Dani is correct that there is a great deal of jam & old-time music in the area. Good stuff at her own place. I've been checking for several years and there is only one real song circle, however. Especially if you have any interest in ballad. Considering the historical resources in the Triangle as well the wonderful resources in the two universities, it is stunning how little interest there is in song (as opposed to tune.) And, for the home of the Piedmont - no blues at all.

The song circle meets weekly on Tuesdays and are working into a regular weekly coffee house circle as well. My experiences with them were excellent - both high quality of actual folk (trad) material, easy atmosphere & ready tolerance for those starting out or just listening.

Contact Reagan Cole , 1214 Vickers Ave.
Durham, NC., 680-0425. The list is Folk Jam List folk-jam@rtpnet.org.
I think Reagan is out of town for a bit but the jam is just breaking into his house and going on anyway. Its web page is at http://www.rtpnet.org/folk/Pickin.html. THere is a link there to subscribe to the List. I suggest you subscribe (it's a low traffic List - basically just announcements) then send it a note asking for the specific sort of venues in which you are interested.

Then on that same first page, click Home to go to the TFMS other stuff. They do good stuff but basically passive - ie, concerts. There are also a number of structured house concerts. None, at this time, followed by jams.

Have fun.