BOOM-JAM gives opportunity to all musicians
While most people in Central Illinois follow their favorite bands over the weekend, Boomerang’s Bar and Grill in Urbana has successfully integrated BOOM-JAM into their Monday night music scene.
“Monday nights do better than some of our Saturdays,” Boomerang’s owner Tom Grassman said.
Grassman, alongside friend, business partner and musician, Michael Guido Esteves, organized BOOM-JAM over two years ago to foster a no pressure environment for musicians to play. With Boomerang’s in-house PA system, full-band support, and guitars, drums and amps to lend, both amateurs and professionals have a way to show their talents.
BOOM-JAM is scheduled for the second Monday of each month.
“Something that was really important to me was that (BOOM-JAM) is completely non-judgmental and completely supportive of the people who show up,” Grassman said. “Really what it comes down to is we try to keep a level playing field. Everyone gets a chance, and we just encourage people. It’s a really nice mix of professionals and amateur players.”
As bassist and guitarist for 90’s Daughter, “Guido” and Grassman act as the house band. Each Monday they kick-off music with two to three songs before handing the stage over to other local musicians. Grassman said BOOM-JAM has seen everything from full-band performances, individuals, acoustic, electric, cover bands, hip-hop and one poet.
As individual musicians sign-up, Guido meshes talents together to form an improvised band. Full bands receive time to play three to four songs.
“There is definitely something for everybody,” Grassman said.
Grassman and Guido became friends in the early nineties. Towards the middle of the decade they started the Brat Pack.
“We’ve pretty much been doing everything together ever since,” Grassman said. “Our talents, attitudes and goals are very similar, which is one of the hardest things to find in a musician.”
February marks the 10th anniversary of their Live Karaoke Band. They have also performed together in Rod Sickler’s Radio 6 and Sons of Grunge.
“Over the years, (performances) have changed a little bit,” Grassman said. “When you first start playing, it’s just the magic that you can get together with other people and create music. It’s a pretty powerful, pretty awesome, satisfying experience. Over the years, when you’ve done that enough, you grow and change. For me, it becomes more about being an entertainer. People are dancing, laughing and singing along.”
With over 260 performances a year, Grassman and Guido have no interest in taking up the stage at Boomerang’s on a BOOM-JAM night. The duo is delighted to step in where other musicians need help on guitar, vocals or base.
“In a way, it makes everyone a little better,” he said. “I know guys who play in bands which are up-and-coming. They get to get up on stage and jam with us. It’s pretty fun.”
While BOOM-JAM sees a consistent stream of musicians and spectators, Grassman said he plans on keeping the event as a once-a-month event.
“The reason I think it does so well is people have to wait for it,” he said. “It builds up. They look forward to it all month. Then when it happens, it’s pretty special.”
The Brat Pack will perform at Boomerang’s at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Boomerang’s will also host the JAB reunion on Feb. 14, Sunset Strip, Heel Dragger and then the Feudin’ Hillbillies on March 14.
“It’s one of the biggest nights of the year for us,” Grassman said. “I really appreciate (The Feudin’ Hillbillies) coming out because they don’t have to.”
