Trad Music Jam | Sunday, Jan. 7, 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Free. Donations graciously accepted.
Feel free to bring snacks to share.
Register here.
THIS MONTH:
Our second Jam focuses on the VOICE as an instrument, and we are delighted to welcome Cynthia Jordan to co-host the Slow Jam. Cynthia has a mission to “heal the world with music”, and is a prolific songwriter, producer and teacher. A versatile musician, she composes and plays in 5 different genres, and now makes her home in Sarasota. Learn more about Cynthia here:
https://cynthiaproductions.com
This month, we will begin with two groups for a short bit to focus on either voice or rhythm, and then come back to put it all together. Whether you want to accompany yourself singing or support another singer or lead instrument rhythmically and harmonically, come “workshop” these ideas together as a warm up.
We have few “rules”, but please, no electronic gear or original music. All acoustic instruments are welcome. Songwriters are welcome to check out the Open Mics on Monday nights. Bring snacks to share if you like. Listeners are welcome too, and the bar will be open to purchase drinks and snacks.
“Trad-Roots Music” refers to a blend of tunes and songs descended through an oral history, passed along through the socio-cultural interactions of communities around the globe that have made their way to the US. To keep the music simple enough for everyone to join in, we encourage the sharing of melodies and songs that have a simple chord structure of 2, 3 or 4 chords – typically in the I, IV, V, vi and ii structure. Chord charts for the selected tunes of the Slow Jam will be provided on a flip chart.
Fogartyville jams are all about sharing music, making new friends, and enjoying a relaxing afternoon listening to and playing acoustic music. Hosted by inspiring jam leaders, each gathering will introduce music, tips and skills to uplift the listening and playing enjoyment of all. The events will begin with a Slow Jam, followed by more advanced playing. All acoustic instruments are welcome.
The focus for jammers is to share a common goal of playing as one united sound and establish a cohesive groove. Tunes and tempos will be intended for folks who have at least an upper beginner level of ability on their instrument of choice, but beginners are welcome too, and advanced players are highly encouraged to come early to support the Slow Jam, or to come later for the Up-to-Speed jam. Only acoustic instruments will be permitted. There will be one electronic keyboard available.
For those writing original material, please check our Singer-Songwriter series beginning in January where your original work is welcomed to be performed!
Jam Structure
First hour – Slow Jam (see description below)
Second hour – Moderate to Up-Speed Session of tunes and songs to share
Final 1⁄2 hour – Anything Goes – breakout into smaller ensembles, network, be mentored, get more information, etc.
What is a Slow Jam?
The “slow” modifier indicates that it is targeted to the following musicians: people who have been playing solo and want to get used to playing in a group setting: people who have just learned how to play and want to play with others; people who have instruments that have been gathering dust for a “few” years; experienced players who are trying out playing instruments other than their primary instrument; people who are comfortable playing their instrument but want to become more comfortable singing/leading a song. The tunes are played at the tempo that is most appropriate for the level of the group, and the keys of C, G, A, D and E and their relative minors.
It is our hope that you will feel more confident and comfortable playing at the many open jams and open mics that can be found in our area after playing at the Trad-Roots Jam! As our common repertoire expands, future sessions will become more open, so let us know your favorites and if you would like to lead them!
Area Jam Resource Page