Valley Traditional Music Jams In-Person
An open gathering of acoustic musicians of many levels coming together to play traditional tunes of the Celtic, Canadian, Western and many other genres. This is a free community event hosted by a volunteer. Everyone is encouraged to suggest a tune and to play along as they wish. We welcome and seek to include all interested people regardless of age, background, or ability.
Meeting every other Saturday in the library's Lecture Hall from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
- Date:
- Saturday, August 9, 2025 Show more dates
- Time:
- 3:00pm - 5:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Mountain Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- John A. and Carole O. Moran Lecture Hall
- Campus:
- The Community Library
- Audience:
- Adults Teens & Tweens
- Categories:
- Classes & Discussions
Valley Traditional Music Jam Guidelines
The Valley Trad Music Jam session was launched to create a safe space for acoustic musicians of all skill levels and interests to present, play and learn traditional music in a supportive and appreciative group of like-minded players.
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Here are some guidelines for playing in our jam that will help keep the experience enjoyable for all.
- Come prepared to play or request a particular tune. Announce the title, the tempo and ideally, the key. We may start out slowly to allow people to pick up the tune. As tempo increases you may keep up or just enjoy listening.
- We will play in a circle and the play goes counter-clockwise around the room.
- When a musician is playing, please remain attentive and quiet. No “Noodling” on your instrument during or between tunes.
- If you can accompany a player doing her/his song please do so in a tasteful manner and support that player.
- This Jam session is all about sharing the music. For more fun ask if anyone wants to take a lead and point out when it is time to do so.
- Clearly signal to the circle when you are finishing the tune. Traditionally, a player will signal with a raised foot or knee two or three measures in advance.
- Please remember this is a Traditional Music session. While there are many definitions of that genre, we will keep the focus on Folk, Old-Time, Celtic, New England, Quebecois, and Western.
- If you’ve written a tune and would like to try it out in the group, think about teaching it to the rest of us!
We look forward to sharing the joy of making music together!
