LB JAM Question and Answer Page

Q: Who is invited to the LB Jam?
A: Players and guests that have attended previous jams. Local Atlanta friends. musicians and members of the Atlanta Blues Society.  Members of the Acoustic Player Mag. APM forum community. Supporters and students that frequent my personal LB blues site, forum and take blues guitar lessons. New guests please contact me and confirm the availability of open slots. We have limited space and parking and must plan properly. If you want to attend the jam for the first time or have someone that wants to sponsor your attendance just use email or this web page and CONTACT ME  

Q: Where is the jam located?
A: Conyers Georgia, Southeastern United States. Located 30-40 minutes drive east of Atlanta Georgia and outside of the perimeter circular interstate loop I-285 that surrounds Atlanta. You would drive on Interstate highway I-20 East until you reach Conyers exit 82. Exit right and turn right or southward and go about 5 miles toward McDonough. Cross Honey Creek then take a right at the traffic light on Cowan Road. Go 1/4 mile and turn left into Shadow Lake. Unload car at 105 then find parking. Do not block any of the neighbor driveways or ours.   SEE MAP .

Q: Airport?
A: Hartsfield International is the closest airport located just south of Atlanta Ga. When leaving the airport you get onto I-285 which leads you to I-20 East. The other route is north on I-85 then catching I-20 east in downtown area.

Q: Where are hotels?
A: I've located and personally visited and rated each one and listed them here.

Q: Can I crash at LB's house?
A: We have limited space but if you want to stay over please contact me ahead of time to reserve a spot.  I can usually bunk about 6-8 people around the house and bonus room comfortably.  The weather is also nice enough for some folks to pitch a tent in the back and I've seen a few folks just sleep in a camper parked out at the street too. Otherwise see the hotels page above and you may get on the forum threads and see if anyone is sharing a room. Many folks share rooms and cut the cost at the Laquinta. If possible it's a good idea to bring some bedding like a blanket, bag or a pillows. That helps us to be able to make more pallets and sleeping places. We usually have some coffee, food and all fight over the bathrooms in the mornings.

Q: Restrooms, Toilets?
A: We have two bathrooms with showers and a bath. We may have to rent a portable restroom (portapotty) for the yard if the attendance grows to a very high number. We usually give all the ladies and females the master bath and all males use the guest bathroom.

Q: When do we sleep?
A: I usually have to force everyone out and to bed about Midnight on Thu and 02:00 on Friday night so we will be rested on Sat morning. The jam usually lasts until wee hours on Sunday morning. I remember 4am is about the latest we've gone. So Sunday morning is usually a little sluggish. Not a good time to need a ride to the airport ;)

Q: Can I get a ride?
A: We try to pickup a few people from the Airport but that is impossible during the busy times from FRIDAY AM until SUNDAY NOON. We do however try to shuttle people back and forth from the local hotels to the jam on all days. Limo to the airport is about 100 dollars. We will run a pickup to the airport sometime Thursday evening and then again Sunday Afternoon. 

Q: Which curb do we get picked up on at the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport?
Well there's a North and South terminal each having there own baggage claim areas. They are connected by a common hallway that all arriving flyers dump out into from escalators. We usually like for you to walk out the South baggage claim and wait at the closest curb. We usually like to have cell phone numbers to help connect and we sometimes have an LB JAM sign in our dashboard.

Q: International flights and luggage, customs?
A: You exit the airplane and go through a passport and ID checkpoint then gather your luggage on the first stage of baggage claims. You then walk (free buggies) your luggage to the next checkpoint and drop your luggage on another conveyor belt then walk into a security search checkpoint where they Xray your personal carry on bags and person for metal objects, etc. Then you exit that area and walk to the North/South Baggage claim areas and depending on your airline will find the appropriate baggage claim conveyor station. For example Luftansa comes out on the North Baggage claim. Then you walk out to the curb for your ride etc. Then North and South baggage claims and curbs are connected with a common hallway with their own respective curbsides. There are also some curbs on the ends of the terminal but that's not where I would pick you up. That's mostly for taxis, limos etc.

Q: Mass Transit, Subways?
A: The Marta subway train comes to the Indian Trial Station about 25 minutes from here which makes it possible for us to pickup a few stragglers easier but beware this puts about an hour or more extra on you since Marta shuttles you North through Atlanta stations then east to here. Kelvyn made that ride one year if you want to ask him about it. I'm not sure it's a smart way to get to Conyers for the traveler but it's pretty easy for us to pick you up there since it's fairly close. It should only cost a few dollars and pretty secure. I probably wouldn't ride it at night with my luggage and a guitar.

