No jam nearby? Start one
If there's no jam close to home, you can start your own. You don't need a big budget or a stage. You need a friendly place to play, a few people who love the music, and a regular night they can count on.
1. Find a venue
Start with places you already go: a restaurant, coffee shop, brewery, or music store where the staff know you. Ask the manager whether they'd host a jam on one of their slower nights of the week. A room full of pickers and their friends can bring in customers on a night that's usually quiet, so it can work out well for both of you.
Tip: look for places that already have live music events. They already carry the music performance licensing (the BMI and ASCAP kind) that's required, so saying yes to a jam is easy for them.
2. Pick a regular day and time
Choose one night and time, such as every Tuesday at 6:30 or the first Saturday of the month, and stick with it. People plan around a jam they can count on, and a steady schedule helps a new jam grow.
3. Start a Facebook group
Create a Facebook group for your jam and invite the people you've met in your area who play the same kind of music. Don't stop at your own town. Invite anyone within a couple of hours' drive. You'd be surprised how far people will travel for a good jam.
4. Keep the page alive
Post often. Share reminders before each jam, photos and short videos afterward, and any changes to the schedule. Add links to other music events in the region, like concerts, festivals, workshops, and other jams. An active page gives people a reason to keep checking in, and it shows newcomers that your jam is alive and welcoming.
5. Set a friendly tone
A few simple habits keep a jam fun for everyone:
- Tune before you start, and again between songs when needed.
- Take turns choosing songs so everyone gets a chance to lead.
- Play softly behind the lead so the singer or soloist can be heard.
- Welcome beginners. Today's nervous newcomer is next year's regular.
For more, see our jam etiquette guide.
6. List your jam on Jamfinder
Once you have a venue, a day, and a time, add your jam to the Jamfinder map so pickers nearby and travelers passing through can find it. It's free and only takes a few minutes.
Related guides
Related: How to find a jam near you · A beginner's guide to jamming