RE: [Harp-L] San Francisco/Amateurs and pros



Bill Hines wrote:

"I think many of these jams have become showcases where the "pros" from
various bands show up and jam with each other, rather than a place where
"hacks" can learn chops and how to perform in a group setting. It's
discouraging for the ones trying to learn, because they get the dirty
looks and other negative issues (like the "pros" don't want to play with
any "hacks" in the jam lineup). Let's keep the genre alive and support,
encourage. None of you guys were born with this knowledge, share it with
those who want to learn, be careful not to put them down in subtle ways.
Think about who took the time to help you, in a long ago and far away
galaxy..."

Bill, my feeling is that if "the pros" come to the jam, then it's
instructional for the weekend guys to hear and learn from them. I try
and put pros and amateurs together, but it can be tough, especially if
the amateur is an unknown to me. And yes, while it's true that the
pros do not usually want to sit in with the amateurs, a bigger problem
is amateurs not wanting to play with other amateurs, because everybody
wants to play with pros. 

I bend over backwards to make sure that everyone who signs up at my
jam gets to play, but sometimes, if a pro shows up, I'll have to limit
someone else's time so I can give the pro a decent showcase. I have a
non-jamming audience to think about, too, and sometimes they need a
shot of really good music after listening to the same three chords
over and over played by guys (and women) who don't leave their
basements much. 

Here in DC we have some great musicians, and personally, if I have to
cut someone's time so that Charlie Sayles or Doug Jay or Pierre
Beauregard get more playing time, then I'm gonna do it. In the long
run, if the amateurs are serious, they'll thank me. 

Having said this, there are jams here in the DC area that cater almost
exclusively to the amateur blues musician. I know of at least three.
(Write me offline for more info if you're interested.)

By the way, there's a huge gap between "amateurs" and "hacks". I know
several pros who are complete hacks and many more amateurs who play
like pros. 

Bret







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