BOTMA Jam on Sunday 9/21
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Hi all - I'm thinking of going to the BOTMA jam on Sunday 9/21 http://newjerseybluegrass.org/index.htm. I've never gone to the event at the church, just the summer park jams this past July and August, but it sounds like it would be an enjoyable time with the stage shows and all. Just thought I'd mention it in case any of you might be interested. If so, let me know and maybe we can connect. Best regards............Frank Submitted by FolkRocker on Fri, 2008/09/19 - 6:55am
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United States
November 19, 2007
it is a good day being there at botma...i can not make this month but will definately be there in october so if you like it and are going to be a regular there i will see you there as well as at Andy's Jam...stan
United States
December 6, 2007
Okay, so I get there a few minutes past 1PM. The place is packed. Pay my 5 bucks admission at the back of the auditorium while the show is going on. I ask where I can go as a newbie so to speak and was guided to a crowded room which I later found out was the Bluegrass Jam Workshop. I looked in, the lady leading the group spotted me and I was asked to take a seat. The only seat available was up front of course. So guitar in hand I make my way to the front row of chairs and have a seat thinking I'm gonna play some G's and C's and D's and get the hang of this whole Bluegrass thing. No. As soon as I sit down, they hand out a sheet of paper describing the technique involved in singing 3 part harmony in Bluegrass. Now, while I completely respect all aspects of music, including singing 3 part harmony in Bluegrass, that was not why I was there. I was there to play some G's and C's and D's. What could I do now? I had to stay, but I did not have to sing. They actually had us play while volunteer singers attempted to sing the 3 part harmony. After about an hour or so the workshop ended and we were told to roam around and join any open jam we felt we could keep up with. Turns out that the stage shows and the jams run concurrently. So you can opt to do whatever you feel like doing. I roamed on down to the basement level and the first room I looked into had two members pickin' and chattin'. They graciously invited me in to sit and play which I did and ended up staying in that room with them and another regular who joined at some point. We played until 5PM and then the whole event began to break up. Oh yes. In between the 3 part harmony workshop and the downstairs jam I found they had a kitchen at the back of the auditorium and got myself some lunch. They actually had a pretty good selection of lunch food. All in all it was an enjoyable afternoon and I'll probably go again in October. Hope all is well with you folks. Looking forward to attending the October Jersey Jam.
...........Frank
United States
November 5, 2007
Frank is now formally trained in three part harmony, and can handle the singing, and teach the rest of us!
Sounds like good time...and lunch is included, eh? I'll have to get to one of those one of these days.
United States
March 31, 2008
There's a snack bar with stuff for sale.
As for the music, there are three (or so) basic formats
that I know of (kind of a 3 ring circus):
The formal "stage show"
The organized "jam" program that Frank described.
and the informal pickup-band jams outside.
[There were at least 3 that I noticed]
I don't know any details as I'm not a BOTMA member.
Albert Hall keeps me busy enough.
United States
December 6, 2007
Since this was my first time there, I would have to agree with you Ron. I guess if I get back there I'll learn more about it.
United States
December 6, 2007
Andy, the one thing you are correct about is that it is a good time. As far as my singing 3 part harmony and a free lunch. Sorry, but no. I will say for sure that the folks there are very friendly and the place is comfortable and very relaxed.
....Frank
United States
December 25, 2007
Hey everyone
I was there at the BOTMA Jam on 9/21. I got there _very_ late as usual. Darn traffic on the GSP. I have been going on and off for 2 years or so. It's a real nice way to keep playing when time is not on your side.
Heidi is a very patient and consistent jam organizer. If you've not been there, I highly recommend it as it's one of the friendliest and most welcoming environments around.
I was there for the 3 part harmony lesson and that was the first time I heard them delve into that topic but hey I learned a few things. They're so informative and patient, I always enjoy myself and learn a few things. It's worth the drive...
I've gotten really good at chopping my G,C, and Ds thanks to them.
I actually tried the snack bar for the first time this visit and I have to say the Cheese steak was terrific! An added bonus.
Cheers,
Sean
United States
December 6, 2007
Have to agree with you there Sean. The cheese steak was terrific! Too bad, we could have worked on the G, C and D's together. Maybe next time.
....Frank
United States
November 5, 2007
>>Have to agree with you there Sean. The cheese steak was terrific! Too
bad, we could have worked on the G, C and D's together. Maybe next
time.<<
Maybe at JJ355??
Sean, we missed you at the park. Going to make it here in October?
(You can order a cheese-steak from our pizza place if that'll help get you here!)
ApK
United States
December 25, 2007
I'm looking up and down trying to find the date for the October jam. When is it happening?
United States
November 5, 2007
Did any one else NOT get notified of this:
http://www.folkjam.org/onetime-jam/us/new-jersey/fords/jersey-jam-35
It appears to be listed as a regular local jam, not a group event....not sure how that happened!
I'll move it to the group momentarily, but you can always find it on the site's map.
Hope y'all didn't make other plans already....
ApK
United States
December 6, 2007
but not sure if i did and deleted the message. I do remember you asking if it was a good date for the group. Still looking good for me.
...Frank