Bluegrass Jam

media release: The Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association Inc. hosts a bluegrass jam for beginners (and more experienced) to provide a venue for you to improve your playing skills. This jam is held every Tuesday evening (except fifth weeks) from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Goodman Center at 214 Waubesa St. in Madison. A facilitator hosts the jam to keep it organized. Participants are asked to donate a suggested $5 to the facilitator for his time. Attendees sit in a circle format and size of the group averages 10-12 people. All levels of playing experience are welcome.

Typical instruments include guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, bass, ukulele, harmonica, or even accordions. The facilitator, or other players, can provide assistance to answer questions so that you have a great learning experience. You can sit at home and practice your skills, but improvement comes from joining others in a group format.

During the session, the lead of playing a song passes around the circle. You get to choose what song you want to play. You may pass on this if you wish. During the playing of a song, participants can play a break, or pass if they wish. You are there to improve your skills and learn how to play in a group, not to impress anyone on how well you play.

So, whether you play beginning rhythm guitar, you are just starting to learn chord structures, or you're looking to practice that new lick you just learned, this jam session is for you. The goal of SWBMAI is to promote bluegrass music and further the development of new players in the genre.

On the 1st Tuesday each month Dave Huntley will host the beginner bluegrass jam starting at 7:00 pm in the Rashke Room. Email Dave at freihunt@gmail.com 

On the 2nd Tuesday each month Dave Bacholl will lead the beginner jam in the Rashke Room. A $5 donation for the instructor will be collected. dbacholl@hotmail.com 

On the 3rd Tuesday each month Ellis Bauman & Bobby Batyko will take turns facilitating the beginner jam starting at 7:00 pm in the Rashke Room. A $5 donation for the instructor will be collected. Email ellisabau@aol.com or bbatyko1@gmail.com 

On the 4th Tuesday each month Dan Hildebrand will facilitate the beginner jam starting at 7:00 pm in the Rashke Room. A $5 donation for the instructor will be collected. Email danraster@gmail.com