The Machine House Brewing Bluegrass Jam is every Wednesday from 7pm to 9:30pm in Hillman City (5718 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118). The jam is all ages and skill levels. Outlander Progressive Bluegrass Social Club members get $1 off per drink - just show your membership card to the bartender!!
Check out the Jam page here
https://mattcbruno.com/machine-house-brewery-jam/ for additional details including:
+ The Song of the Week charts and recordings - this is a song I pre-call every week
+ Spotify & Strum Machine playlists with songs we've called
+ List of songs called at previous jams (along with keys and frequency)
If you are new to bluegrass jams, please read up on jam etiquette before coming down
https://mattcbruno.com/jam-etiquette/. Also here's some charts
https://mattcbruno.com/bluegrass-jam-charts-and-lyrics/.
Also, check out the Spotify Playlist of songs we've called -
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68Z0DGcsdgrTgECrT3BbNh
General FAQ
1. I'm a new / beginner bluegrass player, can I join?
Yes! Provided you can play rhythm chords for basic songs on your instrument, you can most likely participate just fine. We don't have many rules, but please review the Jam Etiquette page before the jam as you'll be expected to follow these. Also, it's a good idea to know the Nashville Numbering System as many tunes are called by number (i.e. 1 4 5 in G).
2. Are non-bluegrass songs allowed?
Yes and no. This is a bluegrass jam, so all songs must be played in a bluegrass way. Songs from other genres are allowed but they must be played like a bluegrass song and not be a jam buster. As awesome as bluegrass Steely Dan is, this isn't the right venue for playing those songs. The host may veto any song at their discretion. Please don't be upset if song gets vetoed. It's not anything personal - just trying to keep the jam bluegrass and friendly.
3. Can I play an original song?
If your original is a bluegrass song that is easy to follow, yes - however this is not an open mic night and the host may veto originals. Best to ask before you start.
4. Is there a cost for the jam?
Nope. Free to all, but please remember to support the venue. That means buying beer, tipping the bartender etc. Also, buying the host a beer is considered proper etiquette 🙂
5. I'm not comfortable leading songs, can I still join?
Of course! You don't have to lead if you're not comfortable yet - but it's always encouraged! When the jams are larger, you'll be asked to sit in the "outer circle". If you're looking for tunes to learn, check out my chart page.
6. Can I use sheet music or chord charts?
Sure you can! If you do bring charts, make sure they aren't in the way of others (i.e. music stands are not ideal). That said, it's always a good idea to be able to play without charts when possible - so I'd encourage you to memorize instead.
7. Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Feel free to bring your pup! Quoia the Bluegrass Dog frequents the jams already 😉
8. I don't drink, can I still come?
Of course - just means more for me! I'd encourage you to still provide a tip for the bartender (and, maybe get a beer for the host too!)
9. Can under 21 folks come?
Yes! This is an all ages jam.
10. What if I hate the song of the week (or just didn't learn it)?
You're not required to play on any tune - so if you don't like it, just sit out or get a beer. No hard feelings. Same goes for any song / tune you don't like. The host is the only one allowed to veto any called song / tune and they may do so at their discretion.
11. Does Machine House Brewery have food?
No but you can bring your own. If there's enough interest, we'll try to book a food truck too. Let the host know if you want food there.
If you have any questions about the jam, just message me 🙂
#southseattle #hillmancity #seattlebluegrass #bluegrassseattle #bluegrassjam
Also check out other Workshops in Seattle, Music events in Seattle, Food & Drink events in Seattle.
