JAMMALONG IN CANBERRA has closed.
After 14 years Michael and Dianne Porter have closed their Jammalong sessions in Canberra. The last session closed on Saturday the 2nd of March 2024. They are now focussing on busking to spread the joy of music when and where they feel led to go. This will give them the freedom to play their own songs and the bluegrass music they love as the music muse takes them.
Dianne will continue to create merchandise, promotional material and generate web site and social media content. Michael and Dianne will also accept invitations to play music for organisations that invite them.
Dianne Porter
Jammalong
Dianne will continue to create merchandise, promotional material and generate web site and social media content. Michael and Dianne will also accept invitations to play music for organisations that invite them.
Dianne Porter
Jammalong
JAMMALONG IS GROWING - 2010 to 2023
Jammalong Sessions in Canberra, Melbourne, Coochiemudlo Island and a Jammalong Camp!
Jammalong now has three regular meetings in Canberra each month led by Dianne and Michael Porter. In Melbourne Jammalong meets monthly at Jells Park led by Paul and Trudi Klat and on Coochimudlo Island they meet monthly at Pioneer Park led by Mark and Laura Tiro. The Jammalong Camp was initiated by the Melbourne Jammalongers led by Jose Garcia and is emerging as an annual event so we can all meet up at one location to share the news. The Jammalong Camp for 2023 is scheduled at Broken Creek Bush Camp near Benalla in Victoria from Friday 23rd of June to Sunday 25th of June and will be hosted by Dianne Porter and Jose Garcia. Many jammalongers will be hosting workshops at the camp so they can share their specific skills with others.
All these Jammalong gatherings are about celebrating the musical skills of the participants by giving each person a chance to practice the skills they have with other people. All player levels are welcome but each participant is expected to respect each other's abilities at what ever level they are. Everyone was a beginner once upon a time.
Something happens in the group as we play music together and everyone benefits from playing beyond their skill level on many occasions. It is so enjoyable in Canberra we call it AFFORDABLE JOY because all these sessions are hosted free of charge.
When Jammalong was founded by Michael and Dianne Porter in Canberra in January 2010 the vision was to utilize public parks for community music free of charge. It has been exciting to watch the development of the Jammalong vision that has exceeded our hopes and dreams as other people have brough their skills and vision to the Jammalong format. The networks with other musical communities emerging are creating pathways for Jammalongers to progress their skills to performing at venues like the Cockatoo RSL in Melbourne on a regualr basis if they want to. There are more opportunities that I see developing in the future. For example, in Canberra Michael and Dianne have been asked for an interview on Community Radio in mid June 2023.
I am authoring an article on Jammalong for the Canberra Christian Writers Group Annual Anthology for 2023. This will be the foundations stone for the book I am writing called The Jammalong Story where Jammalongers will have a chance to share their Jammalong story for posterity. You can be part of The Jammalong Story.
Keep on Pickin!
Dianne Porter
Jammalong
All these Jammalong gatherings are about celebrating the musical skills of the participants by giving each person a chance to practice the skills they have with other people. All player levels are welcome but each participant is expected to respect each other's abilities at what ever level they are. Everyone was a beginner once upon a time.
Something happens in the group as we play music together and everyone benefits from playing beyond their skill level on many occasions. It is so enjoyable in Canberra we call it AFFORDABLE JOY because all these sessions are hosted free of charge.
When Jammalong was founded by Michael and Dianne Porter in Canberra in January 2010 the vision was to utilize public parks for community music free of charge. It has been exciting to watch the development of the Jammalong vision that has exceeded our hopes and dreams as other people have brough their skills and vision to the Jammalong format. The networks with other musical communities emerging are creating pathways for Jammalongers to progress their skills to performing at venues like the Cockatoo RSL in Melbourne on a regualr basis if they want to. There are more opportunities that I see developing in the future. For example, in Canberra Michael and Dianne have been asked for an interview on Community Radio in mid June 2023.
I am authoring an article on Jammalong for the Canberra Christian Writers Group Annual Anthology for 2023. This will be the foundations stone for the book I am writing called The Jammalong Story where Jammalongers will have a chance to share their Jammalong story for posterity. You can be part of The Jammalong Story.
Keep on Pickin!
Dianne Porter
Jammalong
THE COVID PANDEMIC IMPACT on Jammalong. Nov 2022
Many Jammalong participants are in the high risk category for infection due to their age and health. When Jammalong is held outdoors the risk of infection is markedly reduced. Participants are encouraged to be self sufficient so they bring their own chairs, food and music gear they are responsible for.
