IBS Blues Jams

Play the Blues

"If you don't know the blues...there's no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music."

Keith Richards (1943 - )

Rolling Stones Guitarist & Songwriter

Looking for an opportunity to showcase your musical talents? We’ve got just the right scene for you. Musicians and blues music fans of all ages are welcome to attend our monthly blues jams!

When:

Where:

Donation:

1 – 5 pm, the last Sunday of each month

   (except December)

Watson’s Mystery Café, 8001 W. Fairview, Boise

$5 per attendee

What Jammers Need to Know

These guidelines are provided to ensure the jam goes smoothly and all interested musicians have an opportunity to play.


  • Arrive early.
    Doors open at 12 noon. Sign up upon arrival. Print (please!) your name, instrument, and email on the sign-up sheet. Jam bands are assigned on a first come-first served basis. The earlier you sign up, the better the chance you’ll get to play, maybe more than once.
  • Bring your instrument, cables, and pedal board only.
    The backline will be provided by the Idaho Blues Society, the host band, and Watson’s. This includes sound equipment and sound tech, drum kit, guitar/keyboard/harmonica amps, keys, and microphones.
    Please do not bring your own amp.
  • Follow the jam director.
    The director is responsible for placing musicians into jam bands, designating the order in which bands play, managing the band transitions so they are quick and efficient, keeping bands on schedule, helping with onstage cues, and addressing tech or volume control issues.
  • Be ready to play.
    Jam bands are assigned to play in the order in which musicians arrive. If a band is not ready to play at the time called or a member is missing, the band will be moved to the next available time or the band may choose to play with a substitute for the missing player.
  • Know the basic blues progressions. 
    The 12-bar blues is a must, but also be ready for 8-bar and 16-bar blues.
  • Be aware of common keys. 
    Most jams will stick to E, A, G, C, and D.
  • Adhere to time limit.
    Our jams are popular! To ensure everyone gets a chance to play, each group is limited to 3 songs (potentially 2 depending on the number of jammers wanting to play) and/or 15 minutes on stage. Please do not exceed allotted time.
  • Don't overplay! 
    One of the most important rules of a jam is to listen and play what is appropriate for the moment. Don't solo over the vocals or step on another person's solo.
  • Have fun!
    The jams are a great venue to display your musical talents and meet fellow blues musicians. Come jam with us!


Classic Blues Songs We All Know and Love

Knowing the 12-bar blues progression is essential, but knowing the typical songs and their specific arrangements will make it much easier to jump in. Here are some of the most common blues tunes for a blues jam:


  • "Stormy Monday" -  T-Bone Walker, The Allman Brothers Band
    A popular one, but it's important to know that it has a different chord progression than a standard 12-bar blues song
  • "Sweet Home Chicago" - Robert Johnson, The Blues Brothers
    A classic, often played at a faster shuffle tempo
  • "The Thrill Is Gone" - B.B. King"
    A slow, minor blues with a very recognizable melody
  • "Crossroads" - Robert Johnson, Cream
    Often played in the rock-blues style of the Cream version
  • "Hoochie Coochie Man" - Muddy Waters
    Another Chicago blues staple with a well-known riff
  • "Born Under a Bad Sign" - Albert King
    A popular song with a distinctive, syncopated bass line
  • “Red House" - Jimi Hendrix
    A classic slow blues song
  • "Pride and Joy" - Stevie Ray Vaughan
    A high-energy Texas shuffle
  • "Mannish Boy" - Muddy Waters
    A powerful, swaggering blues tune with a simple, memorable riff
  • "Every Day I Have the Blues" - B.B. King, Count Basie
    A common 12-bar blues that is easy to jump into
  • "Key to the Highway" - Big Bill Broonzy, Eric Clapton
    Another tune with a non-standard 8-bar progression
  • "Got My Mojo Working" - Muddy Waters
    A driving, up-tempo blues standard
  • "Help Me" - Sonny Boy Williamson II
    A slow blues with a harmonica melody that is very recognizable


Host Bands Wanted

The Idaho Blues Society is seeking host bands who will be showcased at the jam. Host bands play a 30-minute set at the beginning and end of the jam and are responsible for helping provide the backline as well as filling in to complete jam bands as needed. Host bands may offer their CDs and other band merchandise for sale to jam attendees.


Note:   Host bands are required to play blues music.


Prior to selection, the Idaho Blues Society will review the potential host band’s performance of at least one blues song on the band's Facebook page, a YouTube post, or other means of demonstrating the band’s musical ability. Preference is given to IBS member bands. (Learn about the benefits of becoming an IBS Member Band and how to join.) New bands must submit an intended playlist as well. Application does not ensure selection.