Q: Rental Cars?
A:  Sometimes I think Hertz is about the best but they are all located as you spill out of the elevators in the baggage claim connection corridor. We have an Enterprise and Hertz in Conyers if that helps. In many cases we can give rides or attendees might even be coming by the airport. But the cost just to run a vehicle to and from the airport is about 20-25 dollars from Conyers and takes about 1.5 t0 2 hours. So we do have to coordinate rides when we plan on picking someone up. In many cases if attendees can coordinate flights or share a car it can be very economical.

Q: Parking at the jam?
A: We have limited parking but if you do this everything will work. First pull into the driveway and unload and say hello then park on the street with the traffic on the same side everyone else does (uphill) and walk back up the street which is a gentle slope. When you turn into the neighborhood we are the 3rd house on the left and will have signs up. Skip the parking spots directly behind where neighbors back out of their drive way. We've never had any complaints and they are nice.  Did I mention please don't just block our driveway unless you ask us please.

Q: Can I ship my guitar?
A: Sure, I don't mind receiving a few of them but TUES-WED is a good cutoff point because I don't have time later in the week. There is also a mailbox location that can receive them about a block away from here. Contact me privately about that. 

Q: Should I check my guitar on the airlines?
A: Tough judgment call but if you pack it and pad the neck and headstock inside the case then even consider packing that in a guitar box you can check them into security on your end then tape the box closed and they usually arrive ok. The baggage office for the airlines is located in the baggage claim area.

Q. How much does it cost?
A: The LB Jam is a non profit private event at our home but we do collect a small fee or donation to cover food, tents, equipment rentals. See the signup page for rates.  Not everyone is required to pay and we also reserve many open slots for friends that can't afford the expenses and need some assistance. We don't want any friends to miss the jam. Just contact me if you need any special help or considerations. We try to collect admission ahead of time but we also make exceptions.

Q: What days are the LB Jam?
A: Some of the attendees usually stop by Thu evening and we have a small gathering, cocktails and people are checking into hotels and getting settled. Some folks have already eaten and we often order a few pizzas on Thu evening if people want to hang out and play but we cut it early by 11:30 since we have to preserve our energy.  The main days of the jam begins Friday morning and the largest tent is delivered and erected at 08:00. Then we begin learning classes, seminars, small jam groups and study groups. That continues until lunch when we serve a variety of foods for everyone from about 12-1pm. We then resume activities and socializing until dinner time and serve another meal under the tents and begin the stage performances, open mics. This mixes up people of all skill levels and styles and very relaxed and supportive. We urge everyone to try and pay attention and support others when they perform. Late night Friday night blues and folk jam usually happens. We try to get everyone to go to bed or leave by 02:00am. Then start again Sat morning and all day and most of the night. Two meals again on Saturday and again the stage comes alive in the evening and when it gets too chilly the jams and fun resumes indoors and the campfire which burns both nights. We actually burn a propane heater under the tent and area fires around the yard. People usually are either crashed on Sunday morning or a few are up and leaving town. Some folks stop by to say goodbyes on Sunday and some do not. We usually have enough people left over to all go to the Chinese restaurant Sunday afternoon/eve. A few stragglers are still leaving or flying out Mon/Tue. Keep in mind to that old buddies like Carle are already here by Tuesday helping about 50% and getting in the way the other 50%. Be prepared to meet some sweet folks and some unforgettable characters.

Q: What's the agenda?
A: We have all sorts of activities from live stage performances, jams, song circles, teaching seminars for various styles and skill levels. Sometimes our special guest artists or luthiers share activities with us too. The activities are too numerous to list but there are multiple areas going at one time.

Q: Prizes and Giveaways?
A: We usually ask many sponsors to donate prizes and we have a drawing on Saturday night from the stage. You must be registered and a player to win.

Q: What about open Mic and the Stage?
A: The big tent and stage go up Friday morning about 8:00am and we usually begin some type of jamming or performances in the afternoon and they last until late. This happens again on Saturday. People at all skill levels play, perform and interact and it's very supportive and very fun. We often top it off with some late night jams in the house too.

Q: Do I have to perform?
A: No of course not. You can just hang out, learn, ask questions and absorb but we do encourage everyone to try and play in front of others and interact. Never again will you be around nicer people that will support and encourage you. Beginners and pros are all alike at this jam. Just people having a good time. We actually love when people make mistakes and we all laugh and move on.

Q: What about my guests or family?
A: We have limited space but we welcome your family, close friends or jamming partners to accompany you on this trip. They will have to pay minimal registration fees if they plan on playing, jamming or eating. We don't charge people to simply show up and listen. 

