This line is hidden by CSS - Please edit everything BELOW till the end.
Welcome to LexJam! Here you will find information on Lexington's new public jam session. Check back for calendar dates, updates from Tom Martin, and links to photos and video.
MENU
Introduction
Calendar
Updates
Links
Lexington is a city thick with musicians, from those who play for the sheer pleasure of it to working professionals. LexJam was created to bring the city's players, singers and listeners together in one space once each month to share in the musical conversation of a community jam session.
Held from 1pm-5pm on a Saturday afternoon each month (check Lexjam.com for dates) at ArtsPlace on North Mill Street in downtown Lexington, the sessions are open to musicians of all persuasions. In fact, LexJam's organizers encourage jazz players to mix it up with blue grassers and rockers to trade ideas with blues devotees, breaking down what they consider the artificial barriers of categorized music. Free parking is available adjacent to ArtsPlace.
Presented by the Downtown Lexington Corporation with the support of the Lexington Center, the Keeneland Foundation, Thomas & King, downtown developer Phil Holoubek and others soon to be announced, LexJam happens on a persian carpet set with equipment purchased specifically for the event including a full drum kit, keyboard, bass and guitar amplifiers plus a concert grand piano provided by the Lexington Center. A full sound system with microphones and stage monitors tops off the professional setting. The inaugural session held on January 6 featured a variety of styles ranging from country and blues to rock, jazz, funk and blue grass. Musicians are asked to sign-in according to instrument and are invited to the stage when an opening exists.
For Further information about LexJam, contact Tom Martin at 859-281-2317
| 2007 Jam Dates |
Group |
Location | Photos |
| Saturday, January 6 | Lexington Center | January LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, Febrary 3 | Lexington Center | February LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, March 10 | Lexington Center | March LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, April 14 | Lexington Center | April LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, May 12 | Lexington Center | May LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, June 23 | Lexington Center | June LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, July 14 | Lexington Center | July LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, August 11 | Lexington Center | August LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, September 8 | Lexington Center | September LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, October 20 | Lexington Center | October LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, November 10 | Old Tarr Distillery | November LexJam Photos | |
| Saturday, December 15 | Old Tarr Distillery | December LexJam Photos | |
| 2008 Jam Dates | |||
| Old Tarr Distillery | |||
| Saturday, February 8 | LexJam | Arts Place | Feb 2008 LexJam Photos |
| Saturday, March 8 | LexJam | Arts Place | March 2008 LexJam Photos |
| Saturday, April 12 | LexJam | Arts Place | |
| Saturday, April 12 | LexJam II: Unplugged | Lexington Center | |
| Saturday, May 17 | LexJam | Arts Place | |
| Saturday, May 24 | LexJam II: Unplugged | Lexington Center | |
| Saturday, June 20 | LexJam | Arts Place | |
| Saturday, June 28 | LexJam II: Unplugged | Lexington Center | |
| Saturday, July 12 | Arts Place | ||
| Saturday, August 9 | Arts Place | ||
| Saturday, September 13 | Arts Place | ||
| Saturday, October 11 | Arts Place | ||
| Saturday, November 8 | Arts Place | ||
| Saturday, December 13 | Arts Place |
For Information on ArtsPlace, visit www.lexarts.org/facilities_artsplace.php
January 30, 2008
Folks,
As many of you know, I've been searching for a permanent location for LexJam;
a place where we can install our sound system and easily store our gear with
minimum hassle, as well as a centrally located place with ample, convenient
free parking. I've finally found it. LexArts is taking us in. We'll
crank up in the new location at Arts Place on N. Mill on Saturday, Feb. 16.
(For Information on ArtsPlace, visit
www.lexarts.org/facilities_artsplace.php) They're very excited
about this as they're moving to transform ArtsPlace into more of a center of
artistic activity. Sorry about the confusion, but that's how it's been
as we've tried to get this settled. See you there!
January 4, 2008
Due to unforeseen circumstances, LexJam will move back to the Lexington Center, Food Court Level until further notice. Please also note the date changes. See you there!
