The New York State Blues Festival

The 2011 New York State Blues Festival left audiences, artists and organizers renewed in their faith. The planned 2010 edition had to be scrapped, with some artists already booked, due to a severe lack in funding, but last year’s ended as a resounding success. This year’s festival will relocate from its 2011 home at the Inner Harbor, between West Kirkpatrick and Solar streets, and treks back to downtown’s Clinton Square from Friday, July 13, to Sunday, July 15. 

Blues Fest producer Todd Fitzsimmons stands strong beside this summer’s two-pronged goal: to bring in a stacked schedule of artists, rather than overspending on a single headlining act, in an effort to bring fresh, new blues to the audience’s ears, and to experiment with a festival model that can be self-sustainable, to free organizers from dependence on outside donations. This means that, unlike previous Blues Fests that featured no admission charges, this year blues fans have to put their money where their muse is.

“If we can hit the right attendance numbers with this current model, a fest like this could survive without any state grants and really without much corporate support, which we didn’t get much of this year,” Fitzsimmons says. “I don’t think we can depend on any government support at all; we got none this year. None from the city, county, state. We’re in our 22nd year, people love the festival, it’s a cultural fest, not-for-profit. I’ve been trying to get the fest to a model that’s sustainable.”

Advance passes are available at
nysbluesfest.com. Three-day passes are $25, which include entry to the daytime events and club crawls, and single-day tickets are $7. Three-day VIP passes, which include private seating, food and beverages, are $150; single-day VIP passes are $75. Expect to pay $10 at the gate each day, $100 for single-day VIP passes and $10 for single-day club crawl passes.

Fitzsimmons puts those tariffs in their proper perspective: “People are paying twice that to see any one of these bands, all the time. We’ve got more than 30 bands for $25 presale. That’s less than a buck a band for bands you’d pay $20 to see at a club.”

The music lineup originally began with 200 choices that were whittled down by a committee. The final outcome was carefully designed by Fitzsimmons to integrate blues rock and pure blues as well as bigger names and rising stars.

“Anders Osborne {who performs on Friday at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.} is my favorite musician on the planet,” Fitzsimmons gushes. “I think he’s the best singer-songwriter there is. He’s the only musician that I’ve heard that I would put in the category of the Bruce Springsteens and Bob Dylans and Robert Johnsons of the world.”

Julie Briggs, new marketing director of the festival, names MonkeyJunk as an under-the-radar attention-grabber. “They’re gonna be amazing,” she says about their 7:45 p.m. gig on Friday. “They have a great vibe and attitude.”

Carolyn Wonderland (performing Sunday at 5:45 p.m.) is often noted as a show-stealer and Mitch Kashmar (taking the stage Saturday, July 14, 6:30 p.m.) is a West Coast giant who rarely makes an appearance on this side of the states. The Low Rider Band (closing out the fest on Sunday at 8 p.m.) incorporates members of the 1970s group War, responsible for writing classic rockers including “Low Rider”, “Why Can’t We Be Friends” and “Spill the Wine.” And Johnny Sansone, who performs with Osborne at both Friday shows, already warmed up to local audiences when he opened for the Royal Southern Brotherhood Upstairs at the Dinosaur on June 20. 

The 2012 edition will also reinstate the “Club Crawl,” giving audiences late-night options as bands perform at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 701 E. Genesee St., and the Westcott Theater, 524 Westcott St., starting at 8:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Nightly passes are $10 for the Club Crawls, which are also included in the three-day and VIP pass options.

And the KJ James Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of the much-loved bluesman who passed away last January, will be awarded to West Genesee High School senior Michael Dufresne. Dufresne will be given a $1,000 scholarship and will perform with the all-star Soul of Syracuse band during their Sunday, 7 p.m., set. 

For more information, visit nysblues fest.com.

2012 Blues Fest Program

Compiled by Amanda Galster

Friday, July 13

ANDERS OSBORNE

Syracuse New Times Stage
4:30-5:30 p.m. (acoustic) 

6:30-7:45 p.m. (electric)

A seamless blend of folk, soul and rhythm’n’blues brings Swedish expatriate Anders Osborne to the Blues Fest stage. Not only is Anders one of the top slide guitar players in the country, he is also responsible for writing most of his own material.

