What we’re about
This group is for people who like to play instruments and or sing for fun. All skill levels welcome. I am generally thinking of this as neighborhood group for the Berkeley/Oakland area. I live at Telegraph and Alcatraz and I will host the first 2 jams just to get things started, then if anyone else in the area would like to host that would be great.
The songs will come from 3 sources:
1. Rise Up Singing. This is a classic sing along book with 1200 pop and folk tunes – lyrics and chords. I have 5 copies, if you have a copy bring it along.
2. Digital tablets and laptops. In addition to your own personal table, we will often project Chords and Lyrics onto a large screen TV. There is a growing library we are developing that is accessible via dropbox. A special IPAD app called OnSong makes these look even better, allows transposition, editing refine chords, etc. This works best if the songs are in .txt format..., with either the chords above the lyrics or in front of them in brackets, e.g. [G7] (A format called Chordpro)
In addition to this library, pretty much any song and chords can be found on the internet.
3. Xerox sheets. This is actually one of the best and easiest ways for everyone to play. If you have a song you want to play be sure to bring at least 10 copies so every one can see.
The Format: We go around the circle and each person either chooses a song or passes. This way the songs will be decided by whoever is there at a Jam. We also try to allow for spontaneity and extended jams, solos, according to the mood of the group.
Instruments: Pretty much any instruments are welcome. Just singing with no instrument is great too. Electric instruments are OK as long as you have a small practice amp and don’t mind keeping the volume down to harmonize with the group.
Other things: I don’t have any music stands and am just planning to use the table as you see in the picture. If you have table or standing music stands, that might be helpful, and necessary if you stand to play.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- San Francisco Folk Music Club Labor Day Weekend Folk Music CampCamp Herms, El Cerrito, CA
This holiday musical gathering is part of a long-standing tradition offered by the San Francisco Folk Music Club on major holiday weekends: 4th of July, Memorial Day and Labor day and . Activities include workshops, open mics, and informal singing and playing sessions.
While not an official event of our meet-up group, I thought I would mention it here for those would like to check it out. You can come to camp out or just come for a day(s) N. No need to RSVP on our meet-up page; Refer to the information on the folk club's web
https://www.sffmc.org/summer-gatheringsThis holiday musical gathering is part of a long-standing tradition offered by the San Francisco Folk Music Club on major holiday weekends: 4th of July, Memorial Day and Labor day and . Activities include workshops, open mics, and informal singing and playing sessions.
Note there is a charge per day Adults: $25/night per person.
Day use rate for adults: $15/person per day. Kids under 15: $10 for day use, $10 per night.This year, the location is especially convenient to those of us in the east bay: Camp Herms, a 20-acre camp high in the El Cerrito hills
There is no pre-registration or pre-payment.
Anyone can lead a workshop. Hour-long workshops will go from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday with some extra time in case they run a bit over: , 12:30-2, 2-3:30, 3:30-5, 5-6. There will be two workshops in each of these time frames. This year we will be setting up workshops in advance of camp. Email Daniel Hersh at hrshsand@earthlink.net
if you are interested in leading one. Please include subject and time preferred. There may also be an opportunity to sign up to lead a workshop when you arrive, depending upon available slots.I will be leading a workshop on at 2 PM Saturday : A salute to Tom Lehrer. (Whom, as you may know, we lost just this last month.)
