For a second year running, the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association is putting together an all-star celebration of singing and playing, featuring some of the best eastern Carolina pickers around.

The “January Guitar Jam” is slated for Saturday night at the Union Alley Coffeehouse, located in the Inner Banks Artisans’ Center in downtown Washington. The show starts at 7 p.m., but seating begins at 6 p.m. And those who want a seat, had best arrive early, according to BCTMA President Linda Boyer.

“Last year’s inaugural event was one of the most attended events at the UAC. This year’s line-up is sure to attract a large audience also,” Boyer wrote in an email, adding that space is limited.

The event is free, or for those who’d like to contribute, donations to BCTMA are welcome.

The guitar jam launches the BCTMA’s yearly schedule of performances — and it’s a packed schedule, consisting of twice-weekly jams on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings, a monthly open mike night and lineup of musical events throughout the year featuring both local artists and acts who make Washington a part of their tours.

The performances are part of the traditional music non-profit’s mission to bring musicians together to learn, play and enjoy community musical endeavors, as well as “keep traditional music in the hearts and minds of eastern Carolina residents and guests,” according to Boyer.

Saturday night’s showcase will feature eight different acts with some of the most talented and popular guitar players and vocalists in the region, according to Boyer.

The line-up includes guitarists John Benson, John Bradley, Steve Creech, Pat Mahoney, J.B. Mayes, Mark Rutledge, Mark Sclafani, Jeff Shirley, Don Skinner, Jesse Skinner and Bill Walker; and vocalists Lyle Carlson, Pamela Cox, Carolyn Greene-Myers, Tina Sclafani and Judy Skinner. Robert McGaughy and Jay Costello will sit in on drums and bass, respectively. The show will culminate with a special group jam, Boyer said.

The Inner Banks Artisans’ Center is located at 158 W. Main St., Washington. For more information about BCTMA, visit bctma.org or email bctma@ymail.com.