2019 New Year’s Eve Jam

 

It’s a potluck party! Get ready to jam, eat and dance til midnight and ring in the new year at the Waggle Springs Fish & Game Club, 4 Philip Ave in Sprucewoods

Doors open at 5 pm.  There will be a 2 hour jam, followed by a potluck supper (please bring a hot or cold item), and bringing in the new year with canned music so everyone can get their dancing shoes on.  Non perishable canned items are also graciously accepted.

2019 Christmas Show Highlights

 

It was a damp beginning to the afternoon with mist, then heavy rain and then ended with white out conditions but it did not put a damper on the spirit of the season that raised $1764.80 for the Reg Jones Scholarship Fund at the International Music Camp. Weeks if not months of work went into organizing the annual event by our many members, sponsors and supporters. Thank you to all who volunteered, performed, and attended our annual fundraiser. Here are some highlights of the evening. Please Click on the photo if you wish to enlarge. Enjoy - Cori

Hearts Desire at the 16th Annual Westman Jams Christmas Show

 

Monthly Jam Locations

 

2 different locations to play!

Our Founder

 Reginald “Reg” Ernest Jones

(August 7, 1943 – August 12, 2013)
Remember… No matter where you are… There you go!!

In a life full of music, Reginald Ernest Jones met a painless and peaceful passing August 12, 2013 at HSC, Winnipeg.

Reg was born August 7th, 1943, in small town Madoc, Ontario where he grew up in a houseful of music and a group of school chums he still gathered with each time he went back for visits. He was predeceased by his parents, Lois and Norman Jones and sister Norma.

Reg was a fine musician. During most of his life, Reg played guitar and was part of the band Land O’ Lake Cruisers in Ontario for many years. Reg described Cathy Whalen, Gerard Freeman, Ruth Young and Bob Young as his brothers and sisters.

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The latter part of his career he worked for Corrections Canada in Ontario where he retired and moved to Manitoba marrying Gail. This created a blended family of seven children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

“We were truly blessed with an amazing father. He never held back from telling us what we meant to him or how proud he was of us and his grandchildren. When we were young children, Dad would read a story from “Aesop’s Fables” – tales that taught a lesson or moral of the story.  Many mornings we’d wake to find him already up, with his guitar, learning and practicing a new song. Music was his passion. Although our hearts are heavy, I will always hold close my many special memories, his humour, his smiles, our heart to heart talks, his love of family, music and friends. Love you Dad.” Connie Harvey [Bill] daughter.

“We were so lucky to have such a wonderful Grandfather. I have so many fond memories of him; his quick smile, humor and love of family, and of course all those stories of when he was our age. Love forever.” Jayna Harvey (granddaughter).

“I remember when we were little, dancing and singing and being silly while Grandpa Jones sang and played guitar. I don’t know who had the most fun, us or Grandpa.” Samantha Harvey (granddaughter).

“I know Grandpa was proud of the fact that I have been teaching myself the guitar. He always encouraged and inspired me to keep practicing, not to give up. He made it fun and was always the patient teacher.” Sarah Harvey (granddaughter).

“Dad was an excellent example of a great Father; he was always kind, fair, and gentle. You knew you were loved from the special look in his eyes. I will always remember hearing Dad’s voice singing so early in the morning and into the evenings learning new songs. It was an example of how he raised us to be true to ourselves and to go after our dreams. Dad, I’ll miss your smile, your honesty, your silly jokes and your encouragement in our lives. My heart aches and you’re gone too soon, but you’ll never be forgotten, and lovingly thought of everyday. Boo” Cyndi Jones [Dan Tantalo]daughter.

“I know how much Dad enjoyed playing guitar with Thomas when he visited. He was proud that Thomas taught himself to play guitar and continued to be impressed with his character as he watched Thomas grow into a fine young man, the husband to Emilie and Father to Ellie-Anne.” Thomas Wilson (grandson).

