Fox Valley venues providing outlets for local musicians through open mic events, jam sessions

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

For St. Charles native Ryan Carney, one of the best things about being a musician is being able to collaborate with other musicians.

"I will play anything with anyone at the drop of a hat," he said. "There is no rehearsal required and you don't even have to tell me the key that you're playing in. When you are able to be artistic with other people, you are able to express yourself among others who love what you are expressing. It creates a brotherhood or a camaraderie amongst a very small group of people. It's like having a good idea and then somebody else expands on the goodness of that idea to create great ideas. And that is really I think what it's all about for musicians across the board."

Last April, Carney started the Fox Valley Jammers Club Facebook group as a way to connect musicians who want to participate in the open mic and open jam scene across the Fox Valley. To give thanks to those venues that host open mic and open jam events, Carney and fellow musician Izzy Kucera, who oversees the open jams at Bar Evolution in Batavia, will host a state-of-the-jam dinner party from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 5 at Pollyanna Brewing Company, 106 S. Riverside Ave. in downtown St. Charles.

"It's all about celebrating and giving thanks to all the hosts and venues across the Fox Valley for making the open mic/jam scene possible," said Carney, who when he is not playing with his fellow musicians, is selling homes in the Fox Valley as a Realtor. "In nine months, we've attracted over 700 members to our group. It's a very active and supportive group that continues to grow."

The event, which is free, will feature a food truck, raffle prizes and an open jam. While the idea behind open mic events and jam sessions is not new, he noted such events have grown in popularity the last few years.

He attributed that to musicians wanting to get out and perform again after being locked down during the height of the COVID pandemic.

"I think that a lot of people just sort of huddled up in their homes and worked on their craft," Carney said. "They either learned a new instrument or they improved where they were on their existing instrument. They were learning songs and they were writing songs. I think people were pretty energetic to finally get back out into the scene and present what they had worked on. They were proud of it. They had something to show for that time and they missed being with friends. They missed being social. We are social creatures and that was a huge void, especially amongst the artistic community."

The open mic and jam sessions are a way for musicians to showcase their talents. And the Fox Valley Jammers Club Facebook group is helping to bring those musicians together.

"This is a place of encouragement, it's a place for a like-minded community to come together and sort of find support amongst ourselves," he said. "It's not just about the musicians. The businesses that host these events are gaining new customers and they're getting new followers."

Take for example, Pollyanna Brewing Company in downtown St. Charles.

"Pollyanna has the most attended open jam on the scene right now by far," Carney said. "They could bring in over 100 people on any given Thursday night."

 

Carney has a master's degree in classical string bass performance. He enjoys taking his cello to new musical horizons.

Photo provided by Ryan Carney

 

"I sort of play cello like a lead guitar," he said. "It catches people off guard. It's fun to hear and see."

More information about the Fox Valley Jammers Club is available by going to the club's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/883646369373942.