Practical information
Joining Ceci n’est pas une jam ? Here’s how a session works, what you should bring and what you’ll find on site.
Sessions mainly take place at Sister Brussels Café, usually on the first Sunday of each month. We always play in a café that remains open to the public, not in a fully equipped concert venue.
Before we play
This gives everyone time to settle in, set up the equipment and meet the other participants before we start playing.
Everyone can lend a hand with the setup. It’s also a great way to get to know the other participants.
The space
No big stage, no spotlights, no screaming fans in the front row.
Participants usually sit in a circle or around the playing area. The amps, microphones, cajón and small percussion instruments are set up directly within that space.
The session happens in one shared space. There is no strict separation between those who are playing, listening, chatting or occasionally joining a song.
During the session
There is no fixed running order. The playing order is usually decided by drawing lots at the beginning of the session. It naturally mixes different people, songs and musical styles throughout the afternoon.
Collaborations
You bring the song or songs you want to play. You can play them on your own or with musicians you prepared them with.
There is also room for spontaneous interaction and collaboration. A bass, guitar, percussion, harmonica or second voice may sometimes join a song when it works for everyone involved.
The cajón, small percussion instruments, microphones and amps provided for the session can be used by participants throughout the session.
The idea is not for everyone to systematically join every song. You can always choose to play solo or with the line-up you originally planned.
No backing tracks, no karaoke. The music is played live.
Songbook
A songbook is available for each session. It includes a selection of the songs being played and is there as a useful reference if you need it. No need to study it like an exam, it’s simply there to give you a hand.
Equipment
The available equipment may vary slightly depending on the venue.
Good to know
We favour a 100% acoustic approach.
What to bring
Bring your instrument if you use one, along with any accessories you need.
If your equipment requires specific connections or settings, you need to be able to manage them yourself. There is no technical crew on site.
The aim is to keep the setup simple, quick and suitable for the venue. We’d rather play music than spend the session turning knobs.
Friends & audience
Friends and anyone who simply wants to listen are welcome. There is no need to register if you are only coming to attend the session.
The café remains open to the public during the session, so regular customers may also be present and share the same space as the musicians. They are welcome to listen, but musical participation is reserved for registered session participants.
Between us
We’re not looking for a perfect performance. The idea is to play, listen, meet people and enjoy making music together.
After the music
At the end of the session, everyone lends a hand to pack away the equipment and leave the space as we found it.
Those who want to can then stay for a drink and a chat.
The spirit of the project
Ceci n’est pas une jam is a 100% volunteer project.
The project works thanks to people who give their time to organise sessions, prepare and set up equipment, accompany songs, share charts or simply help where needed.
Any help is welcome.
You bring your songs, your instrument if needed and a willingness to share music. Songs are prepared, but the session keeps enough freedom for new encounters and collaborations to happen.
The idea is simple: prepare what you want to play, respect other people’s choices and take part in the life of the group.
Any questions?
Not sure about the equipment, how the session works or something practical? Feel free to get in touch.
Want to join us?
Singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist or accompanying musician, you’re welcome to join. Check the upcoming dates and register online.