Making connections through the power of music.

by Johnny Certo

My stomach migrated up my throat and my hands shook as I sat down with my mandolin. I tried my best to keep up, but I was clearly outclassed. The group — half a dozen toe-tapping musicians with banjos, a stand-up bass, a mandolin, a guitar, and a set of harmonicas — were patient, though, and every Thursday they taught me the ways of the open jams. I learned when to harmonize, how to lead a jam, and how to designate solos. Within a few months I had found a new passion — one that I could not get enough of.  I not only felt connected to the music, but to a group of people whom I barely knew before.

Since I moved  to Bozeman, I’ve found several locations around town that provide the same opportunity to jam. One of my favorites, Pub 317,  holds an old-time bluegrass session every Tuesday starting at 7:30 pm.  Playing here is exciting because the elevated stage allows you to see your whole audience from front to back — it’s as if you got hired to do the gig.  This is a popular place and many musicians bring their talent, but that shouldn’t deter you from picking up your 6-string and jumping up on stage. My first time playing here, the enthusiasm of the crowd and the energy of our makeshift band swept aside my nerves and anxiety. A combination of the ambiance of the bar, the jive of the dancers, and the encouragement from my fellow jammers swept through my body and made me feel confident and alive.

Also consider checking out the Eagles Lodge every Wednesday and the last Saturday of the month at 9pm for their open-mic night. Regardless of one’s skill and familiarity with instruments, it’s a great place to practice in front of an exuberant crowd. The stage sits adjacent to a large dance floor often populated by swing-dancing couples. You’ll be amazed at how the simple act of playing music invigorates people (yourself included) and allows them to connect with those who would otherwise remain strangers.

The Haufbrau puts on three open-mic nights per week: Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, all at 10pm.  Stop by and sign up for a chance to showcase your talents or just practice in front of a very tolerant crowd. Playing here is an excellent way to make new friends and meet musicians who are just looking for a chance to practice in front of an audience. The bar is  also frequented by local musicians — you may just find yourself playing alongside a hometown favorite.

So grab a guitar,  banjo, or even a tambourine and find people to play with.  Head downtown in search of an open-mic or gather a few friends on your front porch. Create the music that makes you sing, dance, and forget your cares. Whether it’s a quick session with your roommates between classes, or an extended set with the locals at Pub 317, the music you’ll create will provide an avenue through which the worries and troubles of the outside world are blown away.