Old Guy Jamming with friends

Although a meet-up sound very informal and more like friends just playing together which is what I would assume.  I’m of the opinion take what you have, don’t buy anything new, and show up expecting to play, but if you don’t have what is needed then just listen and learn.  They will likely tell you what is needed.  Even if they play amplified and you don’t, play anyway; they won’t hear you, but you will at least be able to figure out how you fit in and will be more prepared for the next meet-up.  I don’t think you will be voted off the island if you don’t have the right equipment on your first meet-up.

If this is more of a Jam Session, then see David’s Level 6 lessons on how to prepare for a Jam Session.  https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/performance_training_study_4_jam_session

Do think ahead of time of safety.  Example, you probably wouldn’t barrow someone else’s harmonica, but would you want to breath in/out in someone else’s microphone?  And just in case you haven’t heard we have this minor illness going around called Covid, so you are going to be setting around with other exchanging as much air with one another as humanly possible?

Have fun and learn.

Brian in Tennessee

Inky:

These days, Brian's "safety" advice is well taken. It's been over 600 days since I've been together with a longtime weekly trad jazz group (aside from harmonica the instruments I play include 4-string plectrum banjo). We're all around your age, all vaccinated and boosted, but not comfortable gathering indoors inhaling air from the clarinet, tuba, trombone and cornet players until all of our grandchildren become eligible for vaccination.

And re the Meetup group, don't be dissapointed if it doesn't turn out to work for you. I've been less than happy with those few musical Meetup groups I've met up with in the past. Social media isn't perhaps the best way to share where folks' musical interests are coming from. Don't be bashful about any potential "pro-am" blues jams in clubs or bars that may be within easy driving distance. If you find one or more, you can first check them out. E.g., are backline amps provided? How does the host place newcomers? What sorts of songs are most popular and most likely to be called out on the bandstand? Even if all equipment is provided, however, at some point you'll want your own mic (and cable, and possibly impedence matching adaptors), as even before COVID, players were justifiably wary of cold, flu and other bugs being introduced to their personal mics. The most important thing, however, is that it seems that at most jams, absolute beginners are made to feel welcome. The pros and experienced amateurs who show up all started as beginners, and know what it's like. And the audience members who have no idea how to play any musical instrument all think that anyone who can blow two or three clean notes on a harp is Little Walter.