Ego Free Jam - First Saturdays

A night of improvisational sound and music for musicians and non-musicians alike, in a beautiful and cozy space.

Bring your own instruments or use the venue’s. Play, move your body, or just tune into others during two journeys, each lasting about two hours, with emphasis placed on listening to and supporting each other.
Dancing and body movement are encouraged, feel free to participate by making sounds or by listening deeply.

The opening exercise is an invitation to overcome our resistance to self-expression. Take a little risk and delight in knowing that it didn't kill you ;)

• 7:30 PM: Doors open, time to settle, mingle, try out instruments
• 8:00 PM: Jam #1 begins
• 10:00 PM: Jam #2 begins

This is a shoes-off event.
There is a bar area and loungey art installation for breaks and conversations.
Every first Saturday.

NOTE: We alternate between amplified and acoustic jams. Even months are acoustic. September is amplified.

RESERVE A TICKET
Pay as you're able (suggested $25). Nobody turned away. Reserve here.

GETTING THERE
Subway
C to Rockaway Ave (exit closer to Manhattan),
J to Chauncey
Citibike docks nearby

WHAT'S THE INTENTION & VIBE?
The idea is to let go and allow ourselves to play.
There are no audiences at an Ego Free Jam. We're all participants, even when we're just quietly enjoying the groove. Jams include musicians and sound makers of all experience levels. They are safe spaces where we explore our creativity and where we strive to support others in their explorations.
Dancing, stretching, and art making are welcome.
The Delight Factory has three areas, the main area is for music making, the bar and back yard areas are for conversations.

WHY ‘EGO FREE’?
The ego is the part of us that wants to keep us safe in the world and tries to make us NOT do something. It shows up as fear and embarrassment. When we get the urge to "do it right” out of the way, we can play, improvise, take a little risk, mess up, see that it didn't kill us, and feel the delight in that piece of freedom.

DO I NEED TO BE A MUSICIAN?
Not at all. You can pick up an instrument and improvise, vocalize, move your body, make something, or just listen.

WHAT TO BRING?
You are encouraged to bring an instrument, dancing body, art supplies, yoga mat, favorite toy, whatever inspires you and is fun for you. Or come as you are. We have percussion instruments, a piano, mics, & more.

CAN I COME FOR PART OF IT?
Sure! Try and come before a jam starts but you're welcome any time. Stay for however long or briefly you want!

THE SIX JAM GUIDELINES
- Explore & Play!
- No judgment - of yourself or others.
- Listen to others. If you feel unsure, listen for the beat and let it support you.
- Claim space: Do a solo, stand out, be loud, and remember to stay connected, listen to the others, and step back when it’s time for someone else to claim space.
- No spectators.
- Have fun!

THE INTENTION IS FOR IT TO BE
* Experimental / Exploratory
* Improvisational
* Spiritual
* Therapeutic
* Inclusive
* Playful
* Supportive
* Open

WHAT IT ISN'T
* A Performance
* A Singalong
* An Open Mic
* A Party
* Getting/Doing it Right

COVID & Health safety
Please be aware of the risks you take by attending our events.
We aim to keep cross air going, have sanitizers for instruments and mics.
If you're having symptoms, please stay home. We encourage masks. Thank you!

Media Consent: Photo & Video
We welcome capturing and sharing moments of the night for the purpose of welcoming more people in

• Consent: By participating in Delight Factory events you consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the publication of recorded media of your appearance.
• Opt-out: If you don't want to be captured, please let us know and we'll do what we can to fulfill your wishes.
• Use your judgment: This is an environment that encourages people to be vulnerable and test boundaries. Please only share moments publicly where people are in a groove. Trust your instincts, respect people's wishes to not be captured.

"Delightful Jams" Music Improv WhatsApp List
You're invited to join the Delight Factory WhatsApp group "Delightful Jams", where members share opportunities for making improvised music and sounds together, in NYC and beyond.
Please send us a message with your phone number and a brief line why you'd like to join and we'll add you.

Questions?
Please reach out at delightfactoryNYC [at] gmail.com.
Sign up for our newsletter to be in the know about what’s coming up at Delight Factory.

We look forward to seeing you.
Jason & Elke - Delight Factory founders

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"One of the great pleasures of making music with others is when all musicians are in sync, aware of each other, listening to the separate streams of each instrument merging into a river of greater sound and meaning ... A new field of consciousness is generated. It is a palpable experience"
-- Jonathan Rose