About The DC Area Folk SOJO (Sing Out Jam Out)

We meet on the first and third Saturday of every month from 2:00 until 5:00 pm in Crystal City, just outside of downtown Washington, DC. The $4 fee covers the room rental. Our location is handicap accessible, restrooms are across the hall, and we're a very short distance from metro.

We're not all great singers (although many members are), and ability varies greatly. Same with the skill level of the instrumentalists. Some are beginners and others are quite seasoned. Not all participants know all the songs, either, but the important thing is we have a lot of fun. The informality is part of our charm. And the less experienced musicians and singers appreciate the opportunity to practice with other non-judgmental participants.

The people that are drawn to us tend to have a rich familiarity with traditional folk songs as well as those songs from the "Great Folk Scare" of the 1950s and '60s. Uninhibited singers with loud voices are particularly welcome!

Feel free to bring your acoustic instruments (no unmuted horns please)! The emphasis is on singing, but your instrument is a welcome accompaniment to the chorus of voices. We use the Rise Up Singing songbook as the source for most of our songs, but participants also bring lyrics to songs not found in the book and hand out copies.

Since these are sing alongs based around the Rise Up Singing songbook, participants are expected to bring a copy or buy one on site. Prices range from $12 to $20 depending on condition and edition. PLEASE NOTE: Because only a limited number of songbooks are available for sale at any given time and loaners come from the same stock, we have to have a policy where you can borrow a copy one time only.

We go around the circle and take turns selecting a song for the group to sing and play. Each participant also has the option of going solo, leading an alternate version of a song, or passing altogether. We're very laid back and flexible.

We're all about enjoying the camaraderie that comes with singing and playing music with like-minded people in a friendly, welcoming environment! Come check us out!
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The requisite "Who Should Not Join" Department (applies to prospective members AND guests):

1. People who have no intention of ever attending our events because they do not live in the greater Washington, DC area.

2. People who are only looking for people to date. This is not a dating service. Our purpose is to sing and play music. Nonetheless, if people hit it off in the course of events and eventually date, we're happy for them and wish them all the best.

3. People who are only looking to promote their business products and/or services within our site.

Rick [this Meetup's Steamed Flounder and Ogranizer March 2007 - February 2008]