Musicians welcome at Yorkville jam
By Erika Wurst ewurst@stmedianetwork.com January 2, 2013 2:16PM
Stefanie Nelson,left, Nate DeMont and Mark DeMont celebrate the opening of DeMont Guitars at 131 E. Hydraulic Ave., in Yorkville last fall. The guitar store now is sponsoring an acoustic night in downtown Yorkville. | File Photo
Acoustic Open Jam
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday
Where: River City Roasters Coffee, 131 E. Hydraulic Ave., Yorkville
Information: Visit https://www.facebook.com/demontguitars or call 347-433-6668
Updated: February 4, 2013 2:46PM
YORKVILLE — Local musicians are invited to leave the chilly, winter garage jam sessions behind on Friday, and head to downtown Yorkville for DeMont Guitars’ first-ever community acoustic jam.
Shop owner Nate DeMont will be hosting the event in conjunction with River City Roasters Coffee, and the two are collaborating to bring musicians together in a relaxed atmosphere where players of all-ages can rock-out together.
“Some people might be a little too nervous to play on stage somewhere,” DeMont said. “Here, there’s no pressure. If someone can just pick up a guitar and play with others, they’re more likely to do it. It’s more for fun than it is for show.”
DeMont won’t call it an open mic night, or even a concert. Instead, he wants the evening to be an opportunity for musicians to mingle, drink some coffee, have some food, and enjoy each other’s company.
“It’s not a bar, so it’s family friendly,” he said of the River City Roasters location, which abuts his Yorkville shop. “People won’t have a time slot they have to fill. People won’t be standing around looking at you. It will be more fun, and relaxed.”
Musicians without acoustic instruments are welcome to borrow one from his store, DeMont said. But participants are also welcome to bring in the acoustic instrument of their choice.
“People always have these little jams at their houses, why not have bigger one? Why not have it at a real place, not in a basement somewhere,” DeMont said. “When musicians meet at shows, they just listen to each other play. This is a good opportunity to meet other musicians and play along with them, and you don’t get to do that a lot of the time. “
DeMont said he hopes to host the event once a month, depending on how Friday night plays out.
The jam session will go from 6 to 8 p.m. at 131 E. Hydraulic Ave., in downtown Yorkville. For information, call 347-433-6668, or visit www.facebook.com/DeMontGuitars
