicians, presenting stories and songs from Carolina folklore.

• Sunday, Mar. 16, 3 PM (Matinee)
  Rebecca Newton – A nationally known musician and author/storyteller, joined by NC author Cedric Tillman and a special guest.

• Saturday, Apr. 12, 7 PM
  Donna Washington – Renowned storyteller extraordinaire, performing “stories for grownups.”

• Saturday, May 10, 7 PM
  Lona Bartlett, Chris Wise, & Andy Russell – Professional storytellers, blues artists, and singers.

For more information and to purchase tickets for select performances, please visit our website. We look forward to sharing these exceptional events with you!

Other programs

Over the years we have hosted Girls & Boy Scouts, community picnics, and offered our facility for rent to the wider Bynum community for things such as birthday parties, baby showers, wedding receptions, and much much more. In the past, we have given Grants to Chatham County students (over $30,000) to continue their education. We will continue to support our students in partnership with the Chatham Education Foundation.