In my four years of being at Rutgers I had never once set foot into Tumulty’s. I’d seen it numerous times, the medieval looking pub on George Street near the beauty supply store, but I had always assumed it was
Christian Carew; Photo courtesy of Ryan Downey
just another bar. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it wasn’t actually just a bar, but a full on restaurant that catered not only to university students but people of all ages. It was like discovering a newfound gem, in the middle of downtown and I couldn’t be more excited to step down to the basement for my very first jam session.
This semester I was fortunate enough to take a Musical Cultures & Industries course with Professor Aram Sinnreich, the very last course he would teach at Rutgers. Although I absolutely loved the class and learning about music, I had been looking forward to this jam session for weeks. I might not have been able to actually perform as YouTube has yet to teach me how to be a skilled keyboard player, but my roommate would be performing and it was the opportunity to watch students in
Aram Sinnreich; Photo courtesy of Ryan Downey
my class who were passionate about music perform there as well. Also, the change of scenery was one that I had yet to experience at Rutgers. It wasn’t just another crowded basement filled with booze, sweat and house music, but an actual place to relax and just jam to live music, something I always wanted to do. After taking at least three music courses this semester, including Music Journalism with Professor Vivien Goldman, I was just ready to experience the actual music, and last Thursday I was able to do just that.
What I really loved about the jam session was that you didn’t have to be an experienced musician to perform. In fact, it was open to anyone who wanted to
Lauriana Mae; Photo courtesy of Ryan Downey
play, sing or even emcee. There was a house band that offered back up to any performer who requested it and it was just so chill that any nerves were left at the door. But possibly what touched me the most was how supportive everyone was with one another, offering recognition and shouting each other out on the live twitter feed. Those who didn’t perform found ways to contribute creatively providing social media updates, photography, video and articles. Along with student performers we were also joined by Lauriana May who is signed to Atlantic Records. But truth is, it wasn’t about who could sing better, or who played the best, but about the music and it was surely an experience I won’t soon forget.
Erica M. Szkola