Young Musicians Jam Night Fosters a Sense of Community

Young musicians in Takoma Park now have a place to jam and meet-up with local peers.

Takoma Groove Camp is hosting the Young Musicians Jam Night on Saturday in order to help young musicians foster “musical relationships,” according to Brian Weber, director of Takoma Groove Camp.

“I believe [Young Musicians Jam Night] is necessary because a lot of young musicians don't have the means to jam out and practice with other musicians,” Weber said in an email. “Maybe there isn't space in the house they live in or the parents just don't like the idea of loud music emanating up from the basement.”

Weber will personally provide drum sets, keyboards, microphones and stands, according to the event page. Attendees just have to bring their guitars, basses or any other portable instruments.    

The event is an extension to the summer music camp called Takoma Groove Camp. For a month in the summer, teen musicians get together for one-week sessions and write original music, jam and put on a concert at the end of the week, according to Weber.

“Jam Night is an opportunity for young, local musicians to meet in a safe, supervised environment where they can explore music with friends and other like-minded musicians and have fun,” Weber said in an email.

So far there have been an average of 15 musicians at each Young Musicians Jam Night, which was held monthly since January,  according to Weber.

The event lasts for three hours and there is no age limit, as often parents accompany their kids and jam with them as well, according to Weber.

Young Musicians Jam Night is held at Seekers Church in Takoma, Washington, DC.  To cover the costs of the facility, Weber asks that each participant pay $10.

However, family members who aren’t playing and those who just want to listen don’t have to pay the fee. 

Registration for Takoma Groove Camp is still open for the summer session.