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On November 6th, 2005, the 1st “Under 21 Jam” was launched at Burbank's Real Barbecue in response to a concerned Mother’s plea on behalf of her Son, a few months earlier. She expressed concerns that there weren’t many alternatives for a talented young Player to get out and perform in public in a somewhat neutral environment.
I had from time to time, thought this could be a good idea but something in her E-mail struck a chord with me and I felt that maybe the Time was right to give it a chance. This is not meant to be derogatory to the many quality Jams we have in the Tri-State area of Cincinnati, Ohio. Even though many Jams are kind towards their younger counterparts, it is not the same as a Jam ran by young Players for other young Players. That is what makes this so truly unique.
I got in touch with Midge, the President of the Cincy Blues Society and found a strong ally. She was quick to acknowledge the idea had merit. She approached Pete at Burbank’s and he also immediately jumped in with us. We set the starting date for the 1st Sunday in November. A few shaky weeks and the rest, as they say, is history.
Like any other Jam I’ve ever hosted, there is the ebb and flow of Players and Listeners, but the “Under 21 Jam” is moving along at a steady pace. There is a signup sheet for the Musicians to sign when they first arrive. And there is a space where a Teacher can sign in with one of their Students, but other than that and the occasional exception, only Under 21 Musicians will be performing.
The 2nd Sunday of each month already has an Under 21 host Band at the helm. In May of 2006, a second host Band will be getting their trial run as leaders. If all goes well, that means by June, two Sundays will be in the hands of Under 21 Players. If at all possible, by Summer’s end, the Jam will truly be an “Under 21 Jam”.
The Music Shoppe and Backline Superstars helped us briefly with the loan of some PA gear. Buddy Roger’s also helped for a short time by lending us some Drums and Guitar amps, till they became an official Sponsor of the “Blues In The Schools” Program and the “Under 21 Jam”. The gear currently being used was acquired from Buddy Roger’s at a more than fair price that included a substantial contribution on their part. The funds we spent were from the very successful Winter Blues Fest in the MainStrasse Village of Covington, Kentucky.
Every Sunday, 4-7 p.m., we witness a part of the future Blues scene in Cincinnati, Ohio. If you know of any Under 21 Musicians who Love the Blues and need a place to test their mettle, send them to Burbank’s Real Barbecue and stop in yourself to support these young Folk as they stand alongside others of their Generation and search for that mysterious Lost Chord...
Also, feel free to check out Jamel’s or Ryan’s “Under 21 Jam” Web Page.
Jamel was part of our BITS performance at the Cincy Blues Society’s 2005, summer Blues Fest, at Sawyer Point. Ryan is one of our regular Players and will be in one of our “Under 21 Jam” host Bands by June. Although not officially endorsed Sites by the Society, I feel it is appropriate to hear and see what our young Musicians have to say about the Jam.
In closing, I want to thank the Cincy Blues Society, their President Midge, the BITS Program, the Management and gracious Staff at Burbank’s Real Barbecue, Buddy Roger’s Music, Backline Superstars, the Music Shoppe, all the young Players who are sharing their Talents and Energy with us and all those who have shown their support over the last several months.
Peace. John C. Redell |
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Under 21 Jam’s Beginnings |
