Music of the Jam

Isn't it interesting that when we think of the Arts we initially tend to think of pieces of canvas, or sculpture or similar objects of fine art and, of course, the great buildings that are dedicated to house these pieces. This month we depart once again from the 'traditional' arts focus and highlight not only the art of music , the musicians who make the music, but also one of the most popular, rarely noticed continuously ongoing forums of music - the musical Jam! The May issue of The Seniors' Choice ran an article and a schedule focusing on the popularity of the Bluegrass Festival circuit in Southern BC and the Northwestern US. Well, we are quickly coming to the end of that schedule for this year and are about to repair to the fall and winter music routines of rest, repair, replenishment and the honing of newly acquired musical skills. However, while playing throughout the published schedules and musical circuit, there exists a host of informal gatherings wherein practice is molded into perfection. These informal gatherings are musical jam sessions when the more learned and practiced not only demonstrate their inherent abilities but also are ready, willing and able to pass on their knowledge and acquired skills. For, as every music maker knows - "there once went I". Just as in any skill the continuous production of harmonic tones takes knowledge, time and doing. And, as every mother's son knows (after listening, for the umpteenth time to his young progeny learning how to play the piano) it takes a great deal of patience and encouragement before his little 'Star' will swell his chest with pride. In the disarmingly supportive atmosphere of the jam - live and let live; learn and help learn; listen, counsel, critique; demonstrate and encourage to practice, practice, practice that guy whose tin ear spelled doom for the genre is suddenly on everyone's performance card. That woman who couldn't spell a C can suddenly sing four octaves just like Nana Mouskouri. Interestingly a musical Jam is taking place somewhere almost everyday. You can find them at the United Church Hall in Peachland, the Legion Club Room in Prince George, the Common Room in the Recreation Centre and the little acreage near Faulder in the Meadow Valley west of Summerland. It seems that when the Festival Circuit requires a short stopover between events there is always someone ready willing and able to host a manageable group on their stompin grounds. Such was the case in Faulder where Denise Trudeau hosted thirty Bluegrass Jammers and their rigs to three days (on the Farm) of musical Jam! And what a great musical event it was, with attendees from the States, lower mainland and a sterling representation from most of the Okanagan. If you are of a mind, and you don't think you are too old to learn how to enjoy the production of music - drop in to a local jam - you will be pleasantly surprised. So have a good time at the jam will ya'.

 

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