Weekend Jam Sessions

[Richard]

What does everyone think about The Friday/Saturday Jam Sessions ? I think there quite a few of them out there now. Zigatos, and Tumbleweeds to name a few.

If the host band is getting paid as if it were a regular gig, then I dont have a problem with it at all. BUT, if they are getting paid a short wage, then I think its bullshit. Its hard enough to find gigs without having to compete with a Jam Session on the weekend. I remember slamming the brainless ones on CL about their whining regarding the Jams taking away from gigs. I would always comment about how there are not too many gigs on Wednesday and Sunday. As it is now, there are not too many on the weekends either. If bands start 'whoring it out' then we are all fucked.

Again, if its at a regular rate, im all for it.

[jimc]

I know Zigatos has been seeing more business with the once-a-month Friday jam than at most of their regular gigs.

I saw Daniel Castro at Poboys last weekend, the band sounded great, to maybe 30-35 people, so you know the venue lost on that one. Poboyz is going with karaoke on Fridays starting this week.

I don't know if the jam hosting bands make more on a weekend, I suspect not, but I think we're going to find more venues going with whatever works to make some $$$.

I don't know what the answer is but one thing we as musicians can do is, rather than go to a Friday, Saturday jam, get out and support the other locals bands playing real gigs. I know it might be a bit more expensive if there's a cover but the only thing the clubs care about is bums on seats. I know I get out as often as the wife will allow!