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Acton Jazz Café

Upcoming Dates ?
Thu, Jan 08
Thu, Jan 15
Thu, Jan 22
Thu, Jan 29
Thu, Feb 05

Blues Jam
Every Thursday at 8:30pm

Hosted by BJ Magoon

452 Great Road
Acton, MA

978-263-6161

In 2009, there will be a rotation of hosts, including Tom Yates and Patrick (Hatrack) Gallagher, both of whom are tremendous musician/band leaders. BJ Magoon will continue to host the jam one Thursday per month. This is still the best blues jam in the Boston area, featuring a grand piano, a Hammond organ, a space for a horn section, amps set up for 2 guitarists, a full drum kit and a bass amp. And, the Acton Jazz Cafe is recognized as Downbeat Magazine's “100 Great International Jazz Clubs”. Get there early to sign up, say hello to Gwenn (the remarkably energetic club owner) and introduce yourself to the host of the evening. Newcomers are very welcome, and will always be supported by a solid band of regulars.

Fred Bement (12/2008)

Great Jam. Friendly people, nice litle club. I had a blast. BJ was a gracious host. He did not play "half the night" as was stated below. He played for 20 mins and then relinquished the stage for other talent. Nice Job BJ. Thanks for letting me play.

Michael Freestone (11/2008)

I love this jam too, been dropping in for about 10 years and I agree with the comments that it is the best jam in Mass, and it *is* an actual jam where the lineup will change by the song, mixing and matching.

The house band starts it and sometimes ends it, or members fill in if turnout is weak for a particular instrument, BJ definitely doesn't hog the show, but he is the host and does a good job (along with Mike, Chris, Herb, etc.) of getting things started and stopped.

It's cheap as a jam, only $5 to spectate, although the food is pricey I don't mind as I know it helps keep this venue in existence -- its location in the burbs under a bank doesn't give it many other opportunities to make cash during normal business hours.

The comment about possibly following a local high school kid is ridiculous, if you wanted to play with a set group of people and not ever get any diversity and meet new musicians you shouldn't be going to a jam. Regardless of age, some of the players are amazing, have been playing for years and work well with others and some are newer and get better each time they play. In my opinion this is where the host provides the most value, when somethings working he sticks with it or enhances it, if its not working he gives them their try and moves on to the next musician and continues the jam.

seth (9/2008)

I need to comment on some criticism pointed towards BJ. He does NOT play half of the night, and he does NOT put his friends up first.

Even the first time I've ever been there (I went there alone and did not know anyone), I was up in the order I signed up and it was a decent length set.

BJ would only cut some slack if someone like Ronnie Earl comes in for a warm up set before one of his real shows. BJ would only then let Ronnie take the stage before everyone else. And man, it's such a treat to watch Ronnie.

Tony (7/2008)

I've been going to this blues jam for about 2.5 months now. I've been to many blues jams in the area, and I can confidently say that this is one of the best. In not many jams you would see a piano and a hammond, plus an occasional horn section. At BJ's jam, you do. You may not get to play very lengthy solos at this jam session, but you can be damn sure that you would be playing with top notch blues players and to a packed audience. And it's the kind of audience that appreciates blues music and dances to it. BTW, food is way overpriced but I still eat there to support this nice blues jam session. Highly recommended.

Tony (7/2008)

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