Hey Jon,

I'd PM you but you are signed in as a Guest and do you have any idea how many Jon's there are in the list to pick from? LOL

   In any case, I just wanted to mention that the particular group I was speaking of is cold to most new folks. I only went the one time but I have heard from others that the type of behavior I observed was typical. I arrived early at the jam and went in to inquire about what kind of music they played, etc. I didn't even take my instrument in the building. The attitude I received was snotty and incredibly unwelcoming. I did not ask to lead any songs or anything like that at all. I hadn't even told these people what instrument I play. I decided that maybe they were having an off day and decided to sit and listen. I'm not interested in showing off or running the show...I just wanted to play.

    I'm a bit shy around new folks so I thought perhaps it was me...but having heard others having the same experience, I'm sure it is just as cliquey as I felt it to be.

   I have attended other jams in the area. One of them was open to EVERYBODY and if it was your first time playing or your 10,001st time playing, the people were encouraging and we usually had a grand time. The easier songs were played earlier in the evening and then progressed as the night went on. If there was something you couldn't play, didn't know or were just plain tired of playing, that was fine too. It was informal and fun.

Michelle