Jam Session
Ladera Community Jam Session
Come join a casual evening of making music… Bring your guitar, ukulele, bass, or other acoustic stringed instrument to our Ladera Jam at the LRD between 7:30-9pm on the first Thursday of each month. Singers are welcome too!
Imagine playing mostly familiar songs around a campfire with friends and a glass of wine… we’ll have fun while we learn how to play with others, discover new songs, and meet fellow Ladera musicians.
Our jam is open to all levels with the expectation that you know basic chords, can keep your instrument in tune (looking at you banjo players!), and can play a few songs.
This event is not a class nor is it a performance so everyone is encouraged to participate!
For more information or to participate, fill out this interest form and we’ll get back to you soon.
FAQ's
This sounds fun! When is the jam session? How do I get involved?
We’ll meet at the LRD between 7:30-9pm on the first Thursday of every month. We can expand if there is interest. For now, if you are interested, let us know by filling out this interest form so we can update you on song choices and any changes to the times.
What songs will we play?
To start, we’ll play from this Song List and will welcome suggestions for new songs.
The song list contains relatively easy songs from lots of genres using easy chords. You’ll see some classic campfire songs, well known rock / country, some bluegrass, some Grateful Dead, some Green Day, and lots more.
I don’t know any of those songs. What should I do?
Almost all the songs on the list have a link to the chords and a video/recording so you can hear them. No guarantee that we’ll play them the same way though!
If you have a favorite song that’s not on the list, submit a suggestion on this form.
What should I bring?
You’ll definitely need your instrument and a tuner and maybe a capo. We’ll be playing songs from our online Song List, so you may want a device or print out the songs that we’ll send before the jam. You may want to bring beverages of some sort.
I just started learning my instrument; can I join?
It would help to have some chords down (G, C, D, Am, Em) and be able to change chords smoothly. We’re going to learn from each other, but this isn’t intended to be music lessons and there won’t be any formal instruction. If you are just starting out, practice up a bit and then come join us when you’re ready.
I’m a professional/expert musician; can I join?
Oh heck yeah! We’d love to have you come play leads, solos, and generally improve the quality of our jam. Just remember that we expect a wide variety of musical ability.
I don’t play an instrument, but I love to sing; can I join?
Absolutely! It would be great to have you help us carry a tune.
I play (electric guitar, trumpet, recorder, bongos, triangle, organ, theremin, etc), can I join?
Let’s talk. Fill out an interest form. We’re starting out with stringed instruments but might expand in the future as we figure out how to make it all work.
I just want to listen; can I join?
We’re not ready for an audience. This is a participatory event for folks to make music together.
I really love this idea. How can I get more involved?
We’re looking for additional facilitators to help lead the jam sessions and make this better. Reach out and let us know you want to be part of the team.