Archive for Sunday, March 26, 2006
Jam session a Saturday tradition
Musicians of all abilities join informal sessions at Americana Music Academy
March 26, 2006
Advertisement
Twelve musicians sat in a circle and fiddled with their guitars, harmonicas and other instruments as one person spun the wheel that would direct the theme of the next song they would play.
The musicians assembled for a Saturday Jam session at the Americana Music Academy, 1419 Mass. The Saturday afternoon Lawrence tradition began about two years ago.
This time the wheel landed on "Bawdy Song," or a Bob Dylan tune. Greg Pelligreen started off "Tomorrow is a Long Time" with his guitar. He put his harmonica that had been fixed in front of his mouth to the side as he took the lead on the vocals on this one.
Different musicians of all skill levels attend the jams, which are played almost impromptu with no real agenda. They usually play bluegrass, country, folk music and other styles.
"It's never one thing. It's always different. It's people here every Saturday - completely open and always a different lineup," said Tennyson LeMaster, of Lawrence, who played a snare drum and a little bit of guitar during the jam.
Wesley Cook, Lawrence, right, tears into his rendition of "Dark Whiskey" along with Greg Pelligreen, Lawrence, Martha Haehl, Kansas City, Mo., and others performing Saturday afternoon at the Americana Music Academy, 1419 Mass. Local musicians gather for the jam every Saturday at the academy.
The relaxed atmosphere allows the musicians to have fun and concentrate on their music.
"Everybody in there's been playing music in one form or another," LeMaster said. "There's no pressure. We just get to play what we want."
Americana Music Academy is a nonprofit organization that celebrates American music and its influences. It offers group and private music lessons.
Lawrence resident Karl Birns plucks away on his six-string guitar during the jam session Saturday afternoon at Americana Music Academy.
The organization has submitted a proposal to the City Commission for the use of the Carnegie Library building at Ninth and Vermont streets.
Anyone can attend the Saturday Jams, which last from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning musicians are welcome, LeMaster said.
"It's the best way to learn: to play with other people," he said.
Top ads RSS
- LEASING ASSISTANT Full or part-time position. Prior leasing experience preferred. ...
- Apartment Maintenance Leading Regional Management Company Seeking full time hourly, ...
- Electrician Experienced, licensed Electrician needed. Need to be motivated & ...
- ECKAN is now hiring for the following positions: Case Managers ...
- KU University Relations
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- Couple speak out on transgender issues July 5, 2009 · 21 comments
- U.S. must restore faith in monetary system July 5, 2009 · 5 comments
- Tiller murder suspect advocates ‘justifiable killing’ via mail from jail July 5, 2009 · 11 comments
- Three detained after Sunday nightclub shooting July 5, 2009 · 32 comments
- Blog: Name That Tune! July 5, 2009 · 4 comments
- Palin links her resignation to ‘higher calling’ July 5, 2009 · 16 comments
- Blog: Sarah Palin: With Interest July 4, 2009 · 123 comments
- Obama embarks on mission to reshape U.S. image July 5, 2009 · 4 comments
- Lawrence booms with festivities July 5, 2009 · 17 comments
- New law: Left lane only for passing July 2, 2009 · 197 comments
- A new reign: Lawrence landmark the Castle Tea Room open again after extensive renovations July 5, 2009
- U.S. must restore faith in monetary system July 5, 2009
- Lawrence booms with festivities July 5, 2009
- Couple speak out on transgender issues July 5, 2009
- Restaurant inspector stresses education July 5, 2009
- Police respond to shots fired at location between Baldwin City and Eudora July 4, 2009
- 1999 murder case won’t settle July 5, 2009
- School district needs to cut $500K more July 3, 2009
- City firm picked for Manhattan work July 2, 2009
- Mass St. momentum July 5, 2009
Post a comment
Requires free LJWorld.com registration. Register or log in below.
Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
Post a blog entry
You have to be logged in to blog on LJWorld.com. Please log in or sign up.
Learn more about blogging on LJWorld.com.