All musicians invited to first ‘Tosa acoustic jam session

Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church will host the area’s first acoustic jam session on Dec. 12 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at 1529 Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, Wis.

While jam sessions are popular in southeastern Wisconsin, there are currently none in the Wauwatosa area. WAUMC is offering this musical performance opportunity as a community outreach effort and hopes it becomes a monthly event.

Participants are asked to bring a non-amplified acoustic instrument, such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, shaker or other portable percussion instrument and their voice. The one non-amplified exception is for electric bass guitars.

In addition, each person should bring five copies of lead sheets (words and chords) for songs he or she would like to play or sing. All types of acoustic music are acceptable, such as folk, bluegrass, gospel, light rock and country. The ideal song is either fairly familiar or has a basic chord structure and "roadmap" so that it can be learned quickly. Original music is encouraged.

Participants sit in a circle. Going around the circle, each person presents his or her song and everyone plays and sings along. 

Musicians are asked to call Bill Armstrong at 262-784-5491 with questions.

Parking is available behind the church on Underwood Avenue in either the ramp or surface lot. Enter the building through the most southwest door of the building just off the surface lot.