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News
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With three shows in the last three weeks, it was nice to decompress a bit over the past week (and next week too). Of course, there's no real downtime at the Jam, as we've been repairing amps, replacing and re-tuning drumheads, and doing some Spring cleaning. Speaking of Spring, the Jam's softball team is looking for players (women and men) for the season which starts on May 31. If you're interested in a little slow-pitch, high-fun, co-ed activity in Central Park, contact Captain Tony Novarro (anovarro@hotmail.com) for all the details. |
| People |
 This week, I chatted with Jimmy Kuhn, leader and keyboardist of three-time (04, '06, '07) Jammy Award-
winning Best Cover Band, Square Feeet.
JMG: It
must feel good to take home a third
title.
JK: It's not
about the trophy, its affirmation of how much we practice and constantly look to
upgrade our work product.
JMG: Tell us about your day
gig.
JK: I'm president of Newmark-Knight Frank, a global real estate firm.
It's a lot less fun than playing classic rock!
JMG:
How did the band start?
JK: As a goof, to play at the Newmark Christmas
party. Then after three years as a compulsive obsessive person Billy and I
reconstituted the band and brought in three great
musicians.
JMG: You're a group of
accomplished players - do you operate democratically?
JK: Yeah, being President means nothing, our two lead singers David and Mike have all the power!
JMG: You guys always get a great
turnout - what's the secret?
JK: its a
combination between picking the right music, continuing to add new songs, and
building a following and then sending out the invites. But mostly it's hard
work - rehearsing every week and not oversaturating our fans by playing more than 5
or 6 times a year.
JMG: Any
advice for up-and-coming bands?
JK:Yes: Pick guys that love each
other!
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| Business |
 One "special" that's not listed on our menu is Spot Time: Discounted sessions available to solo players when booked same-day. Perfect for drumming practice, trying out that new effects unit, or warming up before a rehearsal or Jam session, Spot Time helps you make the most of your spare time. All you need to do is call or email us after 3 pm to see if any Spot Time is available that evening, and it's yours for $12 an hour. Other stuff you should know: While we require a two-hour minumum on band rehearsals, Spot Time users have only a one-hour minimum. Also, we will glady book sessions on the half hour (like 7:30 pm), and for increments of a half hour after the minimum (say, 2.5 hours of band rehearsal, or 1.5 hours of Spot Time). |
Weather
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Monday (4/23): Newbie Jam with Patty Murray from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at The Jam.
Join us for a professionally-facilitated open jam session specifically
geared toward newcomers - but where all are welcome. $10 for members,
$15 for non-members.
 Thursday (4/26): Human Karaoke Experience at O'Flanagan's, 9:00 pm to 1:30 am. You too can be a star (if only for three and half minutes) by joining the HKE, as they back up a parade of wannabee singers, cranking out the hits from a selection of well over 400 songs. Free!
Friday (4/27: Open Blues & Rock Jam from 6 to 10 pm at The Jam (701 7th Ave., 7W). $15 for Jam members, $25 for everyone else, all gear included.
Saturday (4/28): Open Rock Jam at The Jam (701 7th Ave., 7W), 4 to 8 pm. $15 for Jam members, $25 for non-members, all gear included. |
Extended Forecast
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5/3: Member Showcase at Red Lion, featuring Planet Girl unplugged, Liz Weber,
Frisky Business, Toast, Blue Moxie, and The Rolling Bones.
5/10: Human Karaoke Experience at O'Flanagan's, 9 pm to 1:30 am.
5/17: Cutting Room Showcase w/ The Obscure Blues Band, Complicated Lady,
Newspaper Taxis, and more TBA.
5/19: Taste Of Tribeca Food Festival w/ Dueling Elvis and No Mersey.
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Advice
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 Having received reports of bad vibes during several recent Jam-
facilitated audition/get-togethers, I feel it's time to reiterate how-to-get-into-a-band, grasshoppers. Sure, ability and affinity for the music are important, but you have to be someone that other people want to play with: Sharing, patient, considerate, open-minded. If you're difficult, few people will want to hang out with you - even if you're talented. And you'll be less likely to get future referrals. Like a first date, be on your best behavior - even if it's a poor fit. Good things will come back to you.
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Postscript
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 "Death doesn't kill you. Boredom and indifference kill you."
-James Osterberg (aka Iggy Pop), who turned 60 over the weekend.
The Dalai Jama
a/k/a Gregg Raybin | |
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Kiss Off!
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