This triple-threat singer, songwriter and instrumentalist has released 11 CDs, with his newest titled Black Eye Galaxy (Alligator Records). But playing a CD hardly does justice to Anders’ riveting live performances, where his electric energy and soulful vocals are contagious. 

Anders has also contributed material for artists such as Tab Benoit and Mike Zito. Anders co-wrote two songs on Keb’ Mo’s Grammy-winning 1998 CD Slow Down (Okeh Records), and country singer Tim McGraw’s cover of Anders’ “Watch the Wind Blow By” went to No. 1 on the country music charts.

Anders’ versatile talent and unique style stem from his musical beginnings at age 16 when his thirst for travel and adventure sent him hitchhiking around the globe for the next four years. He was inspired by life experiences in his travels to Europe, Africa and Asia, where he wrote songs and perfected his high-energy performances. 

In 1985, he hitchhiked one last time to New Orleans, and finally found a place to call home. Oddly enough, Anders learned that he wasn’t the first in his family to fall in love with the Crescent City. He discovered that his grandfather, a sailor, lived in New Orleans for many years. Through shared memories and photographs, Anders felt an instant connection.  

Soaking up the Big Easy’s musical atmosphere, Anders began developing his sound. Following the completion of his first two albums for independent New Orleans-based Rabadash Records, Anders was offered a major deal with Sony’s Okeh imprint in 1995. Today, Anders continues to channel his unique energy and spirit, whether in the studio or on the stage.

 JOHNNY SANSONE

Syracuse New Times Stage
4:30-5:30 p.m. (acoustic)

6:30-7:45 p.m. (electric)

Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone first seized the saxophone at age 8, hardly big enough to support the overbearing size of the instrument. Still, he summoned enough strength to carry it with him to school everyday. Sansone’s fondest memory as a child was climbing up a tree in his yard to watch local blues bands play at a swim club run by his father. Although he was not permitted to go to these events, hearing the bands perform at a distance was enough to inspire him.

Sansone released several albums on King Snake Records, but his most recognized was the release of Crescent City Moon on Rounder/Bullseye Blues that won him four awards from Offbeat Magazine’s annual “Best of the Beat” in 1997. His next album Watermelon Patch, also on Rounder/Bullseye, proved that Sansone had finally found his groove. In the next seven years, he worked as the frontman for Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters and participated in the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars traveling tour before releasing his 2007 album Poor Man’s Paradise (CD Baby/Shortstack Records).

Sansone’s latest CD The Lord is Waiting & the Devil is Too (Audio & Video Labs, Inc.) produced by fellow Blues Fest performer Anders Osborne, reached No. 1 on the Roots Music Report’s Louisiana radio airplay charts.

MICK HAYES

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Stage
5:30-6:30 p.m.

(Also at the Crowne Plaza, Friday, 10 p.m.)

Charm and good luck weren’t the only qualities that landed contemporary rhythm’n’blues artist Mick Hayes into the Buffalo Music Awards’ Hall of Achievement in 2011. His powerful vocals and admirable guitar skills demonstrate a raw talent that has brought him to the 2012 Blues Fest stage.

Playing in front of crowds of more than 200,000, Hayes has opened for the Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, Dickie Betts, Los Lonely Boys, Dave Mason, Robin Trower, Cheap Trick and Duke Robillard. It’s no wonder that he has become known as a local legend in his hometown. The Western New Yorker has four albums to his credit, with his curent effort Recovery (idreamincolor music) issued in December 2011, an album that was three years in the making.

MONKEYJUNK

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Stage
7:45-8:45 p.m.

(Also at the Westcott Theater, Saturday, 10 p.m.)

MonkeyJunk describes their music as “dark sometimes, rockin’ at others,” an accurate nutshell for their sound. With more than 60 years of combined experience, the funky trio of Ottawa natives offers a generous blending of swamp rhythm’n’blues, soul boogie and bedroom funk. Still soaking in the excitement of their Juno Awards win in March for Blues Album of the Year for To Behold (Stony Plain), MonkeyJunk is an unstoppable force and one of the hottest up-and-coming blues bands around.

