The Western Pennsylvania band Allegheny Drifters performs during the annual January Ice Jam last January at the Butler Days Inn. This year's jam goes on Friday and Saturday.

The 18th annual January Ice Jam once again brings together people of all ages to enjoy bluegrass music.

Activities will be Friday and Saturday at the Butler Days Inn, Route 8. Admission is free.

With more than 2,000 people in attendance yearly, the event allows listeners, new musicians and veteran players alike to come together and enjoy bluegrass.

Bands will play on stage Friday evening and all day Saturday. Musicians also jam into all hours of the night at various places at the hotel.

The Ice Jam officially begins when the first band takes the stage at 7 p.m. Friday. The stage will be alive with music beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday. Bands will play for 30-minute sets until midnight both nights.

As many as 32 different bands will donate their time and talent, playing traditional, contemporary and gospel bluegrass music.

Many donate professionally recorded CDs of their own music for raffling during the festival.

Monetary donations are accepted to benefit charities such as the Bluegrass Relief Fund.

Refreshments will be available.

The Ice Jam originated 17 years ago as a way to bring hundreds of bluegrass enthusiasts together during the winter months.

More information is available at www.januaryicejam.com.