Singing Playing Acoustic Music Jammers

We are: "Musicians who want to jam with acoustic instruments, for fun."
The main jam for this group occurs in Sunland, CA 
Welcome! 
I'm Nora, the leader of this group and whose home the jams are held, and who pays for this Meetup. I look forward to meeting you and helping to facilitate a positive experience for you with respect for the group's whole equanimity.

We're all different; so is our music. Generally, however, music-wise, "Rock" is the mainstay. If you want to play something a bit different, such as Jazz or Flamenco, there likely will be few who can play with you. This is a playing-together group, rather than an "open mice" type situation. It is assumed that music you bring in, can in some way be sung with or played along to. So please bear that in mind.

About Guests: No guests, please. This is a music jam; the house is small; few seats available. It's an intimate setting where we can share music we love and work it out together without worrying whether it "sounds all right" to listeners. Some are inhibited by an audience.

When do we Meet? We used to have a regular schedule. Nowadays, we've become less frequent and not on a regular schedule. "Bookmark" this group on your browser so you can check back in on things if you forget. When I send out the original call for an event, I'm not coming after you to remember. Check back in to the event on your own, please. You should get reminders as to when people join or change their rsvp. Please change yours if you find you have different plans so that other people may have a chance to get in. Thanks!

How do we Do it?  Usual protocol is simple. We sit in a ring and each present one song, and proceed from one to the next with the option of passing. Each person who initiates the song may request various things that are important to them, if they're so inclined. They might ask, for instance, to have the group sing only on the chorus. Or they might want everyone to sing alongside them all the way through... Or they might only want a certain person to do lead... or call out leads to a number of folks. These specs aren't "mean" or "non-inclusive"... they're peoples' choices. These specific call outs might be important for people who've played all their lives and want a certain sound- and know how to effect that. Bringing in songs that everyone knows is also good, and having everyone sing and play as they wish, is also a traditional jam 'thing'. It's just that if there is a way that is important to you, please speak up when it's your turn and we'll do our best to honor what you want. 
Singers-Only: If you do not play an instrument and only sing, please enable the group to accommodate your tune by bringing music with you. This is not an "open mic" forum. Just know your song; the key you can sing it in, and a little preparation by bringing some copies of music will go a long way. Thanks!

The experience/ musicianship in this group varies greatly. There are members who have played all their lives. There are those who are relatively new, but in order to be able for all to play together as per a "jam", a general intermediate level of musicianship/ familiarity with playing with other musicians is helpful.

We do not charge any fee for this group but do ask for a donation at Meetups to help defray costs of running the group. It takes more than the Meetup fee to keep this going... it takes person-power to scrub floors, dust, wash, get cups and plates and things to eat or drink. I have air conditioning and I do run it when it's a hot day. That also costs money. It's like having a party each month in my home- which I love- but it does cost me to run the group on various levels; specifically: Time and Money. Meetup dues have risen astronomically, so donations are much needed and appreciated. Thank you!

It's nice to bring something to eat or drink at the meetings, but not mandatory.

Lastly, please be responsible for knowing when the event is, and for bringing your own music.

1) Music: The relative age group is "older". Most of us remember The Eagles, The Beatles, CSNY, and even some contemporary rock tunes that become very popular. If you can't print out music, do know the key you're singing in so that we can play along. Some won't be able to if they don't have the music with them. A few copies, such as three or four should be all right. Not mandatory, but is helpful. Ang again, no, I will not print out your copies for you. Thanks!

2) Date: iI you forget when an event is, it's your responsibility to know the name of this group and to access that information. I have my own group as a "bookmark" on my computer's browser, for instance. I am a bit older, myself, and I forget sometimes when my own event is! Also, writing the info down on your calendar is helpful.

You must know the date, time, duration, location, and if possible, bring a few copies to share, or at least play tunes we're more likely to know.

A few of us have iPads; most have cell phones. Each such devices can allow a member to look up tunes and play along by that method. If you can pick up the feel of the tune on your own; great! Some do not have these devices, so yeah, a few copies once in a while helps everyone. Thanks!

Knowing when an event is and knowing your tune is your responsibility as a member.

Any questions beyond what I have covered here, please ask. You can reach me here by the "Chat" feature.

All the Best, and hope to see you soon!

Nora, Organizer