Steve Marriner is a multitalented asset as a vocalist and harmonica player, Tony D takes the lead on guitar and drummer Matt Sobb delivers a contagious energy. The band has brought in a collective 12 honors from the Maple Blues Awards, including Electric Act of the Year awards for three years in a row, a 2010 Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut, and the Recording of the Year honor for To Behold.

All three artists were seasoned players in the Ottawa blues scene, and spent years of performing as solo acts and with different bands until their strengths were combined as one. They were immediately hailed as new talents to watch after only a few months of playing together, even before releasing an album. In 2009, the band released their first record, Tiger in Your Tank (Beefy), heard on the air throughout Canada and Europe, and featured on Dan Aykroyd’s House of Blues Radio Hour.

MATT SCHOFIELD

Syracuse New Times Stage
8:45-10 p.m.

(Also at the Crowne Plaza, Friday, 10 p.m.)

At a young age, Matt Schofield found himself immersed in his dad’s blues record collection. The British singer, songwriter and producer has since cultivated a reputation as one of the most innovative blues guitarists on the scene.

Schofield began as a professional guitarist and sideman at age 18, playing with bandleader and harp player Lee Sankey, then spent four years with noted British blues singer Dana Gillespie. Schofield eventually branched off to form a band that includes BBC Jazz Award-winning drummer Neil Cowley and Hammond organist Jonny Henderson. Although lacking a bass player, the trio is not lacking in the familiar blues sound, as Henderson takes on the duties of the bass on his organ.

Outside of rocking the stage with his two bandmates, Schofield has also produced three albums for Ian Siegal, with Broadside (Nugene Records) chosen by Mojo magazine as their Blues Album of 2009.

Saturday, July 14

RON SPENCER BAND

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Stage
3:15-4:15 p.m.

DEANNA BOGART

Syracuse New Times Stage
4:15-5:30 p.m.

Yanked from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music at age 6 for playing piano by ear instead of learning to read music, Deanna Bogart’s instincts were never by the books. From a young age, she inherited a raw musical talent that has blossomed into what can be known now as an eclectic blend of blues-infused boogie-woogie, jazz, country, gospel and soul.

Climbing aboard any available piano bench as a young girl, Bogart has been gifted with the ability to play the blues. Although she was discouraged at a young age from playing the sax, she transformed any doubts into her motivation to succeed. Whether she’s jamming on a keyboard, pouring her heart into the sax or writing the songs that are echoed through her soulful vocals, she puts everything into her music. 

Bogart has received 22 Washington Area Music Awards and has won the BMA Horn Instrumentalist of the Year three times. She was invited to play in front of U.S. troops in Iraq, Kuwait and Egypt as part of the “Blues on the Nile” tour, including performances at Cairo University, the Cairo Opera House and a historic concert at the Great Pyramids.

Her music can be described as dazzling and fun, yet sophisticated and even spontaneous. Bogart has a way of engaging an audience at her live shows in an extraordinary way, which will surely be on display at the 2012 Blues Festival. 

RIVER CITY JUNCTION

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Stage
5:30-6:30 p.m.

What can only be described as Susan Tedeschi meets the Black Crowes, River City Junction navigates across a variety of different musical genres throughout the decades with their originals and cover hits.

Caroline Addison, Jason Fryer and Tom Joanisse all shared the same dream to become musicians. But none could imagine where their music would eventually bring them. The trio has traveled the globe to share their gift of music with audiences small and large. River City Junction’s album Convergence (independent) reflects the same energy that has taken this Canadian blues-rock power trio from zero to 60.

MITCH KASHMAR

Syracuse New Times Stage
6:30-7:45 p.m

(Also at the Crowne Plaza, Saturday, 12 a.m.)

As a high school student, Mitch Kashmar recalls sneaking into local gigs in Santa Barbara, Calif., thanks to his brother’s ID. Years of cheating the system to follow his musical aspirations have led to his reputation as one of the most soulful blues singers and best harmonica players around.

In 1980 Kashmar formed his own band, The Pontiax, and began performing throughout California in hopes of being recognized. After signing with Blue Sting Records, the group shifted gears toward the road and landed gigs throughout the United States, Canada, the South Pacific and Europe. In 1999 Kashmar moved on to a solo career and recorded Crazy Mixed Up World (Thumbs Up). Gaining steam as an individual artist, his 2005 album Nickels and Dimes (Delta Groove Productions), featuring guitar great Junior Watson, was an instant success.

