There are lots of music jams happening on a weekly basis. The more well known ones are held at service clubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Yet, there are a few that are under the radar. One such jam is held in the Activity Room of a downtown 55+community condo building. The jam occurs every Monday afternoon. It is run by Jake.
Jake and his cohorts play a mix of bluegrass, country and popular songs from around the 1940s through the early 1960s. Around 15 people show up. On this day there were many varieties of guitars (electric and acoustic) and two banjos.
Those who come to enjoy the tunes end up adding to the ambience by singing along to the songs that they knew. Generally, the musicians take turns with the lead on specific songs and the others join in. Jake told me that he has been doing a jam since 1984!
Some of my favourite tunes played were “In My Next Life” by Merle Haggard, “Ghost Riders in the Sky” by Stan Jones (recorded by many). I can’t forget “Hello Mary Lou” made famous by Ricky Nelson in 1961. Everybody sang along to this one.
This jam gives musicians a chance to play music and interact with their peers. Audience members say that this is one of their most enjoyable activities that happens in their community.
Some of my favourite tunes played were a cover of “In My Next Life” by Merle Haggard, “Ghost Riders in the Sky” by Stan Jones (recorded by many). I can’t forget “Hello Mary Lou” made famous by Ricky Nelson in 1961. Everybody sang along to this one. This jam gives musicians a chance to play music and interact with their peers. Audience members say that this is one of their most enjoyable activities that happens in their community.
In the same area, the Kamloops Farmer’s Market continues and there are plenty of late season vegetables, baking, coffee, honey and even some meat and alcohol products. Of course there is still some live music. Cary entertained the strolling shoppers with a few tunes on his violin, adding a nice touch to a cloudy but pleasant morning.
The outdoor Kamloops Farmer’s Market ends on October 28, 2026 for the Wednesday market and October 31, 2026 for the Saturday market.
