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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!
A curated, casual acoustic music jam, focusing on folk music, including its variations of blues, bluegrass, traditional, etc. Led by a lifelong folkie / multi-instrumentalist and his partner, an accomplished folk artist, music educator, and choir director.
Second Saturdays, 1:30 to 3 PM
Cooper Center for Active Living
345 Walnut Street
Newton, MA 02460
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 that meets Thursday evenings in Newton; check the Newton Arts Calendar for details. “Bring your ukulele, a music stand, and a smile.”
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
The organizers write:
We lead singing circles that inspire deeper connection to ourselves, each other, and the Earth.... We teach simple songs call-and-response style, with no written music.... We lead a handful of singing circles each month, outdoors and indoors, north and south of the river, in Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, and Somerville. Check out our calendar to see what we are up to.
One of the organizers also leads a Community Sing at the Dedham School of Music. Check their events calendar for details.
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