Rick, I know the frustration whereof you speak concerning the Country Music Store's weekly jam sessions. I go there about once every couple of months, and there are one or two individuals who are quite oblivious to any kind of musical etiquette, one of them, recently, starting a song while facing 3 or 4 players with his back turned to the other 6 or 7 of us. From past experience I know it's futile to discuss anything with this insensitive lout as his opinions are fixed and immovable.

I continue to go there because there are some good players, and the occasional magical moments when some new and wonderful people turn up. In addition, they do tend to be democratic and ensure that everyone present has a turn. There are even times when some will sing along and add harmonies.

As to having 'private' sessions, I see nothing elitist or wrong with that. By some definitions a jam session or song circle is open to everyone, and we have no control over who shows up, but we also have gatherings in which we invite only those we wish to be with because they have become friends, and these are not wide open.