Herb Sturm Memorial Jam to benefit St. Martins Catholic School

Before Steve Sturm became a successful musician who played at the Grand Old Opry and toured with Travis Tritt, he grew up in a music-loving household where his folks often held jam sessions with other musicians.

Now, Sturm is continuing that tradition while honoring his late father, with the second annual Herb Sturm Memorial Jam. It will be 2-6 p.m. Sunday at the Knights of Columbus in St. Martins. Admission is $2, and the Knights of Columbus use the profits for service projects. This year, proceeds will go to a school expansion fund for St. Martins Catholic School.

“We’re basically inviting every musician and singer who wants to come out to sing and play to show off their wares and talents,” Sturm said. “It’s just a brotherhood and sisterhood kind of thing.”

For last year’s first memorial jam, Sturm hoped for a turnout of 175. It ended up being closer to 450 musicians. This year, he’s hoping for even more.

“It’s just an afternoon of enjoyment, having fun and being with friends and making new friends,” he said.

Some people have told Sturm they’re intimidated to get on stage with a career musician like him. But there’s no try-outs, and it’s not a competition. “That’s not what this is about. We welcome everybody up here,” he said.

Sturm started as a drummer at the age of 7, then transferred his talents to the guitar and eventually the pedal steel guitar.

“It’s one of the hardest, miserably hateful instruments to try to master,” he has said. “But people love it.”

Eventually, Sturm’s love of music drew him to one of the musical capitals of the world, Nashville, where he’s made his mark. Not only has Sturm played on the Grand Ole Opry stage dozens of times, he spent 13 years with Travis Tritt’s band and appeared on shows like the “Tonight Show.”