Kashmar has shared the stage with Stevie Ray Vaughn, Albert Collins, Charlie Musselwhite, Luther Tucker, Pinetop Perkins, William Clarke and Kim Wilson as well as albums by Candye Kane, Jackie Payne, Jimmy Morello, The Mannish Boys, Mike Morgan, Mike Zito and The Insomniacs. To date, Kashmar has released five albums and continues to bring his creativity and excitement to the stage with his rollicking blues.

BILLY THOMPSON

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Stage
7:45-8:45 p.m.

(Also at the Crowne Plaza, Friday, 12 a.m.)

From coast to coast, Billy Thompson has been energizing audiences with his electrifying combination of blues, rock and funk. Known as a world-class slide guitarist, Thompson has performed alongside talents such as Little Milton, Albert King, Art Neville, Earl King, Larry “Arkansas” Davis, Elvin Bishop and Chuck Berry.

The unstoppable blues artist is currently living in the Mid-Atlantic region and is awaiting the release of his next album, produced by Grammy winner Tony Braunagel, who also plays drums on the record.

BROOKS FAMILY BLUES DYNASTY

Syracuse New Times Stage
8:45-10 p.m.

For nearly six decades, Lonnie Brooks has been perfecting a haunting voodoo blues sound, passing on his musical talent to his two sons, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Wayne Baker Brooks. Ronnie followed right in his father’s footsteps, picking up his first guitar as a toddler and joining his dad’s band right out of high school. Combined with Wayne, the three accomplished blues artists are known as the Brooks Family Blues Dynasty.

Family patriarch Lonnie first learned to play in Louisiana and later brought his talents north to release hits like “Family Rules” and “The Crawl.” He has released more than 15 original albums, with his biggest Grammy-nominated accomplishment being Bayou Lightning (Alligator Records) in 1979. Lonnie has also contributed to albums by Bernard Allison, Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy Thackery, Johnny Copeland, Katie Webster, Koko Taylor, Little Mac Simmons, Luther “Snake Boy” Johnson, Magic Slim and The Blues Brothers. His trademark voodoo blues sound has even landed him on television shows from Hee-Haw to Late Show with David Letterman. At one time, Lonnie was playing more than 300 nationwide dates a year.

Lonnie’s two sons certainly took after his love of blues, but each brought in their own flavor: Ronnie contributed a fusion of blues rock with deep soul and funk rhythms while Wayne added in Chicago blues with rock, soul and hip-hop. Both Ronnie and Wayne each celebrate their own accomplishments outside of Lonnie’s spotlight through their own acclaimed solo releases.  

Sunday, July 15

KENNY NEAL BAND

Syracuse New Times Stage 2-3 p.m.

(Also at the Westcott, Saturday, 12 a.m.)

At age 3, Kenny Neal, son of harmonica player Raful Neal, received his first harmonica from Slim Harpo. Kenny Neal was brought up playing the instrument but has since become best known as a guitarist and vocalist.

Neal has released 15 original records, not to mention his generous LP contributions for other artists including Bill “Sauce Boss” Wharton, Erica Guerin, Jackie Neal (his late sister), James Cotton, Joe Louis Walker, Lazy Lester, Noble “Thin Man” Watts, Raful Neal, Rufus Thomas, and Sonny Rhodes. This multitalented musician has received the Jus Blues Junior Harp award, a 2011 Grammy Blues Award nomination and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2011.

Nowadays, the band consists of Neal’s two brothers, Darnell and Frederick, and his nephew Tyree. Darnell has played bass for the band since his teen years, while keyboardist Frederick has a powerful voice similar to his father’s and guitarist Tyree has been making on-stage musical appearances since age 3. Beyond his contributions to the band, Tyree is also a producer, songwriter and artist in the rhythm’n’blues and hip-hop scenes.

STEVIE WOLF & BLUES EXPRESS

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Stage
3-3:45 p.m.