When Jammalong is held indoors all participants need to be Covid aware. The use of hand sanitizer is recommended and the chairs are spaced out to keep the risk of infection mitigated. It is hard to sing with masks on so mask up when the Covid advice directs us to do so - otherwise masks are not needed.
When Jammalong is held indoors all participants need to be Covid aware. The use of hand sanitizer is recommended and the chairs are spaced out to keep the risk of infection mitigated. It is hard to sing with masks on so mask up when the Covid advice directs us to do so - otherwise masks are not needed.
SHAPE NOTE SINGING IN CANBERRA IS IN RECESS due to Covid Risks Nov 2022
CANBERRA SHAPE NOTE SINGING ITS FREE - books supplied on loan.
In Canberra we are starting 2018 with an 8 week singing school before we make plans for the rest of the year. The school will start on Feb 7th 2017 and run for 8 weeks from 7pm to 9pm at the Friends Meeting House on the corner of Bent and Condamine St TURNER.
We are listed at Acapella Central www.acappellacentral.com.au/taxonomy/term/20
To hear virtual sound files go to the tab marked LEIDER on the Sacred Harp Bremen web site at www.sacredharpbremen.org
To access amazing resources on Sacred Harp Singing go to fasola.org
SONGS WE LIKE
29t Fairfield 29t Fairfield 34b St. Thomas 34b St. Thomas 38b Windham 38b Windham 40. Lenox 40 Lenox 45t New Britain (Amazing grace) - a favorite 45t New Britain 46 Let Us Sing 46 Let Us Sing 47a Primrose 47t Primrose 47b Idumea - a favorite 47b Idumea 49t. Old Hundred 49t Old Hundred
49b. Mear 49b Mear 82t Bound For Canaan 82t Bound for Canaan107 Russia 107 Russia117 Babylon Is Fallen - a favorite Link 117 Babylon Is Fallen 122 All Is Well 122 All Is Well 128 The Promised Land 128 The Promised Land 145t Warrenton 145t Warrenton
146. Hallelujah - a favorite 146 Hallelujah 155 Northfield 155 Northfield 159. Wondrous Love - a favorite 159 Wondrous Love 163b China 163b China 168 Cowper 168 Cowper 178 Africa 178 Africa 185 Pilgrims farewell 185 Pilgrim's Farewell 191 Virginia 191 Virginia 196 Alabama 196 Alabama 207 Louisiana 207 Louisiana 213t The Good Old Way 213t The Good Old Way 267 Parting Friends 267 Parting Friends 268 Davids Lamentation 268 David's Lamentation 275t Loving Kindness 275t Loving Kindness 282 I'm Going Home - from the movie Cold Mountain 282 I'm Going Home 284 Garden Hymn 284 Garden Hymn 299 New Jerusalem 299 New Jerusalem 45t. Jesus Is My Friend NO LINK 347. Christian's Farewell 347 Christian's Farewell 348. Ainslie 348t Ainslie 350. Nativity NO LINK 434 Fillmore 434 Fillmore 457. Wayfaring Stranger - a favorite 457 Wayfaring Stranger
550 Blissful Dawning 550 Blissful Dawning 564 Zion 564 Zion 569b Sacred Throne 569b Sacred Throne
In Canberra we are starting 2018 with an 8 week singing school before we make plans for the rest of the year. The school will start on Feb 7th 2017 and run for 8 weeks from 7pm to 9pm at the Friends Meeting House on the corner of Bent and Condamine St TURNER.
We are listed at Acapella Central www.acappellacentral.com.au/taxonomy/term/20
To hear virtual sound files go to the tab marked LEIDER on the Sacred Harp Bremen web site at www.sacredharpbremen.org
To access amazing resources on Sacred Harp Singing go to fasola.org
SONGS WE LIKE
29t Fairfield 29t Fairfield 34b St. Thomas 34b St. Thomas 38b Windham 38b Windham 40. Lenox 40 Lenox 45t New Britain (Amazing grace) - a favorite 45t New Britain 46 Let Us Sing 46 Let Us Sing 47a Primrose 47t Primrose 47b Idumea - a favorite 47b Idumea 49t. Old Hundred 49t Old Hundred
49b. Mear 49b Mear 82t Bound For Canaan 82t Bound for Canaan107 Russia 107 Russia117 Babylon Is Fallen - a favorite Link 117 Babylon Is Fallen 122 All Is Well 122 All Is Well 128 The Promised Land 128 The Promised Land 145t Warrenton 145t Warrenton
146. Hallelujah - a favorite 146 Hallelujah 155 Northfield 155 Northfield 159. Wondrous Love - a favorite 159 Wondrous Love 163b China 163b China 168 Cowper 168 Cowper 178 Africa 178 Africa 185 Pilgrims farewell 185 Pilgrim's Farewell 191 Virginia 191 Virginia 196 Alabama 196 Alabama 207 Louisiana 207 Louisiana 213t The Good Old Way 213t The Good Old Way 267 Parting Friends 267 Parting Friends 268 Davids Lamentation 268 David's Lamentation 275t Loving Kindness 275t Loving Kindness 282 I'm Going Home - from the movie Cold Mountain 282 I'm Going Home 284 Garden Hymn 284 Garden Hymn 299 New Jerusalem 299 New Jerusalem 45t. Jesus Is My Friend NO LINK 347. Christian's Farewell 347 Christian's Farewell 348. Ainslie 348t Ainslie 350. Nativity NO LINK 434 Fillmore 434 Fillmore 457. Wayfaring Stranger - a favorite 457 Wayfaring Stranger
550 Blissful Dawning 550 Blissful Dawning 564 Zion 564 Zion 569b Sacred Throne 569b Sacred Throne
OLD NEWS - Michael and Dianne won an award.
