Monday Night Jam Session: Why so popular?
Jam session photo by Dean Opie
What: Monday Night Jam Session
Where: Todd Tavern, Alice Springs
Sponsor: Alice Springs Desert Music Club
I attended the Monday night jam session on 23 July 2012 with a mission: Discover why people – in large numbers – keep rocking up? What makes this weekly event so special? Special enough for say 100-150 people to “woolly-up” on a cold Alice evening, leave their warm houses and then make the trek down to the Todd Tavern?
I figured the best way to find out is to ask.
So I did.
“Hey John!” I said in a surprised voice. John is an amazing guitar player and has been performing locally for years. I remember watching him play maybe ten years ago at a pub in the Todd Mall where he showed off his handy guitar work.
“Glad you to see you down here!” I continued.
How do you get your “creative” on in the Alice?
”Hey, Dave, you play guitar right?” Asked Andrew.
“Yeah.” I replied,
Andrew continued, “Are you playing tonight?”
“Yup. I wrote my name up on the board. I’m gonna do this thing.” I said with a bit of pride in my voice.
Andrew continued, “Well, I know a violin player who’s looking for a guitar player. I’ll introduce you.”
And then he disappeared into the crowd.
I stood there wondering where this was going …
It’s a Monday night at the Todd Tavern. About, 8pm and the place is crawling with “creative” characters. Musicians and music fans revelling in the supportive, upbeat, “can-do” spirit permeating the room. Monday night at the Todd Tavern is special. You see, it’s a time set asside for musicians and music fans to come together and jam. Come together and put on your “creativity cap.” Have a go. Get up on stage and do your thing. And, such a platform allows for some very interesting and fun combinations. I was about to experience this first hand!
“So, you’re a guitar player.” She asked.
My Rule of Three Story …
Remember the Rule of Three says – essentially – to call three times. It says you have to make 3 calls to get the answer you’re looking for. If you stop at call number 1 or 2 you’re finished.
So, for your reading enjoyment, here’s my Rule of Three story …
Call Number 1 (morning)
“I’m calling to pick up my car.” I said to the lady on the phone. It’s early 1991 on a Friday and we’re in Los Angeles, California returning from my overseas Air Force assignment in Australia.
“Let me check here Lt Ives. Hmmm. You’re car is still on a boat somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. Not due in for another month or so. Call us back in a month to check again.” Came the amazing reply.
My mind started racing. ”Call in a month? What is she talking about? I have to report to my next duty station in Ohio. That means I’ll have to go all the way back to Los Angeles to pick up the car then drive it back! Or pay to have it shipped from LA!”
“But, we sent the vehicle early from Australia. It should have come in weeks ago. How could it not be there?” I pleaded.
“Sorry, we don’t have it. Call back in a month. Bye.” She finished the conversation.
Call Number 2 (late morning)
What is the rule of three?
3 is a powerful number!
I learned about the rule of three this morning while reading Rick Otton’s great new book called “How to buy a house for a Dollar.”
It turns out I already knew about the rule of three. Or should I clarify, I already experienced it. I wasn’t aware there was such a rule but as I read about it this morning it reminded me of an experience I had many years ago where I applied it.
You see, the rule of three is an action rule. You put it into play. It’s not a rule you hang up on the wall and admire. It’s one you apply. And, when you apply it, you get wonderful results. After all, that’s why it’s called a “rule!” It gets the title because it works. Why does it work … I’ll leave that for the scholars. But, I know from direct experience that it does.
By the way, in case your interested, here’s the rule of three as stated by Rick in his book on page 62.
The solution to the US economic crisis!
The US Treasury. Going, going ...
Thanks Mom!
I can always count on my Mom. She’s generally always right. And, I think this time is no exception.
You see, she seems to have found the answer to the US economic crisis. Yes, that’s right; the solution. Solved. Done. Dusted. No worries.
How did she find it?