Stevie Wolf and the Blues Express’ newest, self-titled album best describes the authentic sound they deliver to their fans: Chicago-style blues. Mississippi bluesman Wolf has toured as the drummer for Earl Hooker & the Soul Twisters, including blues legend Pinetop Perkins. 

CHRIS O’LEARY BAND

Syracuse New Times Stage
3:45-4:45 p.m.

The Chris O’Leary Band is the result of the right personalities coming together with the right instruments to cultivate a blues sound that can move crowds. Multitalented band leader Chris O’Leary began his career playing for six years as lead singer for Grammy winner Levon Helm’s band, The Barnburners, which played across the United States and Canada. O’Leary has also shared the stage with Bobby Keys, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Vivino, Jeff Healy, Dan Aykroyd, Albert Lee and Dave Edmunds.

O’Leary shares the stage with six other musicians. And with Willa McCarthy’s blue jeans-look and soulful vocals, Chris DeFrancesco’s class on the clarinet, Andy Stahls’ old-school King Curtis and Junior Walker sound on sax, Frankie Ingrao’s reputation as the duke of cool, Sean McCarthy’s essential drumming and Chris Vitarello’s youthful energy on guitar, it’s a killer combination.

DOUBLE BARREL BLUES BAND

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Stage
4:45-5:45 p.m.

CAROLYN WONDERLAND

Syracuse New Times Stage
5:45-7 p.m.

Some compare Carolyn Wonderland’s voice to Janis Joplin’s, the highest of high compliments. With a smooth blend of country, jazz, surf, zydeco, soul and gospel, Wonderland’s diverse sound appeals to fans of multiple genres.

Wonderland picked up her mother’s vintage Martin guitar at a young age and couldn’t put it down, but that wasn’t the least of her musical talents. She also played trumpet, accordion, piano, mandolin and lap steel. One of her most admired talents was her ability to whistle.

By age 15, Wonderland had performed in gigs around Texas. Mixed with her own unique flavor, she was inspired by Houston talents like Little Screamin’ Kenny, as the Lone Star State proved an ideal area for her maturing sound as a musician.

Wonderland has released seven albums to date, with 2008’s Miss Understood (Bismeaux Productions) and 2011’s Peace Meal (Bismeaux) both garnering significant attention and awards. She has also appeared on PBS’ Austin City Limits, opened the Sturgis Motorcycle rally and worked with artists like Blues Fest 2011 act Hadden Sayers, Jerry Lightfoot, Michael Haaga, Jesse Dayton, Wendy Colonna and David Grissom.

SOUL OF SYRACUSE

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Stage
7-8 p.m.

The Soul of Syracuse is an all-star group of Central New York musicians who came together last year to help support the New York State Blues Festival. The lineup includes guitarist Mark Hoffmann, vocalist Carolyn Kelly, keyboard player Dave Liddy, harpist and vocalist Pete McMahon, keyboardist Gerry Neely, guitarist Phil Petroff, harmonica players Skip Murphy and Tom Townsley, and drummer Lenny Milano. In this case, all-star band may be an understatement. 

LOW RIDER BAND

Syracuse New Times Stage
8-9:30 p.m.

The Low Rider Band serves a blend of Latin music, rhythm’n’blues, rock and funk with contemporary jazz. Four original members of the 1970s band War, including Howard Scott on guitar, drummer Harold Brown, Lee Oskar on harmonica and bassist B.B. Dickerson on bass, are combined with Lance Ellis on sax, Telvis Ward on keyboards and Chuk Barber on percussion to transform the band into a seven-member posse with an infectious energy. The group also has a formidable hit list that includes “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Low Rider” and “The Cisco Kid.”

Between touring around the states, the Low Rider Band is always exercising their musical abilities to the fullest. In 2010, Brown, Oskar and Dickerson were nominated for induction into Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

CLUB CRAWL ACTS

Friday

The Super Delinquents

Redfield’s at the Crowne Plaza
8:45 p.m.

Bringing blues, funk and roots together in tight-knit jams, The Super Delinquents find their place on the Blues Festival roster. With Michael DeLaney on guitar and vocals, Peter Capelli on bass, Elizabeth Strodel on drums and vocals, former Kingsnake Pete McMahon on harmonica and vocals and Gerry Neely on organ and piano, the group’s mix of experience and talent makes for a compelling chemistry.