Q: What's the food situation?
A: The official jam begins Friday morning and we usually fire up the grill for lunch and serve a variety of things. Then dinner is served in the food tent beginning about 7:00pm. We have limited people helping so please be patient. This totals up to 4 good meals  FRI and SAT. We also serve some small appetizers and various things. Bring your own beer or wine. For some early arrivers on Thursday we sometimes pitch in on pizzas and jam a little that evening.

Q: Alcohol and other Party Favors?
A: Please do not to distract from the playing and music or get loud. Please drink in moderation and remain in control of your instrument and skills. Please bring your own drinks but be willing to share a little. The store is only about a block or two away with a good selection of international beer and wine.

 Q: Smokers?
 A: Please utilize the front porch or outdoor areas away from the crowds. 

Q: Pets, Kids and other small lovable creatures?
A: Nope, sorry folks no pets or small children. Young adults and teens are fine. Contact me with any special needs.

Q: Handicap access?
A: Some of my friends that have attended in chairs and we had no issues that I can recall. If there's anything we can help with let us know. The driveway remains open for just such needs.

Q: Player Etiquette?
A:  Please be aware we have players with instruments from all price ranges, brands and we also combine players from various backgrounds and experience levels. More experienced players should be very supportive, positive and helpful to others. We strongly frown upon anyone feeling out of place or unwelcome for any reason. Please focus on the playing, people and music and be very supportive. We encourage people to blend, mix and interact.

Q: Guitar Etiquette?
A: Please don't pickup and play guitars without permission and be careful not to knock them off stands. Use common sense. Do not walk away with guitars or leave with them unless you check with an owner, luthier or one of the designated hosts.

Q: Where to put guitars, cases and coolers when arrive at jam?
A: We have to not bring the guitar cases in on the wooden floor or it scratches. So cases get labeled and left in garage unless the guitar is with you on the property in the case. Coolers anywhere but indoors. Someone will help you with any questions arranging or finding a place to put everything. You can unload in the driveway then park and we will watch and secure everything.

Q: What should you bring?
A: Bring a guitar or any type of acoustic instrument if you have one. We can also loan you one if you are cautious and courteous. These are some of the things people often forget to bring. Capo, Tuner, Slide, Picks, Strings, Strap, Cables, Pen and paper. Hopefully we will not require any additional PA, Amps, Microphones.

Q: Lost and Found?
A: Any tuners, stands, gear left at the jam is collected and returned to the owners but all of these toys look the same. Please mark them with little scratches, markers, stickers or even little tags so they can be identified.

Q: Can I use my camcorder to video the performances, jam or learning seminars?
A: Yes, as long as you do not disturb anyone and use the videos for personal use only. Same with photographs. No problem.

Q: Can I teach others and start up my own jam and learning groups?
A: Yes, of course. If the weather is good we will have various areas outdoors and indoors for you and others to enjoy and interact. If you plan on teaching any materials please print out all handouts before you come and burn any audio CDs and other material ahead of time.

Q: What is the safety and security at the jam?
A: We assign a key team of guests to help manage security and we tag all instruments coming into the jam. You must not leave the jam with instruments without okaying them through one of the hosts. We have a low crime area and we keep most of the jam contained inside fences and on private property. We are not liable for any damage or theft. We have never had any incident of damage, theft, loss or injuries. People have forgotten their guitars, tuners and accessories but we returned them all. 

Q: Local stores, liquor, other?
A: Good liquor store about a block away with grocery and bank. All the major chain stores are about 5 miles away beside the I-20 Interstate and the hotels.

Q: Local Music Stores?
A: The only top notch Acoustic store in town is Maple Street Music in Buckhead about 45-50 minutes away into the Atlanta Metro area. We have a basic music store in Conyers 5 miles away with strings and basic gear.
UPDATE: We have a new high end acoustic dealer right here in town now.

Q: Internet Access?
A: This will be limited but we usually have a computer online somewhere that you can check emails and do basic stuff on. We don't want the web to interfere with activities. This is one time we all need to get away from computers. I do have wireless access if you have special needs while here. The hotels also have high speed web access.

Q: What about things for the family or fellow travelers to do while I am at the jam picking?
A: Well there are several major shopping malls and major attractions in Atlanta area. There's also Six Flags theme park 45 minutes away as well as a Water Park. The Atlanta Braves baseball is at Turner Field and the Phillips Arena hosts many events. There is also Underground Atlanta shopping, bars and Olympic Centennial Park. www.accessatlanta.com is probably the best site to visit for all things in this town. Other Atlanta landmarks include Fat Matt's Rib Shack and the Varsity but not good for a diet ;)

 

Send a message to LB