JAM Orange is getting the bands back together!

Whether you are already in a band or are a local musician looking for like-minded others to play with, JAM Orange wants to hear from you.

On 26 November, JAM Orange is launching Rock ‘n’ Roll Roulette, an opportunity for local bands and instrumentalists to take to the stage.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Roulette is essentially an open mic for bands, said Mark Welch from JAM Orange, who said there are many great local musicians who miss out on regular opportunities to perform.

“Typically, what we've been finding at our Open Mics is that we predominantly have soloists,” Mark said. “And they might invite an instrumentalist up, but more often than not the nights are pretty much just soloists.

“The difference between the Rock ‘n’ Roll Roulette and the Open Mic night is it is focusing on bands. So, the idea here is we will have five bands doing four or five songs in a 20-minute set.”

But it is between each band set that the ‘roulette’ part of the night comes into play

“In the changeover, what we are looking to do is put all the names into a hat or on a roulette wheel —all the bass players, guitarists, singers — and draw them out and make a scratch band and have a jam,” said Mark.

“It is really a networking event, so if there is a singer that comes along, they can connect up with other players or maybe someone who has material they might want to invite other players to get involved.

“It will kill two birds with one stone: it will give bands the opportunity to play, but also any instrumentalists that turn up will then go into the roulette portion and ach of the interludes will feature a different scratch band.”

The backline and PA will be provided so any interested musician just need to bring their instrument (or sticks for drummers); charts will also be provided.

Mark said JAM Orange would like to see these band nights become regular events alongside the existing Open Mics.

“We will be pushing to get more people along and, if there is more interest that we can fulfil, we will do is continue the two formats — the Open Mic and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Roulette will be here to stay.”

You can contact JAM Orange on Facebook or email jamorange2800@gmail.com