About The Slo-Jam

Walt Richards, the principal force behind the Slo Jam, giving a short talk at the start of the February 2004 Meeting.

The Slo-Jam began meeting in 1985 at the New Expression music store in North Park, San Diego. After the first two Fridays, it was apparent that a bigger space would be needed. With the help of Teri Cox who researched available sites, the Slo-Jam moved to the North Park Recreation Center. In 1989 the group moved to the San Carlos Recreation Center - its current location.

From the very beginning, Walt's vision for the Slo-Jam was to bring musicians who sing and play acoustic instruments together with other singer/players for an opportunity to play in small groups, to participate in creating arrangements, and to practice performing skills.

For the past 19 years, that is just what has been happening. Many of the original participants still look forward to getting together on the third Friday of the month to see which songs will be done and how each group will present them.

At this point, "Slo"-Jam is somewhat of a misnomer. At its inception, one of the goals was to have an opportunity to play some of the standard bluegrass songs (that seem to go by at lightning speed during most jam sessions) at a more reasonable pace for those just developing their technical skills. In recent years there has been a change, even in bluegrass circles, as to the songs one might expect to hear. The old standards have been supplemented, and in some cases supplanted, by newer sounds and chord structures.

And the Slo-Jam itself has evolved. In its current format, any musical genre (as long as acoustic in nature and not controversial in tone) may be presented by the group leader. One never knows what type of song (from blues to folk to . . . .) their group will be arranging. And many who attend regularly are already experienced players and singers with the ability to add strength to their group's performance.

One of the special delights of participation in the Slo-Jam has been to watch individuals gain skills and performing confidence; even learn new instruments. Even more special is to hear groups that have developed from Slo-Jam contacts that are now performing in various venues in the community.

Many people have helped make the continuation of this unique gathering possible.

Walt Richards is the Friday night facilitator. But the "show" does not go on without each month's three volunteer song leaders. All participants are encouraged to take the opportunity to be a leader. Greg Gross has attended many of the Recreation Board meetings that help secure our time and space at the facility. Teri Cox had done this for years before Greg took over. And of course there are the many regular participants, who show up most third Fridays, who give the group its sense of continuity and community.

Dane Terry helps out by leading meetings when Walt is not available. He does a great job keeping to the format of the meetings and guiding the participants in the process.

Greg Gross is another valuable asset to the Slojam. He does a lot of hard work behind the scenes and often helps out on short notice. His efforts are greatly appreciated.