We were up in the Sunflower Room on the 3rd floor this month, instead of scaring patrons away with our caterwaulin’ in the Cottonwood Room by the front door. Long time no see to our friend Ernie (aka Minnie the Moocher)
Lots of original tunes and collaborations this month. Tom brought some harmonica’s along, and we just about wore him out asking him to join our tunes around the room.
Our ‘going around the room playing one at a time’ style of playing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I thought I’d pass along some other sessions that happen around town.
There’s a Bluegrass Jam in the Library’s Willow Room on the SECOND Saturday every month, from 1-3pm. Everybody plays, and they take turns with calling out songs and solos (should you be so inclined). Banjos, mandos, even the occasional stand up bass show up, along with geetars.
At the Lincoln Theater on Central, they have Open Mic Night every Thursday, starting around 7pm. I hear you can sign up, play up to three tunes, and jam with other folks if you want.
The Senior Center on East Pershing has just started a weekly jam on Wednesday mornings at 9am. The tune and chords are projected on a screen, everybody plays and sings along as they are able. This is a great way to learn new tunes, and even though less than a month in is drawing a good crowd.
Then there’s the Sunday jam at the Bunkhouse, out on Happy Jack Road. They start around 1pm. Again, everybody (that wants to) plays, takes a lick, etc. Everyone is welcome.
I’m sure there are others out there, but if you’d like more info on any of these give me a ping and I’ll put you in touch with someone that knows the ropes.
Playlist for June 2026
Tom Downey, ‘Brother In Arms’, Dire Straits.
Keith Blaney, ‘Confused’, original.
Rich Ryan, ‘OverKill’, Colin Hay.
Ernie Brazzale, ‘Minnie the Moocher’, Cab Calloway.
Roger Stearns, ‘Long Gone Lonesome Blues’, Hank Williams.
Matt Potter, ‘Remembering’, Ashley Campbell.
Ken Frederick, ‘Happy Birthday To Me’, original.
Robin LeBlanc, ‘Daddy of ‘Em All’, original.
Bill Kappele & Gary Kraus, ‘Til You Can’t’, Cody Johnson.
Jordan Evans, ‘Mick and Joe’, Chris Acker.
Ed Heffern, ‘Don Quixote’, Gordon Lightfoot.
Steve Gilmore, ‘Please Don’t Bury Me’, John Prine.
Tom, ‘Minor Swing in D’, original (maybe).
Keith, ‘The Big Empty’, original.
Tom, Keith, & Nancy McKenzie, ‘Hey Good Lookin’, Hank Williams.
Rich, ‘Behind Blue Eyes’, Pete Townsend/The Who.
Ernie, ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’, George & Ira Gershwin.
Roger, ‘Don’t Rock The Jukebox’, Alan Jackson.
Matt, ‘Hurt’, Trent Reznor (Johnny Cash cover)
Ken, ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, George Harrison.
Robin, ‘Boots on a Fence Post’, original.
Bill & Gary, ‘Guardian Angels & Spirit Guides’, Gary original.
Jordan, ‘Creep’, Radiohead.
Ed, ‘In My Life’, Beatles.
Steve, ‘Zen Gospel Singing’, (acappella), Mark Graham.
In case you didn’t notice, LOTS of great pictures this month! Muchos Gracias to Nancy and Jordan; this would be pretty flat and boring without our photo journalists.