“Fond memories of Grandpa playing the banjo while we were on vacation and all of us playing cards and talking about his earlier life. Words of wisdom will stick with me. Everett (great grandson). Really took to him at our last visit, it was so natural.” Miranda Traynor [Joe]granddaughter.

“When nerves overtook him at our wedding, Reg blurted out “don’t have anymore kids.” What I heard and what Reg meant was “you have a beautiful family”; a sentiment that I wholeheartedly agree with. But family does not end with us and the kids, it includes all of our family. At our house, Reg was Grandpa Jones. He was always there to encourage and celebrate each milestones the boys strove for. Ever listening, teaching and guiding; he was adored by the boys and by us. Forever he will be loved and remembered as part of our beautiful family.” Kerri Schmidt [Trent]stepdaughter.

“I love you grandpa. Grandpa is the best, cause your special. You’re the best at music, cause you’re the greatest. I love you grandpa.” Hunter Schmidt(grandson).

“look up, see the brightest star….that’s Grandpa’s star” Mason Schmidt(grandson).

“We loved Grandpa Reg and were so thankful to have had him in our lives. We will always cherish his music and woodworking gifts.” Oakley(grandson)

“…will also remember the Red Light, Green Light game they played. All our love.” Brandi Symonds [Josh] step daughter.

“I have discovered a love for playing guitar and for music that never existed in my life until I met Reg. We might not share all the same tastes in music but I am immensely proud to tell people who got me started in guitar and who lit the spark in my love of playing music. Reg was the person who enriched my life’s journey with this powerful and meaningful gift. It is truly one of the most meaningful gifts anyone has ever given me and I will always be grateful to Reg for this.” Kris Farmer (step son) Cory and Ashley Jones (son and daughter).

Reg had three best buddies, Cameron Haggerty, Wayne Morrissey and Ken Marshall, whom he shared his life thoughts and ideas. This led into many adventures not soon forgotten.

Reg had a kind and generous way with his gentle and understanding nature. He shared his love and passion for music in a way and on a level that few will ever achieve. Reg had a dream to create a venue where he could share his love and passion for playing music with others in hopes that they to could enrich their lives through the shared experience.

From this dream of Reg’s was sparked the creation of Westman Jams. His humility would credit others, but without Reg Jones there would have never been a Westman Jams. Reg’s vision, drive and hard work has let many to have a wonderful experience in music. The sense that something profoundly positive, inspiring, and meaningful is taking place is palpable in the room each and every time.

It is a legacy that Reg created and no doubt will carry on. Its effects spilled out and into communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan who now hold regular jams, many of whom Reg attended the first one to help get them started.

Created out of this wonder was a scholarship program for the International Music Camp held at the Peace Gardens each summer. Because of this many Westman school children have the opportunity to share in Reg’s dream to play music.

Reg was a strong member of Manitoba Old time and Bluegrass Society, having shared with many musicians who enriched his life.

I walked beside you as your wife and best friend. There has been no greater joy than to have known you and all you are. I’ll always see your face and hear your music, Reg. I love you. Gail (wife).

A grave side service took place at Brandon Cemetery August 17th. Honorary pallbearers are all people with musical instruments at home. A celebration of life and music was followed at the Sprucewoods Hall near Shilo.

If family and friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to Westman Jams Reg Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, Box 185, Douglas, MB R0K 0R0.

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Article Thanks to Elger Heath 

 

About Westman Jams

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Westman Jams was created on September 28th, 2003 to provide a place for fellow country and bluegrass musicians in Western Manitoba to meet and jam for the sole purpose of having fun with our favorite hobby.

In every sense of the word our monthly jam sessions have become a truly successful venture thanks to some very hard work by its members.  I am sure some life-long friendships have been created.

We hope you enjoy this site and will come to pay us a visit the last Sunday of every month at Spruce Woods Community Club in Spruce Woods, MB …near CFB Shilo. The hours are from 2-5 p.m. All skill levels and all visitors are welcome.