November 8, 2007
Hey everyone - Just a reminder that the next LexJam is on Saturday (Nov 10) 1pm - 5pm at the Old Tarr Distillery, 903 Manchester Street.
From West Main, hang a left onto the Jefferson St. Viaduct and then, two-thirds across, a right onto Manchester. Go past the intersection with Cox St. and Old Tarr will be on your right. There's a sign out front. If coming down High Street in front of Rupp, hang a right onto the viaduct and then a left onto Manchester. We'll be loading up all the gear now stored at the Lexington Center to haul to its new home. Anyone willing to help is more than welcome (you'd be a hero!) We're meeting at the LCC at 10:30.
Thanks!
Tom
October 16, 2007
Beginning with the November 10 Jam Session, the location will be moved from the Lexington Center to the Old Tar Distillery at 903 Manchester Street, Lexington, 40508 at the corner of Manchester and Pine. This district is going through an artistic renaissance and LexJam wants to be a part of it! The sessions will still be held from 1pm to 5pm and all the same equipment will be provided. See you there!
August 8, 2007
New developments for the Aug. 11 Lexjam at the Lexington Center:
- Warm weather sessions are happening on the Lexington Center's Vine Street sidewalk. Umbrella tables and chairs are provided by The Coffee Beanery.
- A Lexjam core band has formed and has been in rehearsals. The soul / r&b / funk unit was formed to sprinkle more polished performances throughout the 3-hour event.
- The Savannah-based reggae-rock-electronica unit Passafire plans at least one set. Passafire is in town recording a sophomore album at Long Island Recording prior to a national tour.- Also planning a set: Razor's Edge, a new local rock group formed among students at Henry Clay.
- With the support of the Keeneland Foundation, LexArts and Long Island Recording, Lexjam will debut its new concert-grade sound system complete with mics, monitors, equalizers and effects. In addition, Lexjam provides a full drum kit (DW), two keyboards (Hammond B3 and Triton 88), a bass amp (SRW) and a guitar amp (Fender Twin Reverb.)
- Organizers have devised a new sign-in approach, asking players to designate their levels of expertise (beginner, intermediate or experienced). This will enable improved balance on-stage. New rules include designating a leader prior to launching a tune. The leader is responsible for making sure all understand the structure and key of the tune about to be performed.
We're constantly tweaking, striving to develop an event that encourages the performance of music and is fun for all while making a statement about street life in downtown Lexington.
Hope you can help us spread the word.
And by all means, drop by!
Thanks,
Tom Martin
August 6, 2007
- Lexjam now sports its own website - www.lexjam.com
- A new sign-in sheet asks players to designate themselves "B"(beginner), "I" (intermediate) or "E" (experienced.) This helps us maintain a good mix on-stage. And before each tune launches, a leader is designated. This person makes sure everyone knows the key, chord changes and tempo. All are asked to watch the leader for cues.
- Players (other than keys and drums) are urged to tune before playing.
- Full bands are welcome. Bands are provided 20-minute sets and are encouraged to jam with others before and/or after they perform as groups. If time allows, they may be offered opportunities to play second 20-minute sets.
Thanks to all the sponsors: Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, Keeneland Foundation, Lexington's Real Estate Company and others who have made this possible.
April 2007
Local Bassist Tom Covello’s Thoughts on LexJam: “I was down for the last one with John Knight and Orville Hammond and had a blast. They have everything there: amps, drums, keyboards (including a Hammond B-3 and TWO leslies...eeeesh!) All you need to bring is yourself and your favorite ax! This is for all styles of music, blues, rock, jazz ...anything we want to play! It is totally free and open to the public. You will be asked to sign up for a slot when you arrive, so see the person, get out your axe, and get ready to jam! This is a wonderful opportunity for all local musicians to get to know one another musically and personally, no matter what level of player you are! Please come on down April 14th, Saturday afternoon, at 2-5 pm. Let's play!”
This line is hidden by CSS - Please edit everything ABOVE.