Accordion Jams

[TimeSwan]

Last weekend I hosted my first accordion jam at a local restaurant. All in all, it was much more successful than I had anticipated. At the peak we had 10 accordion players of varying skill levels. For the most part we went around in a circle playing solo but there were a handful of times that we played as a group. I had brought some copies of Bella Ciao and Beer Barrel Polka, tunes I thought just about anyone could jump in with little to no problems.

I've already booked the next jam and I was looking for any advice people might be able to share from their own experiences participating in or hosting events like this? Any suggestions on tunes (again, reasonably easy ones) for groups?

For anyone curious and in the central Ohio, U.S. region, the jam is located at Lois Mann's Restaurant, 1904 S High St, Columbus, OH on Saturday, July 19th from 12:30-3:00. All skill levels are welcome!

 

[Tom]

Last weekend I hosted my first accordion jam at a local restaurant. All in all, it was much more successful than I had anticipated. At the peak we had 10 accordion players of varying skill levels. For the most part we went around in a circle playing solo but there were a handful of times that we played as a group. I had brought some copies of Bella Ciao and Beer Barrel Polka, tunes I thought just about anyone could jump in with little to no problems.

I've already booked the next jam and I was looking for any advice people might be able to share from their own experiences participating in or hosting events like this? Any suggestions on tunes (again, reasonably easy ones) for groups?

For anyone curious and in the central Ohio, U.S. region, the jam is located at Lois Mann's Restaurant, 1904 S High St, Columbus, OH on Saturday, July 19th from 12:30-3:00. All skill levels are welcome!

That’s awesome Tim, wish I were there! I did this for a few years so offer the following tips:

Let the players define your tune lists. In other words, include your people’s favorite tunes.

Provide your set lists, preferably with a website link to where the people can download them in pdf. Add one or two at each meeting, by bringing paper sheets. People like to be able to prepare, and play things they have some familiarity with.

Have an organized order of operations. For example, 1. We play together from our list of (easy) songs. 2. We listen to people play their favorite song solo (duo, trio, whatever). 3. We play from our set of hard songs. 4. We put away our accordions and drink beer (obligatory in Wisconsin, maybe not so much in Ohio).

Don’t get too rigorous, keep it light, chill, have fun!!!!!!!

Good luck to you!!!!

 

[TimeSwan]

Thanks Tom! I'd love to have some beers but I'm pretty sure the restaurant doesn't sell alcohol, looks like guess we'll be shotgunning beers in the parking lot between songs

 

[John M]

Thanks Tom! I'd love to have some beers but I'm pretty sure the restaurant doesn't sell alcohol, looks like guess we'll be shotgunning beers in the parking lot between songs

In a few months, find an Oktoberfest around Columbus. There should be some beer there.