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From: Mike Curtis
Date: Sat, 5 Oct 1996 11:40:28 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Clueless at the mic

While some may really be clueless, I think that most of them simply don't
care that much. I don't mean this as a criticism - only an observation.
To these, it's more important to be able to play (even badly) than to play
correctly. It's the "pain vs pleasure" principle in its most elementary
form. The "pleasure" of publicly performing is worth more to them than
the "pain" of playing badly and its consequences. Because they consider
themslves "amateur", it's OK in their mind. I have had jammers volunteer
comments such as "Oh, I'm just an amateur" when I made tactful and polite
suggestions as to simple things well within their abilities they could do
to improve. This means to me that they're content to be where they're at
and have little or no desire to play better.

In Los Angeles, we have "open mic", "jam", and "pro invitational jam".
While these vary widely, the following is often the case. Open mic is
typically exactly that - anyone is welcome to come up to play. Usually,
it's not with a band, and if you need an amp, you bring it. Also, style
isn't strictly enforced at open mics. Many of these are acoustic/folk
music. A Jam is similar - anyone is allowed up for one or more songs,
usually with a band, be it the house band or one comprised of jammers.
Style is usually (but not always) more strictly enforced - you may get a
comment about "this is a blues jam - play blues", etc., if you tread on
forbidden ground. A Pro Invitational Jam is restricted to better
musicians/vocalists only. But all of these are subject to rules set down
by the person/band hosting the event, and can vary widely.

Most jams function quite well with minimal work by the host, but I've seen
a few where talentless and clueless people take them over, refusing to
leave the stage, or repeatedly come on stage uninvited, and the only way
to bring order back to the jam is by 86'ing the offender(s).


-- IronMan Mike Curtis
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