Come Jam with Us!

Looking for an opportunity to showcase your musical talents? We’ve got just the right scene for you. The Idaho Blues Society hosts a monthly blues jam the last Sunday of each month*, 1-5 p.m., at Watson’s Mystery Café, 8001 W. Fairview, Boise.

* Except December

Musicians and music enthusiasts of all ages are welcome! Watson’s offers drinks and tasty pub food.

Jams feature a host band that plays a short set at the open and close of the jam. (Band leaders, see below to learn how to become a host band.) 

Jammers, to ensure the jam goes smoothly and all interested musicians have an opportunity to play, please follow these guidelines:

  • Arrive early. Doors open at 12 noon. Sign up upon arrival. Print (please!) your name, instrument, and email on the sign-up sheet. Jam bands are assigned on a first come-first served basis. The earlier you sign up, the better the chance you’ll get to play, maybe more than once.
  • Bring your instrument, cables, and pedal board only. The backline will be provided by the Idaho Blues Society, the host band, and Watson’s. This includes sound equipment and sound tech, drum kit, guitar/keyboard/harmonica amps, keys, and microphones. Please do not bring your own amp.
  • Follow the jam director. The director is responsible for placing musicians into jam bands, designating the order in which bands play, managing the band transitions so they are quick and efficient, keeping bands on schedule, helping with onstage cues, and addressing tech or volume control issues.
  • Be ready to play. Jam bands are assigned to play in the order in which musicians arrive. If a band is not ready to play at the time called or a member is missing, the band will be moved to the next available time or the band may choose to play with a substitute for the missing player.
  • Adhere to time limit. Our jams are popular! To ensure everyone gets a chance to play, each group is limited to 3 songs (potentially 2 depending on the number of jammers wanting to play) and/or 15 minutes on stage. Please do not exceed allotted time.
  • Have fun! The jams are a great venue to display your musical talents and meet fellow blues musicians. Come jam with us!

Participants and attendees will be requested (not required) to contribute $5 toward the cost of paying the host band and to help support the Idaho Blues Society’s community outreach programs, such as Blues in the Schools, Youth Scholarships, and Instrument Repair and Donations.

Host Bands Wanted

The Idaho Blues Society is seeking host bands who will be showcased at the jam. Host bands play a 30-minute set at the beginning and end of the jam and are responsible for helping to provide the backline as well as filling in to complete jam bands as needed. Host bands may offer their CDs and other marketing materials for sale to jam attendees.

Host bands are required to play blues music. Prior to selection, the Idaho Blues Society will review the potential host band’s performance of at least one blues song via CD, Facebook or YouTube post, or other means of demonstrating the band’s musical ability. New bands must submit an intended playlist as well. Application does not ensure selection.

To apply, email the name of your band and contact information to idahobluessociety@gmail.com.