If you would like to join us in our jams or would just like more information, call Wayne Morrissey
 at (204) 834-2130 or any of the executive listed listed under the “Members” menu.

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Who We Are at Westman Jams…

from late founder, Reg Jones:

This project was created to fulfill a need to meet fellow musicians in Western Manitoba for the sole purpose of having fun with our favorite hobby… In every sense of the word our monthly jam sessions have become a truly successful venture thanks to some very hard work by its members.  I am sure some life-long friendships have been created and it’s overwhelming to witness and share in everyone’s musical venues and personalities. I have always been a ‘people person’…

This whole idea was initiated by the successful jams held by Manitoba Old Tyme and Bluegrass Society (MOBS). These are usually held in the Winnipeg area and are rather difficult to attend because of distance and weather.  Originally it was hoped that our jams would be more bluegrass oriented than they are right now, but spending most of my life in country and old time music it really didn’t matter very much.

The important thing is that we get to know each other and hopefully help one another in some form to keep our music alive and well and living in the Westman area.  There really have been some very talented musicians paying us a visit.  I have only lived in Westman since 2000, so it is great for me to meet so many new faces.

Our first jam was held Sept 28th, 2003 and about 17 musicians showed up and ~~wow~~ we had a blast!!!

Since that time we have had at least that many folks each month. This past month (February) we set a record at 32 musicians and a total of 75 country loving folks in attendance.  What a wonderful way to spend a winter afternoon.  We do have a few rules of etiquette but everyone is respectful of one another and no one has to be reminded of them.

The main rule is to have fun and keep on “pickin’ an’ a-grinnin’.”   This is the musicians’ jam and certainly not mine in any way, shape, or form. My only function is to co-ordinate and to look after booking the hall, etc, etc.

We do pass the hat to raise funds to purchase a PA system as well as our few expenses that arise. It is hoped that sometime in the near future we can come up with a way to raise more funds toward this end.  It should be in some way that everyone has a role to play so they may experience the pride in their efforts.  One of my own personal goals is to be able to help out new or inexperienced musicians with their knowledge of their respective instruments.

Hopefully, if everyone agrees at this month’s jam, March 28th, we can dedicate some time to this end.  I plan to introduce guitarists to the Latin American strumming method I use on a lot of country songs.

Strumming is often neglected with new or inexperienced guitarists and, in my opinion, often benefits a guitarist’s bank of knowledge and rhythm abilities.  In the following months, hopefully someone will take the responsibility for passing some of their knowledge on to everyone during this 15-minute workshop.

My next goal is to put together a “Jamboree” of sorts…this would feature fellow jammers and probably take place in a theatre or a suitable auditorium.  We certainly have to get something ready by next Christmas so in some way we might be able to raise money for families more unfortunate than ourselves.  Of course this would be a good way to get some exposure for our members as well.

In the meantime, I hope everyone enjoys this site and will come to pay us a visit the last Sunday of every month at Sprucewoods Community Club in Sprucewoods, MB…near CFB Shilo.  The hours are from 2-5 p.m. and remember, all skill levels and all visitors are welcome!!! If you feel more comfortable talking to me before you come,give me a call sometime. (see ‘contact us’ page) Be warned tho’, I tend to talk too much…..

Just “a-pickin’ and a-grinnin’”

~ Reg

Jamming Etiquette

 

Rules & Etiquette

Written by Elger Heath

First of all, Westman Jams prides itself on making everyone feel welcome and at ease. We encourage all jammers to participate with their talents. In other words our jam will always be a completely open-mic and as uncomplicated as possible. Thus, the reason for our “circle concept.” Each and every person will get an equal opportunity to be “front and center” to show off their talents. We are constantly upgrading our equipment to provide the best possible sound re-inforcement tools to facilitate this.

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•   REMEMBER The first rule is to have fun

•    Show up with your own instrument and ensure it is tuned and ready to go when you are called upon to do your part.

