The First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Jam Series at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center will ends its 2011-12 season Thursday, March 1, with a concert featuring the veteran Appalachian string band the New Southern Ramblers.

The group’s 7 p.m. performance will be followed by an 8 p.m. jam session, in which local musicians are invited to participate.

Featuring lively dance tunes, traditional vocals and flatfoot dancing, the New Southern Ramblers have entertained audiences across the nation for decades, with performances in recent years at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and MerleFest.

The New Southern Ramblers is comprised of fiddler John Herrmann of Marshall, banjo player Gordy Hinners of Weaverville, guitarist Phil Jamison and bass player Meredith McIntosh, both of Asheville.

The activities at the Mountain Heritage Center are free and open to everyone. Pickers and singers of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part in the jam sessions.

The museum is located on the ground floor of WCU’s H.F. Robinson Administration Building. 828.227.7129.