An unidentified bass player practices his craft at last year's January Ice Jam, a bluegrass music event taking place this year on Friday and Saturday at the Butler Days Inn.

BUTLER TWP — The annual January Ice Jam will be held on Friday and Saturday this year, one week later than usual, at the Days Inn on Route 8.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. All of the proceeds go to charity.

Bluegrass bands begin performing at 7 p.m. Friday and at 1 p.m. Saturday. Music can be heard until about midnight both nights.

As many as 32 bands will appear during that time frame on stage in Holiday Hall. Many musicians will jam in the halls and rooms of the hotel as well. Music will include traditional, contemporary and gospel bluegrass.

For more information, visit the Web site, www.januaryicejam.com.