•    Be respectful of all no matter what their skill level. If you are unfamiliar with the piece do not try to be in the lead. This is NOT a competition but rather a venue to keep our local music alive and well and living in the Westman Area.

•    When electrified instruments are used, back off the volume when an acoustic instrument or a vocal part is called upon to stand out.

•    Join the circle if you plan to take part. It is difficult to ensure everyone gets a turn when participants are not front and center and ready to perform. This also speeds things up so everyone might get another turn at the mic.

•    It is hoped that everyone will help others get past certain skill shortfalls but please do not do this during the actual formal jam. We often see others doing this before the jam actually commences. It is a beautiful thing to witness.

•    Everyone will get a turn to perform “One” piece when their turn comes up. Please adhere to this so everyone will get an equal opportunity.

•    Our jams will always be completely non-profit so be respectful of all the equipment. It has been paid for and bought by jammers. Our equipment cannot be loaned out to individuals for personal gigs or parties. Please do not ask as we really dislike using the word “NO”. Only Westman Jams organized activities will have the use of the equipment.

•    From time to time some of our jammers get called upon to perform at various local events and this is wonderful, however, the name Westman Jams should not be used in accordance with these unless prior permission has been granted.

•    We will attempt to have a “Financial Report‘ for your perusal at all of our jams, to provide you with a detailed audit trail to show where our collections are going. There shall never be a time when any individuals are going to profit financially from our jams.

•    Every attempt shall be made when we organize certain charity events that the actual costs come out of our funds and not a part of the actual charity drive.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and to adhere strictly to our concept for everyone’s enjoyment.

2019/2020 Schedule

Welcome to our new website!

We hope you will find all the information you need to know about joining us twice a month for music jams, be it a musician to participate or a music fan to listen or sing alone to some of your favourite songs.

We hope to keep our local live music alive and well in our area. Please join us the second Sunday of every month at the Royal Canadian Legion Brandon Branch #3, 560 13th Street East, Brandon and in Spruce Woods on the last Sunday of each month at 5 Woods Avenue in Shilo. Be sure to bring your instruments with you to tune up and join in!  We’d love to see you there!

Members, Please contact Grace or Cori to update your phone, email and address so we have your current information to contact you should a Jam session be cancelled and you are not in the Facebook Group or have access to the internet. Thank You

If you have an event you would like us to pass along, we would be happy to post your event to keep our members and music fans informed. Please email, westmanjams1@gmail.com 

Southwest Showcase & Bluegrass Concert

 

Southwest Showcase - 2019 / 2020 Concert Series

Lizzy Hoyt October 8, 2019 7:00 pm.
CSI Bluegrass November 10, 2019 2:30 pm.
Janelle Nadeau Christmas Show December 1, 2019 2:30 pm.
“New Canadian Curling Club” MTC January 22, 2020 7:00 pm.
Adam T. Elvis ( Elvis Tribute ). February 9, 2020 7:00 pm.
Konektis Choir ( Virden ) March 8, 2020 2:30 pm.

CSI (Cathers Sawatzky Inc.) was “born” almost by accident in 2009. Wayne Cathers along with Rose & John Sawatzky were asked to perform at a small church fundraising concert. Gladly obliging to the request, three people took the stage that night as a nameless band. It must have been a sign from above as one of the band members had this brain wave and the new band of CSI – Cathers Sawatzky Inc. was presented. Ever since that day, we have been “Investigating the Bounds of Bluegrass”. Later that year our guitar, mandolin, vocals and great harmony from Rose was complimented by a stand-up bass player. At the young age of 15, Wayne’s son David willingly agreed to play in the band and has developed into a very versatile player. CSI has played many venues and focus on diverse bluegrass songs from the modern Alison Krauss to the classic “true grass” tunes. We love the gospel music and usually include 3-4 gospel tunes in each set.

(Bio from Travel Manitoba - see link at https://www.travelmanitoba.com/event/csi-bluegrass-band/61496/)