Laughlin musicians jam at Club Amistad

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Charlie Miller
  • 47th Flying Training Wings public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Six Airmen and a family member pumped up the volume Jan. 23 at the first-ever Jam Session at Club Amistad.

The special event was designed to promote live music by and for the Laughlin community.

Senior Airman Dennis Reuter, 47th Medical Operations Squadron was the organizer of the event.

"This first one was just for fun," said Airman Reuter. "We were not trying to get a large crowd and put on a big show. The idea was to reveal musicians to other musicians here at Laughlin."

Master Sgt. Dan Beary, 47th Medical Group, helped Airman Reuter finalize the event.

"I approached the club manager with the idea and got a date approved. You hear about Airmen who play instruments and used to have a group so I approached Airman Reuter and suggested that he throw together a jam session."

Sergeant Beary said he would like to see an on-base outlet for some of the younger musicians.

"Maybe the musicians will put a band together," said Sergeant Beary. "There are not too many places in Del Rio to see live music and to have a band that could play here at the club would be really nice for everyone."

Five guitarists, a drummer and a bass player made up the jam band. During the evening, the guitarists traded more than riffs. They swapped guitars back and forth and each took a turn at the microphone as well. True to its name, jam sessions on songs lasted 15 minutes or longer.

"It's an open night, any musician can be here with their instrument and their enthusiasm," said Senior Airman Steven Reyes, 47th Installation Support Squadron.
"Three of us here tonight play together often. Hopefully we will play even more often with more musicians."

Senior Airman Adam Love, 47th ISS came to be a participant or just a supporter.

"I came here because my passion is music," said Airman Love. "Just getting all these people together gives us an outlet. I know the people who came out tonight have a love for music."

Saying he plays a little bit of guitar, Airman Love joined the session briefly but said he was more content just watching.

Sergeant Beary said that the event was actually an experiment and that he really hoped it would last more than one night. Sergeant Beary said he would be more than willing to help coordinate many more jam sessions.