The Do’s and Don’ts of Jam Night Etiquette

Western Colorado hosts of number of Jam Nights and various venues, and we have a list of do's and don'ts which will make for a fun and enjoyable Jam Night experience for all.

Both the Mesa Theater and Lounge and Wrigley Field host Blues jams on a consistent basis. In either case, the venue provides a host band, and jammers are invited and encouraged to play. In both cases, the back line, including amps, mics, PA, and in most cases drums, are provided by the host band. Please make your own checklist including the following information, and we'll all have a happy experience and a great jam.

Bring your own axe. For our purposes, axe refers to: guitar, bass, sax, harmonica, banjo...etc. Loaning someone your guitar is kind of like loaning someone your toothbrush. Tacky, Tacky, Tacky.

Jams should not be confused with "Open Mic Nights." Jams are not necessarily opportunities for songwriters or Karaoke singers to get up and have fun. Jams are typically geared towards the musician wanting to perform with his or her peers, delivering a true musical performance.

It pays to come to the Jam with some insight as to the selections the musicians may call. If you know the other jammers are apt to call a B.B. King tune or Stevie Ray, then it is in your best interest to familiarize yourself with the tunes before hand.

Tune that crap! Tune your instrument before you get on stage. No one wants to listen to a guitar tuned a quarter-tone flat from the rest of the group.

Be able to communicate in a musically valid way. Music has its idioms, and it is helpful to all if you know them.

Four guitarists on stage is more than plenty. Some jams enforce a two-guitar rule. This is a good rule.

Don't sing harmony if you don't know the part. Find your note and hit it. If you can't find it, don't sing. More is not necessarily better, regardless of what you see on the AT&T commercials with the little kids.

When it's time to get off the stage, get off. Charlie Parker knew when to get down from the stage, and you should, too.

Make an effort. Any opportunity to get out and play music is a blessing. Treat it as such.