Since I live in Tallahassee, I was real interested in hearing about this group....even though you're 5 hours away.

What was especially interesting to me in reading this whole thread was seeing the evolution of the sessions from friendly, open, accepting to one where a small, practiced group powerhoused out some of the others.

I noticed that happening to the group I attended in town, too. I'm not new to the music biz, but I'm new to the conventions of a jam/pick-up session, so I didn't really know what to do or expect.

While I can keep up with most folks on the rhythm guitar or upright bass, I can't do it (yet) with my mando which I'm still quite a novice at. It was pretty clear that my little chop chords wouldn't be much good/appreciated. It just wasn't friendly - it's billed "open" seesion but it really wasn't. It certainly wasn't inclusive-feeling. I mean, everybody whaled away at the same time, but there was not a real feeling of joy or inclusion by the purported session leader which lightly poisoned the session - not completely poisoned it.... I love playing too much.

Sounds like what happened here is consistent with your experiences.
If I get down that way, I'll look you early-timers up.
Not tamale, but maybe soon....

Martha