The group came together when DeLaney, Capelli and Strodel, then were playing as The Delinquents, saw McMahon perform at the 2009 Blues Fest during a tribute for the late local bluesman Roosevelt Dean. At the time, McMahon was playing with Neely, both of whom decided to join the Delinquents to form The Super Delinquents. Contrary to the chaotic connotation of their name, the group’s grooves are smooth, laidback and a perfect local complement to the 2012 Blues Festival. 

The Super Delinquents will be followed by Mick Hayes at 10 p.m. (for more information see page 21) and Billy Thompson at 12 a.m. (for more information see page 23).

JIMMY WOLF

Westcott Theater

Friday, 8:45 p.m. 

The singer, songwriter, guitarist will bring his Delta-Chicago blues, 1950s rock and rhythm’n’blues to life at this nighttime showcase. Wolf has shared stages with Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Albert King, Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland, and is a member of the Mohawk Turtle Clan from upstate New York. 

OLI BROWN

Westcott Theater

Friday, 10 p.m.

When Oli Brown was 15, he was invited to America from his home in Great Britain and found himself on the same stage as Buddy Guy and Taj Mahal. After releasing his debut album, Open Road (Ais/Ruf), he was recognized as the only United Kingdom act to be selected for the International Blues Convention in Memphis, Tenn. He continues to bring his well-known blues around the world to countries including the United States, New Zealand, Canada and throughout Europe. 

Oli Brown will be followed by Matt Schofield at 12 a.m. (for more information see page 22).

Saturday 

Bernie Clarke and his All-Stars

Westcott Theater
8:45 p.m.

Mix a big, booming voice and some hot harp-playing with a heavy-hitting list of local powerhouse musicians and you’ve got Bernie Clarke and the All-Stars. Clarke assembled some of the best of the region by gathering Jack Chappell on bass, Dan Morison on drums, Dan “Cato” Eaton on keys and sax and Ron Spencer on guitar. 

The credentials of the band are impressive. Eaton has past experience with Clarke in their hometown of Sylvan Beach and spent some quality time on the road with the Moss Back Mule Band as well as time with the Joe Whiting Band, the Sandy Bigtree Band and Savoy Brown. Spencer will also play the fest with his own group, the Ron Spencer Band, and has backed a long list of impressive local blues names (read more on page 25).

Bernie Clarke will be followed by MonkeyJunk at 10 p.m. (for more information see page 22) and the Kenny Neal Band at 12 a.m. (for more information see page 23).

TOM TOWNSLEY

Redfield’s at Crowne Plaza

Saturday, 8:45 p.m.

Keep the party going with this locally revered and respected musician who blew up the Syracuse scene in 1984 when he founded the Cold Shot Blues Band. The group backed legends including Pinetop Perkins and Jimmy Rogers before Townsley went on to form another group in the 1990s, Tom Townsley & the Backsliders. Townsley was also involved heavily with the blues scene through his nearly 26 years as host of WAER-FM 88.3’s Sunday Night Blues program, the longest-running of its kind in Syracuse. 

DENNIS GRUENLING

Redfield’s at Crowne Plaza

Saturday, 10 p.m.

Gruenling got hooked with his first harmonica at a young age and after spending some time in the Big Easy, he couldn’t help but take the sound with him back to his home in New Jersey. He was a quickly rising star in the blues scene and in 1998 formed his own “all-star” band, pulling artists from various regional acts. Today, he mixes blues harmonica with swing saxophone and pushes the boundaries of his music every chance he gets, while still paying respects to the greats with albums like his 2008 release, I Just Keep Lovin’ Him: A Tribute to Little Walter (Backbender). 

Dennis Gruenling will be followed by Mitch Kashmar at 12 a.m. (for more information see page 23).

Friday and Saturday

Blues Fest Jam Session

Lafayette Room at the Crowne Plaza
9 p.m.

Spectators and musicians are welcome to join in the magic of impromptu jamming at this wild nighttime hangout. 

On Friday the jam will go from 9 to 11:30 p.m. followed by a set from Wayne Baker Brooks at 12 a.m. On Saturday the jam will go from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.