Homemade Jam: Cascade Locks

Do you have a regular local jam in your area? Would you like to tell OBA members about it? If so, please contact David Sumner dsumner@linfield.edu so your jam can be featured here.

Written by Martha Stone, Cascade Locks~

I wanted more music in my life. So on a whim, I posted on the Cascade Locks Facebook group asking for a space to hold a monthly acoustic jam. That same afternoon, the owner of the Thunder Island Brewing Company responded. After a little back and forth, we set a date, and the Cascade Locks Jam became a reality! For the past year folks from up to an hour away have been schlepping their guitar, fiddles, banjo and mandolins to Thunder Island Brewery once a month. 

The jam has been a wonderful way to get to know some of my neighbors here in town. It’s also been a nice way to invite people to Cascade Locks for the day, with dinner and jamming from 5 to 8pm every first Monday. Musicians don’t mind traveling if the weather is nice, so we have been getting folks from Portland and Vancouver as well as from Hood River and the Dalles—from 8 to 16 musicians—which is a nice size for a public jam. The brewery is usually pretty full for dinner on jam nights; so, in addition to making music, we contribute to a local business. 

Tony, one of the regulars, loves the Thunder Island Jam because he’s “reminded that music isn’t about getting it perfect, it’s about community…a group of people connecting and supporting each other.” Chuck commented that “Martha is a very talented banjo player and singer. She is a very nurturing person to all the musicians regardless of their skillset.”

The clientele who visit Thunder Island to enjoy the good, hand-crafted beer, creative libations, and the diverse menu, seem to enjoy the homemade music that emanates from the jam circle. The Thunder Island personnel are extremely gracious and welcoming. Maddie noted that “Thunder Island Brewing is a community-focused brewery, and we love providing our space for community events.”

So If you are near Cascade Locks on the first Monday of the month, stop into Thunder Island, grab a pint, tune your instrument, and join the circle. Tim drives from an hour away and notes that “The jams are well-attended, and the quality of the musicians is very high. Martha is a skilled jam host and has created a welcoming and comfortable experience. All are welcome. It’s big plus for the Cascade Locks community!

~Martha Stone