Photo by Bengt Nyman

When you’re first starting out as a musician, you face a few challenges when it comes to performing.  Sure, both your passion and desire to perform are present, but what about finding a committed band without gigs?  Convincing a booking agent that you can fill the venue with an audience?  Do you have enough original songs?  Are you still nervous to perform or haven’t quite developed your stage presence?  Mastering the art of performing live and connecting with an audience is based on EXPERIENCE!

And even though I was lucky enough to have wonderful teachers and training at music school, my roots were established at blues jams……As a teenager growing up in Pittsburgh, I hit every blues jam I could find.  I learned about interacting with different musicians on the spot, cuing and directing the band, finding the best keys that fit my vocal range, constantly learning and performing cover tunes and realizing the value of making a song your own (even if you didn’t write it), and interacting with an audience.  Another great lesson you’ll learn is being flexible on stage.  In many cases you’ll be performing with musicians you’ve not only never performed with, but never met.  You’ll learn to direct the band, letting them know if there’s a musical break, if you’re going to a different section of the song, and when you ready to end the song.  Speaking from a singer’s standpoint, a great singer is confident and knows how to interact with a band a great singer is confident and knows how to interact with a band in this manner.

Even if you’re not a die hard blues fan, you’ll find many of these jams cross over to classic rock, soul, and jazz.  The best part is there’s usually a number of standard blues tunes you can learn, walk into any jam in America, and the band will be ready to perform with you.  Here are just a few suggestions: “Rock Me” by B.B. King, “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson, “Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker, “Red House” by Jimi Hendrix, and “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin, just to name a few.  There are tons of versions of each tune, so listen to a few different covers and find one that suits you best.

From my past experience living in Pittsburgh, Boston, and Los Angeles, I am going to list a few blues jams that are active (give a call first before you go just to make sure).  If you currently live there or ever find yourself in these cities, drop in and play a tune.  Also, I encourage all of you to add to this article in the comments section below and post a favorite jam in your city if you have one.  Be sure to include the city, establishment name, the time/date the jam takes place, and any other helpful info you can include.  Now get out there!

Pittsburgh, PA

Moondog’s
378 Freeport Rd
Blawnox, PA 15238
Every Wednesday Rock/Blues Jam 8:30pm

ThunderBird Cafe
4023 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15201
Every Monday Open Stage 9:00pm

Excuses
2526 E Carson St (South Side)
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Every Thursday night

Boston, MA

Wally’s
427 Massachusetts Ave
Boston, MA 02118
Blues every Monday night from 9pm-2am and in my opinion the best jam I’ve ever been to!!

Los Angeles, CA

Harvells
1432 4th St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Every Monday all star pro jam 9:30pm/$5 Cover

Cozy’s
14058 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Every Monday Blues jam 9:00pm