Types of Jammers
In attending jams this year, I noticed something I don’t think I’ve remarked on before. Jammers come in a variety of personality types. There are easygoing “I’ll play anything” jammers, who seem relaxed throughout the experience, and I hope I fit into that category. Can you think of any activity which is as low-pressure as a leisurely jam?
Some jammers seem a little anxious, trying to make sure they impress, and I know I feel this way sometime, especially if I feel I’m in a jam with markedly better players than I.
Some jammers are anxious if the harmonies aren’t stacked just so, and get perturbed over anyone doubling someone else’s vocals. It’s a neat thing if a jam features good harmonies, but more often than not there’s more of a vocal free-for-all, and some people tolerate that better than others.
Some folks want to teach – but this tendency seems to take one of two directions. If the “teacher” is supportive and nurturing, the unwitting “pupil” tends to relish the lesson. If the “teacher” is bent on correcting “mistakes”, they often come off as bossy, and this can make everyone a little tense in a jam.
We’re Getting Younger
I don’t have scientific evidence to back this up, but I’m pretty sure the average age of the attendees at the Father’s Day Festival has been going down. There was a time when it seemed like mostly older folks (playing bluegrass helps you live a long life!), but lately, I’ve seen more and more people in the 20-45 age range, and many more in the downy-cheeked youth group.
This is fantastic to behold. The CBA has longed for younger members and assuming a fair of the folks I see at Grass Valley are members, I think this is finally happening. The CBA has had programs to attract younger players, and I’m sure those are helping. I love it!
The Father’s Day Festival is a Treasured Time
It is obvious that going to this festival, year after year, provides a valued respite from our “normal” lives. This applies to people of all ages and all pickers – beginners through professionals. Walls put up by distance and busy schedules are torn down for this week, and people take full advantage of it, and it seems to do tremendous good for everyone involved.
I’m Getting Older
Today’s date is June 28th, but I wrote this piece back on June 21st and…..forgot to post it. My thinking always get scrambled during solstices, I guess, and this year was no exception!
