I have attended old time jams many times over the years, and alas, did not often feel welcome even on the fringes. In fact, even as a fairly decent guitar player, I could not keep up with the 'galloping guitars' and just had to sit it out. I love hearing the music but want to be able to participate, but I don't play if I feel I'm 'holding people up'. So if anyone hears of a local, or even regional slow jam, either in NYC or even NJ, or wants to try forming one, please let me (us) know.

(I don't mean to start an argument here, but I sometimes think the spirit of old time music is lost in some of our local jams- in the south, people have an almost innate sense of courtesy and make sure 'newbies' have a place in the circle. . A Florida friend of mine seems to have no problem finding slow jams, but I hope I don't have to travel that far to find one)