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| Business |
If you've been hanging out for awhile, please consider becoming a Jam member.
The Jam is a membership-driven organization. A monthly ($24.95 + tax
by recurring credit card) or annual ($249.95 + tax) membership at the
Jam entitles you to a package of benefits, such as:
1) use of "house" instruments and effects at the Jam and at Jam events;
2) unlimited networking/matchmaking services;
3) the opportunity to perform at Jam showcases and other events;
4) reduced-price open jam sessions (33-40% discount);
5) free admission to all Jam events (including The Jammy Awards);
6) VIP discounts at the Manhattan Guitar Center; and
7) the pride of belonging to a supportive community that believes in
the transformative power of music, and helps spread the joy of
music-making to disadvantaged kids and the larger community.
Very few members take advantage of ALL of these items - in fact, most are
happy with one or two. Like a NYC deli, we try to be many things for many
kinds of people. And your needs may evolve - you start off jamming a few
of times a month, but maybe you'll join a band next year. Then you'll need some
new gear for shows, or perhaps you'll start writing some songs. Or the band
breaks up and you go back to jamming, or looking for new projects. None of
this happens overnight, but all the while you'll be hanging out, attending shows,
meeting people, making friends, and doing something you love - making music.
Of course, it's going to take a little effort on your part, but (like joining a gym)
becoming a Jam member is a great way to kickstart the process. Join a very unique club - become a member of the Jam!
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| Technology |
 Approximately every two weeks, the folks at Gibson lend us a different guitar for Jam members to try out. Nevertheless, it's become known as the "Guitar Of The Week," and this week's flavor is a Historic J-180. Introduced in 1986 after the Everly Brothers model was discontinued, the J-180 features some very distinctive touches like a massive "double moustache" pickguard that runs below the bridge area, and large star inlays in the headstock and rosewood fingerboard. Beneath the black-painted exterior of this jumbo-sized guitar is a mahogany neck, spruce top, and maple back and sides. Other features include nickel "keystone" tuners and a rosewood bridge. Try out this Old School model through July 5th. |
Weather
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Monday (6/25): Newbie Jam w/ 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 (6/28): Human Karaoke Experience at O'Flanagan's, 9 pm to 1:30 am. A number of fine Jam singers got started by taking the stage with the HKE. A number have also returned to obscurity or jail, but that's the fun of it - anything can happen. Plus it's free. What've you got to lose, other than your dignity?
Friday (6/29): 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 (6/30): Open Rock Jam from 4 to 8 pm at The Jam (701 7th Ave., 7W). $15 for Jam members, $25 for everyone else, all gear included.
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Advice
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The Jam's studios are very much "performance oriented" - purposely configured (identically) like a stage you might find at a typical NYC club. Those who prefer to face one another (more or less in a circle) are able to do so, and will find that we've engineered the PA for maximum feedback rejection. But if you're heading for the stage, you should try to rehearse "in
formation" with everyone facing an imaginary audience, and run the set without
stopping. You'll learn to take more subtle cues from each other, listen acutely, and otherwise hold your own ground effectively. When you actually DO perform, you'll be that much more relaxed and ready. Which is not only essential to playing well - it's also the key to having fun.
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Postscript
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The highest compliment I've ever heard about a musician was that he was not only a great player, but that he made everyone he played with sound better.
The Dalai Jama
a/k/a Gregg Raybin
Kenny Ashby. | |
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