It is old news now but was a special experience - JAMMALONG IN CANBERRA HOSTS MICHAEL AND DIANNE PORTER WIN THE "JOHN STOKES AWARD FOR 2011"
And the award goes to....
Congratulations to Michael and Dianne for receiving the John Stokes award for being outstanding artists in 2011. This award was presented by the Country Music Association of Canberra (CMAC) during the December Jammalong. [Jose] Webmaster.
Click on the image to go to the Gallery Page for more photos (near the bottom).
Click on the image to go to the Gallery Page for more photos (near the bottom).
Some Clarifications on the Jammalong
As the webmaster, and for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of this site's information and purpose, I'd like to clarify some facts about the Jammalong beginning with my own involvement with it.
I first got involved with the Jammalong through my friend Annie who met the late David Meyers (Dec 2010), as well as Dianne and Michael Porter at the Canberra Multicultural Festival, early in 2010. The three of them were manning a stall promoting the Country Music Association of Canberra. So I heard that there was a regular jam session going on and I decided to pay a visit to this group of jammers. I was pleasantly surprised. The group was welcoming, generous and a lot of fun, catering for all levels.
Whist the Canberra Jammalong has had many supporters, there is no doubt that its existence and continuity are primarily due to the passion, zeal and devotion of two individuals, namely Dianne and Michael Porter. These two gems are some of the nicest and inspiring individuals I have had the privilege of knowing and I am honoured to call them my friends. Acknowledgement must be made of a few key organisations who have supported the Jammalong, some of whom have promoted the event in their own newsletters, bulletins, internet websites and circles of influence. These include the Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music Society of Australia, the Monaro Folk Society and in particular the Country Music Association of Canberra. Those who attend the Jammalong are encouraged to link in with with one, or even all of these fine groups. The organisations mentioned above serve the wider purpose of fostering music in the Bluegrass, Folk, Country and associated genres, whereas the Canberra Jammalong is primarily about acoustic jamming in the park using those genres.
Starting off at the Black Mountain Peninsula, the event soon transferred to its current location by the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, near the Questacon. It has always been held on the 2nd Saturday of the month and always in a park. I remember in Winter 2010, Michael and Dianne dressed like Inuit (well it seemed that way) arriving way before anyone else did at the Questacon pergola. Showing a rare diligence, they wanted to make sure that anyone who turned up would not arrive to an empty pergola, but instead would arrive welcomed and encouraged.
Although I have since moved further South, the love of music which I believe is infectious, has followed me. It is remarkable how musical circles ebb and flow in the same places. I constantly see familiar faces in the venues I have attended including the National Folk Festival and Harrietville Bluegrass Festival, and numerous musical stages in Melbourne. So despite the distant miles, I still have ties to Canberra that are dear. But now to my original point - clarifications I'd like to make about this website, it's information and the purposes of the Jammalong:
1. Dianne and Michael Porter are the organisers and hosts of the Canberra Jammalong. No-one else has ever organised this event... ever.
2. The Jammalong to date has always been held in a public park setting. It has never been held in a private home, the event is open to the public.
3. The Jammalong to date has always been held at noon on the 2nd Saturday of the month. It has never been held outside of these times/dates.
4. RSVP is not required to attend the Jammalong. You just turn up and leave when you want.
5. Membership is not required to take part in the Jammalong. You just turn up and leave when you want.
6. The Jammalong is an "ego-free" venue. It doesn't matter whether you think you can play or can't play music, just join in. There will always be someone who will enjoy playing music with you, regardless of your level of musical ability.
7. There aren't any real rules or policies or regulations or fees. Just join in the music and be nice to others... that's it!
