Sons of Hermann Hall Electric Campfire Acoustic Jam

The Electric Campfire Acoustic Jam is a Sons of Hermann Hall tradition started by Ranger Randell Fields of the Texas Music Connection. The only thing electric is the campfire! All acoustic instruments and player skill levels are welcome.

The Electric Campfire Acoustic Jam is great fun but don't just take our word for it. Follow this link to read a Dallas Morning News story about the jam. Be sure to watch the video too!

In June of 1994 Ranger Randell organized a group of local pickers and singer/songwriters to play an early evening all acoustic jam at the Sons of Hermann Hall. He threw down some tapestry rugs, circled up a half dozen chairs, set up guitar stands, and invited performers to join the circle. Pickers and listeners loved it and the circle began to grow. With the addition of an electric campfire in 1997 the circle was complete but continues to grow. New folks join the regulars every Thursday evening starting at 7:00 PM.

How about you? We'll save you a chair!

This is an open space rather than an open mic and everyone is welcome. Each week you will find musicians of all levels from beginner to professional. All acoustic instruments and all styles of music are welcome so you never know what you'll hear. Love to sing but can't play? Don't let that stop you. There is a good chance someone will know your song but if not we love a capella too.

Whether you are an accomplished musician, a back porch picker, just bought your first instrument, or just curious and want to see how it's done please join us on Thursday. Smoking is allowed in the bar and the other rooms are non-smoking. The beer is ice cold and the Hall runs drink specials all evening. You never know who's going to be there but you'll always hear some great music, meet some great people, and have lots of fun.

Never been to a jam before? It's easy! Here is some simple etiquette to keep things rolling along:

The Electric Campfire Acoustic Jam is not an open mic night. We're here to share a song and support one another. Please leave competitive impulses at home.

When your turn comes perform one song and then acknowledge the next performer around the circle. Everybody gets a turn and you can pass if you'd rather just play along. If you are not sure how to join the circle, stand just outside and watch. Chances are you will be asked to join before the next song.

Any performer who wants to play or sing is welcome regardless of skill level or genre. Please respect other performers and their taste in music. Let respect and good taste be your guide when choosing material to perform.

Many performers encourage others to play along. Please do so if you can follow the song in a way that compliments the performer. If you are unsure, do what the pro's do: play softly. Solo during another's performance only when asked.

Be gracious and generous about sharing your skills and knowledge. Everyone was a beginner once and there is no greater good than helping a fellow musician grow.

Listen to another's performance without interruption. If you must speak during a song do so softly or quietly leave the circle for conversation. Please mute your cell phone!

Help us show the Sons of Hermann Hall how much we appreciate them sharing their beautiful home with us. Please pick up bottles, cups, and trash and leave the campfire cleaner than you found it.

We want to accommodate everyone so smoking is allowed in the bar only. Please do not smoke in the hallways or any of the other rooms.

For anything else, apply the Golden Rule. Please show others the kindness and respect you would like shown you and everyone will have a splendid evening.

Don't you dare sit home alone this Thursday! Come on out to the Sons of Hermann Hall. Share your talent and join us for a song, a laugh, and one heck of a good time. We'll save you a seat 'round the ol' campfire!

The Electric Campfire Acoustic Jam happens every Thursday evening beginning at 7:00 PM at the Sons of Hermann Hall.

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This site was last updated December 16, 2008