Who we are at Westman Jams....
This project was created to fulfill a need to meet fellow musicians in Western Manitoba for the sole purpose of having fun with our favorite hobby....In every sense of the word our monthly jam sessions have become a truly successful venture thanks to some very hard work by its members. I am sure some life-long friendships have been created and its overwhelming to witness and share in everyone's musical venues and personalities. I have always been a 'people person'.... This whole idea was initiated by the successful jams held by Manitoba Old Tyme and Bluegrass Society (MOBS). These are usually held in the Winnipeg area and are rather difficult to attend because of distance and weather. Originally it was hoped that ours would be more bluegrass oriented than it is right now, but spending most of my life in country and old time music it really didn't matter very much. The important thing is that we get to know each other and hopefully help one another in some form to keep our music alive and well and living in the Westman area. There really have been some very talented musicians paying us a visit. I have only lived in Westman since 2000 so it is great for me to meet so many new faces. Our first jam was held Sept 28, 2003 and about 17musicians showed up and wow!!! we had a blast!!! Since that time we have had at least that many folks each month. This past month (February) we set a record at 32 musicians and a total of 75 country loving folks in attendance. What a wonderful way to spend a winter afternoon. We do have a few rules of etiquette but everyone is respectful of one another and no one has to be reminded of them. The main rule is to have fun and keep on "pickin' an' a-grinnin' " This is the musicians' jam and certainly not mine in any way, shape or form. My only function is to co-ordinate and to look after booking the hall, etc, etc. We do pass the hat to raise funds to purchase a PA system as well as our few expenses that arise. It is hoped that sometime in the near future we can come up with a way to raise more funds toward this end. It should be in some way that everyone has a role to play so they may experience the pride in their efforts. One of my own personal goals is to be able to help out new or inexperienced musicians with their knowledge of their respective instruments. Hopefully, if everyone agrees at this months jam, March 28th, we can dedicate some time to this end. I plan to introduce guitarists to the Latin American strumming method I use on a lot of country songs. Strumming is often neglected with new or inexperienced guitarists and, in my opinion often benefits a guitarist bank of knowledge and rhythm abilities. In the following months hopefully someone will take the responsibility for passing some of their knowledge on to everyone during this 15 minute workshop. My next goal is to put together a "Jamboree" of sorts...this would feature fellow jammers and probably take place in a theatre or a suitable auditorium. We certainly have to get something ready by next Christmas so in some way we might be able to raise money for families more unfortunate than ourselves. Of course this would be a good way to get some exposure for our members as well. In the meantime, I hope everyone enjoys this site and will come to pay us a visit the last Sunday of every month at Sprucewoods Community Club in Sprucewoods, MB...near CFB Shilo. The hours are from 2-5 p.m. and remember, all skill levels and all visitors are welcome!!! If you feel more comfortable talking to me before you come,give me a call sometime. (see 'contact us' page) Be warned tho', I tend to talk too much.....
Just "a-pickin' and a-grinnin'"
Reg Jones
|
