Acoustic Music Jams

What's a Jam?  A jam is a group of like-minded musicians who gather together to play old familar tunes, as well as to learn new tunes. The musicians sit in a big circle. Often one of the experienced musicians will act as a leader or facilitator for the session.  There can also be some short discussions between tunes and some sharing of new skills, tunes, or techniques amoung the musicians.  Sometimes there are beverages to drink and/or food to eat.  Often there's a particular style of music being played, so it's wise to take notice of  which style is being played if you'd like to join a jam session.

Jam Etiquette. Yes, there really is a thing called "jam etiquette"!  It's the way to interact within a jam session so that everyone can enjoy themselves.  Here's a few guidelines to get you started:

If you're new to a jam session it's best to sit quietly for a while in order to observe the style of music being played and to determine who are the leaders.  The most polite thing to do is to stick to the style of music being played and to follow the leaders' directions.  He or she will invite each musician to suggest a tune to be played...each musician taking turns around the circle.

Don't play more than one tune when it's your turn to suggest a tune, and don't play out of order. To do so might mean that time will run out before everyone has had a chance to choose a tune for the group to play.  If you don't have a suggestion ready then it's better to pass your turn.

Don't try to play louder than everyone else!  A jam is for sharing and for fitting in.  If you want to shine please do so during one of K'zoo Folklife's (or other folk music organization's) open stage events.

If you want to clog at the Old Time Music and Dance Jam, please don't wear shoes that have taps. The goal is to share steps and techniques and to have fun - but not to show off!

Now that you know the etiquette, here are some KFO jams to try!

KFO old time Jam finds a new home!! On November 19, 2008 the KFO Old Time Jam met for the first time in it's new home at Bell's Eccentric Cafe, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave, in downtown Kalamazoo. The old time Jam, with a clog dancing emphasis, started in 1993 at Coopers's Cafe on Douglass Ave.  In 1997 the jam moved to the Kraftbrau which was uust across the street from it's new home at Bells. The Jam Meets at 2:00 PM on the third Sunday of every month during the fall, winter and spring.

Come down for the Old Time Jam at Bells and treat yourself to a mellow Sunday afternoon with a beer and great live old time music.    For further information about the old time Jam e-mail jeanmwagoner@yahoo.com.

Participation can run from a handful to as many as 15 or 20 musicians as well as occasional dancers.  The atmosphere at Bells is a step up and the larger group of patrons are appreciative.

On the 1st Sunday of every month beginning at 2 p.m. and ending about 5 p.m., K'zoo Folklife Organization hosts a fun acoustic folk song jam held on the first floor of  the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which is located at 230 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI. This jam has a stronger focus on singing, but instrumental music is also welcome. Come join us, sing and/or play an instrument, or just sit, relax, and enjoy the music and good company! No cover charge!

Hint....you can also find a lot of "other jams" (those not sponsored by K'zoo Folklife) within in S.W.Michigan on our "other events" page!

OR Find jams all over the country (or the world) by clicking the link to Folkjam below!

You're visitor number:

Home *  Concert Schedule *  Related Interests   *  Other Folk Events Volunteering *  Mail-in Membership Form *  Contact Us

Last update June 27, 2007

06.27.07.1839