Re: [Harp-L] Old Boys' Network

["D Berger" <academys@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've played at a lot of open mikes and jams over the years
and I'm seen either as regular or a "known quantity"
by those running the jams im my local area.

I agree with much of what's been said about these sorts
of events, but here's my two cents:

$.01-  Last year I visited my in-laws in Wilmington
        NC-  found the local jam in a funky old place
         "the Rusty Nail"-  sign in sheet like a grid for each
         instrument (form your own band), well organized
         friendly-  great for an out of towner-

$.02-  The only local blues club opened about 7 years
         ago, I was a regular for the open mikes and jam
          nights. I attended shows (Bill Perry, Little Sammy
          Davis- our local talent) to support live music
           The best musicians in the house on jam nights
          asked me to come up with them, but the owner,
          an excellent guitarist would often ignore me-
          the last night I went there, or will ever go there-
          he failed to get me up there on a real quiet night,
          I guess that's one reason his business is in trouble.

If you are new to a jam they do hold you off to later and
often they throw you up there into a train wreck (did
somebody say BAD Drummer!)
stick it out , don't denigrate others, stay out of the way
of the vocals, watch your cues to solo, listen to others
(like who is doing the fills) and have fun if there is a horn or two up 
there!

Soon you'll up there with the A Team-  its a lot easier and more fun
playing with them!

Dan