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What is the difference between a sing-along and a jam?
What is the difference between a sing-along and a jam?
While our group focuses on communal folk music sing-alongs—where we generally all sing the songs straight through together—some of the events listed below are less folk-oriented and follow bluegrass jam protocol (to a greater or lesser degree). In a bluegrass jam, one person leads a song with vocals and instrument while others provide quieter backup. The leader will then nod to different players to take an instrumental solo (often called a “break”) if they wish. If you head to one of these jams, introduce yourself and listen for a few songs to get a feel for the circle before jumping in, or just go and enjoy some fine musicians and great music!
The organizer of this welcoming and laid-back weekly jam writes:
We are looking for people who play acoustic guitar, mandolin, autoharp, fiddle, banjo, bass, trumpet, flute, ukulele, bones, bongos, cello, cajon, accordion, harmonica, clarinet, trombone, or whatever, to get together every week or so to play, sing, trade songs, teach, and learn. If you are a real picker or can sing in harmony that would be great, but three chords and the truth will do.
Most Wednesday evenings, 6 to 8 PM
Brookline Senior Center
93 Winchester Street
Brookline, MA 02446
For up-to-date information, check the posting on Craigslist.
JP Bluegrass Jam — Sunday
JP Bluegrass Jam — Sunday
Most Winter Sunday afternoons, 2 to 4 PM
The Hamilton Restaurant
1366 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446
Most Summer Sunday afternoons, 2 to 4 PM
Jamaica Pond by the boathouse under the huge oak tree
The Boston Bluegrass Union (BBU) is an all-volunteer New England-based bluegrass music association promoting and supporting bluegrass festivals, concerts, jams, and bluegrass music education throughout the Northeast. They have many events listed on their calendar including the regular Bluegrass Tuesdays in Cambridge.
Greater Boston Traditional Song promotes pub sings, chantey sings, and other “traditional” song activities and opportunities within hailing distance of Boston. Such sessions typically emphasize traditional songs with choruses everyone can join in on.
For a schedule and links to more resources, see Boston Song Sessions.
The Folk Song Society of Greater Boston is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of people interested in folk music: its traditional origins and sources and its current expressions.
Check their Singing Parties page for information about opportunities for participatory music-making.
The organizer writes:
Join us for a casual, friendly song swap featuring folk classics and some old favorites. Feel free to sing, play along on your own instrument, or just listen and tap your foot. All music fans are welcome! Just show up!
Fourth Wednesdays, 2 to 3 PM
Cooper Center for Active Living
345 Walnut Street
Newton, MA 02460
City Hall Strummers is a community ukulele ensemble which meets weekly on Thursday evenings in Newton Centre.
The Strummerville Ukulele Club is a fun-loving, ukulele-strumming, singing and humming group of amateur musicians who love playing songs badly and singing loudly.
Every second Tuesday, 6 to 8:30 PM
The Public Library of Brookline
361 Washington St
Brookline, MA 02445
Every fourth Wednesday, 6 to 9 PM
Arts at the Armory
191 Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02143
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