How we got the name “Sweetbriar Jam”

Sawyer Whitman, of the group wrote an instrumental song during the time the three boys were called the “Good Ol’ Boys of Lenoir, NC”. He was having a little trouble coming up with a name for it so, eventually, Scott Seymour suggested to his dad, Roger, that he should relate it to his road name where he lived. Something like “Sweetbriar Drive” sounded good because of the fast pace of the song. Roger commented that Sweetbriar Jam or Sweetbriar Jam Session would be a kind of cool name for the band since the name was going to need to change anyway with the two sisters coming on board. Well, everyone seemed to like that, but we sat on it for a while investigating and praying. Finally, the families got together and voted to make the new name of the band “Sweetbriar Jam”. This would be complimentary of the toughness of the boys and the sweetness of the girls (okay). By the way there is an edible sweetbriar jam that is made with the hips of the sweetbriar rose. Thought you’d like that! Oh yeah, Sawyer decided to call the song “Trade Off”. Go figure.

 Sweetbriar Jam Bio

In August of 2005, Flemings Chapel Baptist Church had a “talent show”. Sawyer Whitman was eleven years old. Dalton Caldwell was nine and Nick Seymour was eight. They had been playing their instruments for over a year and decided that it was time to combine their efforts for the talent show. They played “Old Joe Clark”, “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “Little Darlin’ Pal of Mine” and they were well received. Thus, the Good Ol’ Boys of Lenoir bluegrass band was launched. Over time and many “gigs” the guys thought it would be cool to include the two youngest boy’s sisters on some of the songs because they were coming along in their own musical talents. Katie Caldwell, Dalton’s twin sister had been playing the bass fiddle since March of 2007 and Sarah Seymour, Nicholas’s eight year old sister had been playing the fiddle since May 2006. Presently, the girls play full time with the guys and this band has become “Sweetbriar Jam”, a good combination of some great young people.
"Sweetbriar Jam Snipet"

"Hello out there! We just had a great couple of weeks playing in the Harrisburg, NC 4th of July parade, the celebration in the park, the Musicfest 'n Sugargrove, NC and a wonderful worship service at Fellowship Baptist in Lenoir, NC. What a blast! The Optimist Club folks in Harrisburg were so cool and friendly. We felt as if we'd always knew them. The Musicfest folks treated us like royalty and it's always good to see all of our pickin' buddies there. All we can say is if you wasn't there at the Sunday evening service at Fellowship, then you missed a great time in the Lord! This may sound like a bunch of hype, but it's all true and we love the fact that we were a part of such great experiences and making of friends. The future always looks brighter when we can go into it with such a fabulous past. Keep on Jammin'. ya'll. .Thanks, SJ"

Sarah Seymour

I am eleven years old and my birthday is May 22nd. I play fiddle and piano. I love to sing too! I’ve been playing the fiddle since May 2006. I’ve been in the band since April 2007. I have two brothers, Nicholas and Nathanael. My parents names are Scott and Pam. My influences, in fiddle, include Alison Krauss, Mairead Nesbitt and Natalie MacMaster. Local influences include Reggie Harris, Bob Kogut and piano teacher Janet Hayes Haas. We make our home in Lenoir, NC and I love traveling around with our band. We meet a lot of people and I really enjoy it!
Kaitlyn Caldwell

I am 14 years old and play the bass fiddle and sing for the group. I have been playing since March of 07. I won first place in the Valdese, NC bass fiddle competition. I absolutely love playing in the group because I have a great time with everyone. In my spare time I enjoy playing softball, basketball and listening to music.

Nick Seymour

I’m 13 years old and my birthday is September 15th. My home town is Lenoir, NC. I play the guitar, banjo, and a little mandolin. I sing lead and harmony in our band. My favorite song to sing is “Man of Constant Sorrow”. I’ve been playing the guitar since I was seven when I got my first one, a Yamaha FG-Junior. I’ve always dreamed of musical touring. So far, my favorite place I’ve played at is Tampa, Florida. My influences include Dan Tyminski, Doyle Lawson, Ricky Scaggs, Ron Block, Jerry Douglas, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and Johnny Cash. Reggie Harris, of Lenoir, is very talented and has taught me a lot. The best part of being in a band is that I get to do it with my close friends that I know off and on stage. Bluegrass, country and gospel are my favorite types of music.
Dalton Caldwell

I am 14 years old. I play the mandolin and I sing for the band. I started playing the mandolin in September, 2004. In my spare time I like to ride my dirt bike, and I like to hunt and fish. I also like to enter competitions. I won 1st place in the Galax Fiddler's Convention mandolin competition.
Sawyer Whitman

Hi! I am 16 years old. In Sweetbriar Jam, I play the banjo, guitar and on a rare occasion I play some dobro. I'm also starting to sing. I have been playing the banjo for 5 years now, thanks to my teacher Reggie Harris! I have been playing guitar for about two years. Besides playing in SBJ, I enjoy playing Airsoft, fishing, Church, Awana, playing in "Souled Out" (my church's youth band), drinking coffee, eating pizza, and reading. I hope you enjoy Sweetbriar Jam!!! (I know I do!)

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