What is the Fiddlers Tour Jam Session?

The Tour is a "Round Robin" music session of local traditional fiddle music fok who meet every Tuesday night, all year round, in various places (changing monthly). We are not a performance band. We never know who will show up. We are open to any age or ability. We go around the circle and each person takes a turn selecting tunes to play and the playing speed of those tunes (no pressure, you can pass on your turn, if you choose). Group size varies (8-25 musicians).

Beginners/Pros welcome! Books and sheet music are allowed. Bring a tune to share; we love to learn something new! Feel free to record the sessions for practice, or to learn a new tune.

This is a mixed ability group. Tune tempos depend on the ability of players present each week, and the speed each person selects for their pick. If you are just beginning, don't be afraid to select a tune to play, even if it's very slow. We've all been there. Ask us, and we can run through something slower.

He plays/She plays. Regional and stylistic tune variations abound, so one tune can have several different ways to be played (and several different names!) -- we learn from each other and pass it on.

Basic Jam Ettiquette: Have a good time -- it's a jam, not a performance. Listen for the next tune call and be ready for your turn. Give music readers a moment to find the page before you start your tune. Keep "noodling" to a minimum between tune calls (ahem, banjos). Take long chats or "here's how" sessions to the side. Keep the circle center clear. Don't overplay the group. Listen to and watch those around you for tempo, tune changes, etc.