jazz soloist Nate Curtis of Wilmington on trumpet.

Launched 18 years ago by Scott Renderer, the January Jams are off to a great start at the Upper Jay Art Center’s Recovery Lounge. While the weather was cold outside and initially a bit chilly inside, the old Ford assembly plant quickly heated up as the people poured in, the stack of blankets were spread around, and the music started.

For area musicians, the Jams provide a great opportunity to connect, hear each other’s work, at times perform together, meet new talent, and share songs. Some musicians are early in their careers, while others have played for a long time. No matter their experience, all get an opportunity to share two or three pieces. For others, the Jams provide a great place to relax, meet the artists, and get a good idea of the region’s range of professional and hidden talent.

One person who puts a lot of passion and heart into his singing is Joe Trinceri of Westport, who’s been playing music intermittently since he was 13.

“The Recovery Lounge provides musicians with a nice captive audience in a concert setting, which is very cool,” said Trinceri. “The people are great; many are musicians; it’s a good mix of people hanging out, listening, and performing. It’s great that so many musicians come out; good stuff.”

Wayne Failing, one of the more visible performers in the region, started in college when he got his first guitar and started playing with friends, friends with whom he soon created a band and began performing publicly.

Emily O'Mahony on Banjo, supported by Paul Roalsvig.

“Pretty soon, I started writing my own songs, playing duos and solos, and started entertaining, which I love doing,” said Failing. “I’ve been performing for over fifty years; it brings me great joy and happiness. It’s vibrational medicine. I like the sense of community of the January Jams, having the chance to entertain the local people and experience what other musicians offer. Sometimes, I meet old friends I haven’t seen in a while.”

The music can sometimes be quite varied. On the first Sunday, jazz soloist Nate Curtis of Wilmington on trumpet was enthusiastically received, as were the wide range of stringed musicians. Attendees are encouraged to bring finger food to share and, of course, make cash donations to help keep the lights on, the building heated, and the sound and light system well maintained.

On Jan. 4, Doc Comegys, 85, of Au Sable Forks, opened the set. Comegys is a self-taught troubadour whose music focuses on spiritual uplift. A late starter, he did not pick up a guitar until he was 43. Inspired while attending a men’s retreat, Comegys has gone on to write over 140 songs and sing praise to the Lord.

“I’m here to sing, not to perform,” said Comegys. “I’m here to share because God loves us all, and that’s the message I want to get out to others. I sing in hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, and such. The Lord dictates the songs to me; I write them down and sing them, not just here but in such places as Hot Springs, Arkansas, Dover, Maine, Chicago, Florida, all over.”

Julie Robards, who often plays at the Jams, has performed locally since she arrived in the region 26 years ago. She hails from Maine and comes from a family of musicians. She’s been singing and playing music as far back as she can remember.

Doc Comegys of Ausable Forks opens the Jams.

“Music is something that’s just instilled in everyone in our family, and we just love it,” said Robards. “You are creating something when you play with other people, such as here at the Jams, and you connect. That connection creates a powerful bond, and it lifts your spirits. The Jams start the year by bringing musicians and music lovers together; it’s great.”

An example of musicians helping each other, Schroon Lake guitarist/singer Yod Crewsy, aka Paul Roalsvig, both soloed and performed support with Saranac Lake banjo/singer Emily O’Mahony, who was at the Jams for her second time. Roalsvig, a practicing attorney, came to the Adirondacks in 1987, landing initially in Long Lake.

“I’ve been playing the banjo for over twenty years,” said O’Mahony. “I think the Jams is great; I was here for the first time in late January last year.”

Cedar Jones echoes Robards’ thoughts about the importance of music in his life and as a means of connecting with others. Jones has played a wide variety of instruments, primarily drums, guitar, and piano, and is trying to get back into playing base; he’s also played trombone and didgeridoo, amongst others.

For Jones, music is a language in the same way that words and poetry convey emotion. Yet to him, through music he can convey deeper emotions without words, without getting into the complexity of wording. He loves that music can convey deep feelings of sadness and great joy without using words. For Jones, music is another form of expression or way of having fun, such as jamming with friends. He also likes that music provides an alternate way of getting into the head of another musician and they into yours, such as when jamming.

Joe Trinceri of Westport

“I like that the Jams are only for a short period of time,” said Jones. “It has a nice, sweet ending, which helps it remain a community event that people can look forward to at this time of year. I like that it’s an open Mic; you get to hear people trying out new pieces, performing for others, or just messing around. You get to see other people’s musical hobbies and meet new people and those you haven’t seen in months.”

Upper Jay Art Center board member Chris Eggleston informed the attendees that the Center is looking for volunteers willing to help out with a variety of tasks, such as setting up a house for a concert, promoting and documenting events, selling or checking tickets during events, and more. Eggleston said anyone interested or wishing to know more can contact the Center through its website or email info@upperjayartcenter.org.

The January Jams are Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. in January, 1218 Route 9N, Upper Jay.

Yod Crewsy, aka Paul Roalsvig of Schroon Lake