JAY – Linda Latham of North Jay has joined the volunteer staff of the Countryfolk Music Theatre on US Route 2 in East Dixfield, according to project director Larry Bisbee. She will be involved in public relations. The free Country Sunday jam sessions begin on Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day.

The theater provides a venue for new and seasoned musicians and songwriters to showcase their talents, while also offering a Youth Music Scholarship Award every summer. Featured music each Sunday afternoon is traditional country, bluegrass, gospel, folk and blues.

Musicians from throughout Franklin, Oxford, and Androscoggin counties and beyond attend the weekly gatherings.

Latham says, “now with our children grown, it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to incorporate my hobbies of music and photography into this western Maine music project. I enjoy meeting people and am very proud to be a part of the Countryfolk Music Theatre.”

Bisbee says, “Linda brings a philosophy of ‘there’s good in everyone’ attitude to this musical family.”

“Linda is a like a breath of fresh air to all who meet her and her welcoming smile greets all who pass through the gates of the rustic Countryfolk Music Theatre in East Dixfield, Maine.”

Latham’s introduction to music began early in life as she started going to dances as a young girl with her parents, Dennis and Lillian Wright, and comes from a musical family. Of nine in her fathers family, eight were accomplished musicians. The Wright Family Orchestra was composed of brothers Silas, Vinton, Phil and sister Jeanette. Her father, a banjo player, had his own dance band as well as playing with the Wright Family Orchestra for many years. They played throughout Franklin and Oxford Counties and at special events throughout the state.

Latham grew up with a deep love for dancing and music, having played clarinet in the Jay High School Marching Band and the orchestra. She has carried that into her adult life with husband Lloyd. They are well known for their dancing at many mid-Maine dance halls and Latham says, “She feels it’s good for you and helps keep you young.”

Latham has been in the vending industry for more than 20 years and is currently the onsite manager of All Season Services at International Paper.

She is an avid videographer and still photographer and her work can be seen in the Countryfolk Music Theatre photo gallery, on the Web site as well as on the walls of the stage in East Dixfield.

In her spare time she loves baking and music and can be found at music festivals throughout the state.

More information is available at www.countryfolkmusic.com or by writing Bisbee at Countryfolk Music Theatre, PO Box 154, East Dixfield, ME 04227.