Old-time Tune Jam hosted by Berkeley Old Time Music Convention

Flyer showing a group of musicians playing in a circle in the library
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Central Library Art & Music/5th Floor

Every third Tuesday of the month, come up to the Central Library 5th Floor for this old-time tune jam hosted by the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention!

We'll play traditional instrumental tunes from the American old-time repertoire on fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and all reasonably compatible instruments. Everyone, at all levels is welcome, including listeners — but note that it's a jam session, playing tune after tune, not a class or workshop or instructed experience.

DETAILS AND GROUNDRULES:

  • We will play tunes from the broader old-time repertoire, such as found in the Milliner-Koken Collection of American Fiddle Tunes or the Stacy Phillips Traditional American Fiddle Tunes books, or online at https://www.slippery-hill.com. We might play some very common tunes as well as some obscure or crooked ones. Although bluegrass, contradance, celtic, and other such tunes might occasionally arise, generally we will not go in those directions. Also note that this is not a song session.
  • All levels of instrumental ability and knowledge of old-time repertoire are welcome. If you are feeling challenged, don’t give up but try to play lightly. "Chasing" a tune is an important and pleasurable ability to develop. But note that it's a jam session, playing tune after tune, not a class or workshop or instructed experience. 
  • All instruments, particularly fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, etc., are welcome. If you play something unusual or loud, please be sensitive as to how you fit in.
  • In the old-time style, melody instruments play together heterophonically, with no solos or breaks, but every instrument should always be supporting the rhythm.
  • Playing lightly sounds better, helps you hear others, and avoids physical stress.
  • We will stay in one key or specific tuning for a significant time, so that banjos and fiddles do not have to retune much.  
  • Anyone can start a tune (staying in the current key please). We will not necessarily go in any particular order, such as around a circle, and no one will be put on the spot to lead a tune. If you want to play a particular tune but you’re not confident about leading it, cannot remember how it starts, or are mainly a rhythm player, feel free to request it and ask if someone else can lead it.
  • If you start a tune, you are responsible for ending it with a signal such as lifting your foot during the last time through, saying something like "last time," "one more," or "hup," or giving a musical cue. Each tune should continue for at least a good while, but less than forever.
  • Rule #1 is to make it fun for everyone!

ABOUT BERKELEY OLD TIME MUSIC CONVENTION

The Berkeley Old Time Music Convention is a five-day music festival featuring performances by local and national acts, a rollicking square dance, open cabaret, and the illustrious stringband contest, in venues throughout Berkeley.

Learn more and follow the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention here!

Event Category
Art & Music
Music
Just for fun
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