Jan Benschop - Jan (pronounced "Yon") comes to the Smyth County Jam from an island in the south Caribbean; in the Antilles, with a number of stops in between. At one time he and his wife were hikers on the Appalachian Trail; where they came to love this area. A back injury forced the long-distance hikes to cease. They have lived in Abingdon, VA since March 2008. Where Jan is currently involved in writing a science fiction novel. Jan was a technical writer in the corporate world. He plays a superlative guitar, as well as being a most compelling singer. Jan says he plays a "little" banjo, recorder and upright bass. Jan began playing guitar in 1967. In the 1980's Jan opened for Peter, Paul and Mary, going to many states to play. He has also opened for John Denver and Barry Manilow. He says his all-time favorite music is that of Beethoven. Also, Jan lists Peter, Paul and Mary along with Doc Watson as his favorites among those artists who are living. We hope he will return to us many times in the future to enchant us with his music.
