LA's Top Musicians Hold Free Weekly Jam Sessions at The Federal Bar

LA's Top Musicians Hold Free Weekly Jam Sessions at The Federal Bar

By Marcus Stevenson

November 20, 2024 at 04:50 AM

Every Wednesday night at The Federal in North Hollywood, some of LA's most accomplished session musicians gather for an extraordinary free jam session called The Federal Affair. This unique weekly event showcases top-tier talent who regularly tour and record with artists like Eminem, Dr. Dre, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Lopez.

Woman performing at music concert

Woman performing at music concert

The Federal Affair is more than just a typical jam session - it's where LA's premier young freelancers, mostly in their 20s and 30s, come together to play purely for the love of music. House bassist Frank Abraham describes it as "an opportunity to play good music with your friends."

What makes this weekly gathering special is the caliber of musicians who regularly attend. The roster includes players who have performed with Earth Wind and Fire, Mary J Blige, George Duke, Gnarls Barkley, Whitney Houston, and numerous American Idol winners.

Singer performing on stage

Singer performing on stage

The jam serves an important networking function in LA's music scene. When these in-demand session players need substitutes for gigs, they often turn to musicians they've met and played with at The Federal Affair. The event creates a trusted referral network among top-tier talent.

Beyond traditional instruments, the jam welcomes unique performers like world-renowned tap dancer Sarah Reich, who has been featured on So You Think You Can Dance and tours with Postmodern Jukebox.

For aspiring and professional musicians alike, The Federal Affair demonstrates that success in the music industry isn't just about technical skill - it's about showing up, building relationships, and being someone others want to work with. The weekly jam has become an essential part of LA's music community, where talent meets opportunity in an authentic, pressure-free environment.

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