Can non-musicians attend "jams"?

Jenny,

I cannot think of a bluegrass jam I've been to recently that did not have an audience. Friends, family, interested folks. There is pretty much always a good number of people milling around and socializing.

Find a jam near you and go. Try this one - it is run by somebody I've chatted with on fiddle-l and through folkjam.org. I plan to hit it on my next visit to family out in OC.

http://www.folkjam.org/recurring-jam/us/california/fountain-valley/open-...

Scott

Hi Jenny,

They DO have bluegrass in Southern CA. There is a big festival coming up on the Father's Day weekend.

Here is the URL:
http://www.huckfinn.com/

I also encourage you to check out this nice looking website run by the Bluegrass Association of Southern California and the San Diego Bluegrass Society:

http://www.socalbluegrass.org/

It looks like they do a good job of listing all the festivals in the area.

-Jess

thank you everyone for your suggestions! The Huck Finn Jubilee in Victorville sounds awesome!! Also, I got a ticket to see Emmylou Harris with Ricky Skaggs and The Del McCoury Band at the Orange County Fair in July!! Hope to see y'all soon, where the grass is blue! Jenny

I participate in two jams a month that are spectator friendly. Sometimes there is a fine line between jamming and performing under those circumstances. As a spectator it is important for you to let things unfold and just enjoy what you hear. However, I have been involved in jams where the spectator begins to insert themselves in the jam by way of conversation and suggestions for songs. That in itself isn't too bad and sometimes even welcomed but it can also be disruptive and negative. Be mindful of the ebb and flow and you'll be more welcome.

I also participate in a "friends" jam that almost never has spectators and we like it that way. It's just us playing for each other, trying out new stuff and enjoying each other's company. Anyone who brings a guest, spouse, date or what have you are mindful that those folks are there by invitation. It doesn't always work out. For example, a few years ago a good friend and brought a companion who felt compelled to critique each break, each song and at one point actually brought the jam to a halt by saying "that's not how it goes". Our friend beat a hasty retreat after that.

If the jam is in a private house, then you are probably only welcome if you are associated in some way with the participants, like a party.

If the jam is in a public place like a tavern or pizza place, you are most likely welcome, but you should probably buy something from the hosting venue.

Lately I've been going to a couple that are pretty public, one at a park and the other in a large practice room at the local university. In both cases it is perfectly OK to have non-musicians listening it. Applause is not necessary. A few questions are OK, but remember that the participants are to have a good time, and not really to entertain or educate.

Erich
----
http://vrteach.org/banjo/

I was going to join the group and "googled" the vfw club. That's when I discovered that I'm from Rockford Il. Your Rockford is more than 500 miles away. Oh well, maybe someday I'll make the trip!!!!

Ann