Women Musicians Take Center Stage at the Clam Jam

Gina DeLuca and Rachel Hall host an all female jam at The Point in Fell's  called The Clam Jam.

"Our goal at The Clam Jam is to provide a supportive environment for female musicians of all levels of experience," DeLuca said.  

The Clam Jam is held every Tuesday from 8 p.m. until midnight, at The Point in Fell's, 1738 Thames St., Baltimore, MD.

DeLuca is a rock and blues singer-songwriter, born and raised in Baltimore.  She has released two CDs called Angel with Dirty Wings and Blue Eyed Soul. 

Gina recently was interviewed by me.  Here are excerpts:

Tully:  What is the Clam Jam? 

DeLuca:  The Clam Jam is an all female open jam. The ladies can bring their own instruments, play solo or with others. If they just sing, that's welcome too. Between Rachel Hall and I, we can play around 800 songs.

Tully:  What is the format for the Clam Jam?  For example, is there a three song limit per performer?  Or are performances based on time?  Or, is it literally a "jam session," where anyone can get up and perform with anyone else, at any time?

DeLuca:  We are very fluid at the Clam Jam.  Sometimes, we all jam together, sometimes it's more like an open mic when we get a lot of singer/songwriters.  Sometimes there are poets who come in and do their thing over the music.  Every week is different than the last.  We try not to be rigid.  If it's a slow night, we don't put a limit on how long one can play.

Tully:  Much like Sheryl Crow, you seem to be able to keep the focus on your music while still adding a subtle dose of sexuality.  Do you think women rockers have a tougher time then men do when it comes to expressing their sexuality? For example, if Gene Simmons of Kiss, wages his tongue on stage, it some how seems to convey a message of potency or whatever.  But if Madonna wags her tongue, people tend to see it as a sign that she is a whore or some other negative image.  Or is this all an old issue that women have been able to get past?  (This is an above boards interview, so please don't answer that question if it makes you feel uncomfortable.)  

DeLuca:  It's going to take a bigger question than that to make me blush! It's a very valid and important question. A Lot of women struggle to find that balance of Lady and Tramp. Both come naturally to me (laughs), i.e., I've never flashed anyone...but I'll tell you a joke so dirty you'll feel like you're going to go to hell just for hearing it.

To read the rest of the interview with Gina DeLuca, please visit:

http://www.examiner.com/culture-events-in-baltimore/women-musicians-take-center-stage-at-the-clam-jam

Check out the Youtube video for Gina's song "Good Life of a Bad Girl".