The little guy

Ryan,

My experience with jams where younger folks walk in is that the older musicians are eager to help. Be respectful until you understand when to play - that mostly involves listening. You might arrive a little early and strike up a conversation with whomever you find. Tell them this is your first time out, tell them about your interest in music, and you'll likely find somebody who is eager to help.

There is always the risk that you'll end up in a closed jam session where nobody even looks you in the eye. I traveled for a living for years with my fiddle packed along and have been to those jams. Don't loose hope, just move on. Most musicians want to help teach the next generation.

Scott

I'd just show up, be respectful and attentive until you get a feel for the jam then jump in. In most cases, a young person will be welcomed especially if they can contribute to the music. I'm 58 and enjoy playing with the younger set. I learn something, they learn something. It's a win-win for everyone.

Good luck.

Ryan,

I'm new at this "jamming" it intimidates me but I'm going to try a new jam group I found in my area up here in Massachusetts this weekend. If you start at age 15 you might not be in my shoes at 50 being nervous and I've played violin for 40 years!!! Go for it!

Chickadee

Chickadee - tell us how your jam goes this weekend.

my experience has been that most jams are very willing to have a young player join and love to teach, iv been in jams where 5 year olds were playing fiddle with all the old guys. Im only 21 and was very scared about jamming with people when i first started playing sometimes its best to stand in the background and listen to a few songs before you jump in. alot of times they will see you back there and ask you to join. Dont be afraid to offer to kick off a song your first time out, jammimg is a great way to meet people and make new friends. Good Luck and Happy Picking!

I didn't make it,but I'm going to go soon. I'll let you know how it goes,

chickadee

Lookout for bluegrass snobs.I never pay much attention as to how clickish a group might be,If they don't have all the instruments covered, and sometimes even if they do I am ready to play.I never let my lack of talent stand in the way of having a good time.People become use to simple annoyances,just stay in tune,, and on time and smile a lot.I am walking testimony that they don't string you up for jam crashing.

Sad to hear... It'll never happen here!

Vacationing in Tucson this Christmas season led me to jaming with some fine bluegrass musicians at the monthly gathering at Thirsty's Neighborhood Bar And Grill today, thanks to the listing on Folkjam.org.

Although a little bit different jam than I am accustomed, it was quite an enjoyable event. About 20 participents stood in front of an audience in the dining room and performed as though on a real stage. I hung toward the back of everyone doing my thing, just following, slowly working up the nerve to finally do a fingerstyle opening to Jingle Bells followed by some Will The Circle Be Unbroken.

Several times throughout the few hours we were there, I was asked or invited to take off on a tune, even though these folks didn't know me from Adam. I soon felt right at home and will not be so reluctant to take part in other public jams. They all invited me back next time I'm in Tucson and I will be looking forward to being there.

If you're planing on being in their area, look them up at http://www.desertbluegrass.org

-mraspy