Acton Jazz Cafe/Acton, MA

A bittersweet jam last night for me at the Acton Jazz Cafe. With a possible move to Ohio, this maybe the last time I get to play here for a while. I still maintain that this is one of the best jams to play in New England. BJ, Tom and Mike have always made me feel welcome and I've always had a terrific time playing this jam.

Old Bowie Town Grille/Bowie, MD

This blues jam seems to have it all going for it. It's a old grille/restaurant that has been re-done over...good food, an owner that is a big fan of the blues and a well run jam. Chip the drummer is the blues master here and does a fantastic job. The house band warms up with three songs and then the sign up list is used, calling up players in order. Once the list gets to the end, Chip starts back at the beginning giving everyone plenty of playing time. The only minus last Wednesday night was that there were no harp players to be found playing here.

Remingtons/Laurel, MD

I don't know how long this jam has been running, but with the very low turn out of jammers and listeners that I saw here last Tuesday, it won't be going on too much longer. Some good players, though this was a country jam as much as it was a blues jam. When was the last time you heard Harper Valley PTA played at a jam? Played anywhere live? This will hopefully be the only time that I ever have to suffer through it.

Sapphire Indian Restaurant/Laurel, MD

OK a blues jam at an Indian restaurant? Why not......If you are in the DC area this is one to check out. I had already eaten so I didn't order any food. However the blues jam was very tasty, with some great players showing up for this jam. Blues about 85% of the night with Rock making up the other 15% of the playing time. Art was the house drummer and was willing to let me take over the drum chair for a couple of sets here last Monday night.

The Blue Voodoo Band/Auburn, MA

Spent this last Wednesday evening test driving the drum chair in The Blue Voodoo Band. Locally based here in the greater Worcester area, they are in need of a blues drummer. But, with my work travel schedule the way it is, this will not be a permanent seat for me. Had a great time however jammin' with Steve, Darren, Dave, Bob and Elayne. Also, got to play on my Club Date set, which was a perfect size for their practice area. Good people-good time.

Waterstreet Cafe/Fall River, MA

While working in Newport, RI last Thursday, I decided to check out a new blues jam for me up in Fall River. I've seen this evening billed as a blues jam, R & B jam and an open mike depending on where I looked on the Web. I arrived around 8:45 and things were already underway with folk singers. This continued until about 10 pm when some blues musicians finally plugged in and things kicked into a higher gear. Some good players here, but things only lasted until 11. Also be aware that there is no sign up list. Talk to Jeannie who is the jam master and she'll get you up. I was the last drummer up for three tunes.

Fireflys/Framingham, MA

Back at Fireflys last Wednesday night for the blues jam/open mike. It's always a good time here at this venue. I hauled out the cocktail kit and supported a number of different artists during the night. The highlight for me was to hand over the sticks to another drummer, Alan Goodrich. Alan did a great job backing Bruce Marshall for a song or two. I almost never get to hear my stand up set played from the audience and it's always a treat.