Acoustiv Jam 7/10, 1-4

Devon PA

Description

Hi, We will do another acoustic jam on Sunday 7/10 in Valley Forge Park, weather looks good. Here are the specs: 1-4pm. We will meet in the Valley Forge Pawlings Road/River trail parking lot (if you are unfamiliar with it - it is right on the Schuylkill River. Here is the park map https://www.google.com/maps/search/Pawlings+Road,+valley+forge+park/@40.105203,-75.4762435,14z/data=!3m1!4b1 (DO NOT go to the Pawlings Farm - go to the River Trail parking area west of the farm road) It is a beautiful spot on the Schuylkill river. Ill get there earlier and set up a spot with a large ground tarp (likely on the first footpath to the river (right at the Park sign). If that spot is taken, walk down the main trail about 100 yrds to the the next trail). NOTE-if anyone can meet me there at 11:30 to set the tarp and spot, I would appreciate it. 1. Its bug season, so you will want to bring bug spray. And like all park areas,  there is a lot of poison ivy in the area, so if its not too hot, long pants are not a bad idea. At least stay on the trails and tarp. 2. If you play in a chair, bring chairs and cold drinks (Ill bring some to share). 3. ONE LAST THING - there is NO public bathroom at the site. VF park has a couple of bathrooms nearby (about a mile), so hydrate accordingly! Jam Plan I am not big on rules (musicians are not in general!). But here below is my idea for at least the start. Jam Circle Suggestions A. Size & circle making 1. Each circle should be 6-8 musicians. We can create as many circles as we have folks to fill. 2. New circles can begin at the conclusion of a song (its rude to get up and leave until a “circle song” has completed). 3. If you want to start a new circle at the conclusion of a song, feel free - you may invite others B. Circle process 1. Each person, in turn around the circle, will act as leader & select the tune or chords. S(h)e will announce the progression (call out the chords/riff) and start the song. 2. Others can join in once they find their contribution (“Phish’ uses a process called “Find your own hey!”, so maybe once you found your riff or contribution, yell ‘hey’ or “got it” or some such). 3. After most folks have found something to play (the chords or some riff) and have yelled ‘hey”, the leader (the person who started the song) will ask/nod to the person to his/her left if they want to solo. If no, the leader will ask the next person, etc. If the person says/nods ‘yes”, they can solo for a few measures/minutes,  then the soloist or the leader can offer the solo to the next person, etc until it has gone around the circle. I 4. If a jam feels good, it can go around a couple of times or more (I have been in very magical circles that the jam becomes self sustaining for am hour or more!). Or the leader can end it. 5. After a song is ended, the person to the left of the leader begins the next jam (go to B1). Should be fun, slightly organized chaos!!!! I look forward to meeting you! Steve