Why this belongs here
Some venues are great to perform in. They have great sound, great food, or great beer. They have a spectacular view, or are in the middle of everything. But not every venue has a community associated with it. And even those that do, don't always keep it forever.
The Pioneer Saloon in Woodside was home to a blues jam for the better part of a decade. I learned the important of learning the shuffle. I learned how to lay low and play the song. I learned that drummers can steal the show in many different ways. I also learned what not to do when you're unclear of expectations onstage.
Many important lessons, all thanks to the blues community that adored the spirit of live music. It wasn't the room, or even just the artists. It was a combination of art and spectator that made it a special place.
Every Sunday, from 4-9pm. Rain or shine, the blue jam would go on. I met so many important contacts at that jam. Bassists, Guitarists. Singers, Drummers. Keyboardists. Fans. It was a powerful time of networking for me as I grew my skills and repertoire.
It was friendly. It was snarky. It was messy. But it was real. People who had no prior connection found connection at the Pio. And people didn't really care if you had a good or bad showing. They just wanted to celebrate music and each other.
It was a formative time in my musical development. And I was thankful to be part of that community.