8. Bring a song to share and a portable chair!
If you have any questions relating to the above, please don't hesitate to take it up with me directly using the email address: [email protected]. For any new supporters out there including radio stations and other music lovers, please be nice to Dianne and Michael. To old acquaintances such as those at the Murrumbateman Acoustic Club - my best wishes. To any new participants - just join in, don't be embarassed, music is for everyone. Lastly, keep on smiling and keep on playing!
Jose Garcia
August 2011
Moving forward and being strong!
One year after my blurb above and this site and associated networks are going stronger than ever. I am so pleased that it has worked out this way. Dianne and Michael do such a fantastic job. I'm not really doing anything to the site at all nowadays. It's all them! The best part of it is that more people are playing, listening and being part of what I like to consider "real" music. So although I single out my friends with praise, the credit really is truly deserved by the entire community of music that is alive and well in Canberra. I miss it.
Jose Garcia
August 2012
I first got involved with the Jammalong through my friend Annie who met the late David Meyers (Dec 2010), as well as Dianne and Michael Porter at the Canberra Multicultural Festival, early in 2010. The three of them were manning a stall promoting the Country Music Association of Canberra. So I heard that there was a regular jam session going on and I decided to pay a visit to this group of jammers. I was pleasantly surprised. The group was welcoming, generous and a lot of fun, catering for all levels.
Whist the Canberra Jammalong has had many supporters, there is no doubt that its existence and continuity are primarily due to the passion, zeal and devotion of two individuals, namely Dianne and Michael Porter. These two gems are some of the nicest and inspiring individuals I have had the privilege of knowing and I am honoured to call them my friends. Acknowledgement must be made of a few key organisations who have supported the Jammalong, some of whom have promoted the event in their own newsletters, bulletins, internet websites and circles of influence. These include the Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music Society of Australia, the Monaro Folk Society and in particular the Country Music Association of Canberra. Those who attend the Jammalong are encouraged to link in with with one, or even all of these fine groups. The organisations mentioned above serve the wider purpose of fostering music in the Bluegrass, Folk, Country and associated genres, whereas the Canberra Jammalong is primarily about acoustic jamming in the park using those genres.
Starting off at the Black Mountain Peninsula, the event soon transferred to its current location by the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, near the Questacon. It has always been held on the 2nd Saturday of the month and always in a park. I remember in Winter 2010, Michael and Dianne dressed like Inuit (well it seemed that way) arriving way before anyone else did at the Questacon pergola. Showing a rare diligence, they wanted to make sure that anyone who turned up would not arrive to an empty pergola, but instead would arrive welcomed and encouraged.
Although I have since moved further South, the love of music which I believe is infectious, has followed me. It is remarkable how musical circles ebb and flow in the same places. I constantly see familiar faces in the venues I have attended including the National Folk Festival and Harrietville Bluegrass Festival, and numerous musical stages in Melbourne. So despite the distant miles, I still have ties to Canberra that are dear. But now to my original point - clarifications I'd like to make about this website, it's information and the purposes of the Jammalong:
1. Dianne and Michael Porter are the organisers and hosts of the Canberra Jammalong. No-one else has ever organised this event... ever.
2. The Jammalong to date has always been held in a public park setting. It has never been held in a private home, the event is open to the public.
3. The Jammalong to date has always been held at noon on the 2nd Saturday of the month. It has never been held outside of these times/dates.
4. RSVP is not required to attend the Jammalong. You just turn up and leave when you want.
5. Membership is not required to take part in the Jammalong. You just turn up and leave when you want.
6. The Jammalong is an "ego-free" venue. It doesn't matter whether you think you can play or can't play music, just join in. There will always be someone who will enjoy playing music with you, regardless of your level of musical ability.
7. There aren't any real rules or policies or regulations or fees. Just join in the music and be nice to others... that's it!
8. Bring a song to share and a portable chair!
If you have any questions relating to the above, please don't hesitate to take it up with me directly using the email address: [email protected]. For any new supporters out there including radio stations and other music lovers, please be nice to Dianne and Michael. To old acquaintances such as those at the Murrumbateman Acoustic Club - my best wishes. To any new participants - just join in, don't be embarassed, music is for everyone. Lastly, keep on smiling and keep on playing!
Jose Garcia
August 2011
Moving forward and being strong!
One year after my blurb above and this site and associated networks are going stronger than ever. I am so pleased that it has worked out this way. Dianne and Michael do such a fantastic job. I'm not really doing anything to the site at all nowadays. It's all them! The best part of it is that more people are playing, listening and being part of what I like to consider "real" music. So although I single out my friends with praise, the credit really is truly deserved by the entire community of music that is alive and well in Canberra. I miss it.
Jose Garcia
August 2012