J.A.M. Sessions Start This Weekend in Los Angeles County

Dance to the beat, play an instrument and experience something unexpected with J.A.M. Sessions. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome to these free interactive events which take place on stage at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre and throughout Los Angeles County.

Now in its sixth year, the J.A.M. Sessions are an initiative of the Ford Theatre Foundation which provides ongoing support for the Ford Theatres and offers the community opportunities to flex their creative muscle and experience quality artistic experiences.

J.A.M. Sessions continue throughout the summer with fun for the whole family and include interactive drumming sessions and a variety of cultural dances. J.A.M. Sessions at the Ford take place on Monday evenings. J.A.M. Sessions in the Community take place on select days at partnering community parks and centers throughout Los Angeles County including East Los Angeles, Willowbrook, San Fernando, Sylmar, Long Beach and Newhall.

At 1,200 seats, the Ford Theatres creates an intimate outdoor concert experience that is a favorite among Angelenos. Each summer, the Ford hosts a diverse roster of events representing music and dance styles reflective of the communities that comprise Los Angeles County. Operated by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, this historic venue was built in 1920 and is located in a beautiful County park in the Hollywood Hills.

J.A.M Sessions at the Ford - Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. J.A.M. Sessions in the Community - Dates and times vary by location. See schedule below for details. Sessions will run May - October 2013.

J.A.M Sessions at the Ford take place at Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood, Calif., just off the 101 Hollywood Freeway across from the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios.

J.A.M. Sessions at the Ford: Ample free non-stacked parking. No shuttle service. J.A.M. Sessions in the Community: Ample free parking. Locations vary depending on location.

Admission to all J.A.M. sessions is FREE, but reservations for J.A.M. Sessions at the Ford are recommended. For more information, visit FordJAMSessions.org or call 323 461-3673. Ford Theatres Box office hours: Through October 13: 12 noon-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 6:00 p.m. on J.A.M. Session days.

For more info, find J.A.M. sessions on Facebook: Facebook.com/FordJAMSessions and Twitter: Twitter.com/FordTheatres #FordJAMS.

2013 J.A.M. SESSIONS AT THE FORD:

June 3 - Drum Circle with ChristopheR Ramirez

Interactive group drumming is fun for everyone! Take a rhythmic journey with ChristopheR Ramirez. Using a variety of drum and percussion instruments you'll create beats and sounds that will fill the hills with music and leave you feeling energized. Drums provided! Courtesy of Remo Drums Inc.

June 10 - African Dance and Drum with CalArts African Dance Ensemble

The CalArts African Dance Ensemble leads a fun and energetic J.A.M. that includes drumming, dancing and singing. In true Ghanaian tradition, everyone is encouraged to join in and experience the rich cultural sights, sounds and traditions of Ghana.

June 17 - Japanese Ondo Dance with Christine Inouye and Minyo Station

Enjoy learning Japanese ondo dance, including the use of traditional fans, with Christine Inouye. Music will be provided by Japanese folk fusion ensemble Minyo Station. Fans provided! Courtesy of Salon Pas.

June 24 - Lindy Hop with Doug Silton and Pete Green

Grab your dancing shoes and learn the Lindy Hop, a swing dance that evolved with the jazz music of the 1930s. After the lesson by Doug Silton and Pete Green, kick up your heels to live swing dance music. This night is fun for the whole family!

July 1 - Bollywood with Blue13 Dance Company

Discover the joyous sounds and movements that have made the films from India's cinema center, Bombay, so popular. Members of Blue13 Dance Company teach Bollywood and Bhangra styles.

July 8 - Bucket Drumming with Monti Ellison

Catch the infectious beat of found object musicianship with Monti Ellison. Participants learn how to turn a bucket into a full percussion instrument, and how to use it! You can bring your own 5-gallon bucket and drum sticks or get your rhythm on with the ones provided.

July 15 - Square Dance with Susan Michaels and Sausage Grinder

Even the most rhythmically-challenged dancers will be swinging and do-si-doing in no time to traditional American square dance music. Bring your dancing shoes, guitars, banjos and fiddles.

July 22 - Hip-Hop Dance with Antics

Earn your street dance cred by learning social hip-hop moves taught by Antics. Four mini dance classes will be taught by dancers from this innovative street dance troupe, each specializing in different styles, including hip-hop, popping, krumping and breaking. All classes will be accompanied by the funky beats and fresh sounds of DJ BGirl.

July 29 - Klezmer Music and Dance with L.A. Jewish Symphony

Play along with members of the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony as they take on the music of traditional Klezmer songs. No instrument, no problem - you can also dust off your dancing shoes and join Yiddish dance master Bruce Bierman.

August 5 - Modern Dance with Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Join members of the world-renown Dance Company Complexions Contemporary Ballet as they lead you through the fundamentals of contemporary dance using a variety of exploratory techniques.

August 12 - Kirtan-Mantra Chanting with Daniel Stewart

Daniel Stewart continues one of the oldest musical traditions: call-and-response Kirtan chanting from India. In this lively sing-along, find harmony through vibrant music, dance and meditation. Using ancient Sanskrit mantras, Stewart and his band combine guitar, drums and soulful vocals in a special blend of western R&B and jazz style improvisation. Bring a pillow, cushion or towel to sit on for comfort.

August 19 - Salsa Dance with CONTRA-TIEMPO

Let the artists of the Urban Latin dance theatre troupe CONTRA-TIEMPO lead you through the basic of Salsa footwork. With or without a partner, you'll enjoy moving to the Latin sounds and experience the energy of a strong Salsa beat.

August 26 - Body Music with Keith Terry of Crosspulse Percussion Ensemble

Using the oldest instrument on the planet-the human body- clap, snap, step and vocalize your way through some very funky and original rhythmic music. Body music is a fun way of exploring timing, phrasing, coordination and ensemble awareness through various rhythmic techniques. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes.

September 9 - Accordion Night with Otoño Luján and Gee Rabe

Long live the squeezebox! The accordion is back in fashion, so join in on the fun with superstars Otoño Luján (Conjunto Los Pochos) and Gee Rabe (Lisa Haley & the Zydekats). Participants can try out button and piano accordions and be part of a giant accordion symphony. (Accordions provided courtesy of Hohner, Inc.)

September 16 - Capoeira with Capoeira Brasil

Get ready for an evening full of powerful kicks, fluid acrobatics and rhythmic music. Whether you are an expert in Capoeira or a first-timer, you are invited to experience this Brazilian martial art on the Ford stage.

September 23 - Middle Eastern Frame Drums and Rhythm Ensemble with Rowan Storm

Join Middle Eastern music expert Rowan Storm and explore the musical traditions of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Participants will have the opportunity to play the frame drum, one of the oldest types of musical instruments while leaning ancient melodies, rhythms and dance movements. (Frame drums provided courtesy of Remo Drums, Inc).

September 30 - Tango Dance with Oxygen Tango

Who doesn't love a good tango? Oxygen Tango's intro to improvised social Argentine tango makes learning this beloved dance style fun and easy. Come solo, with a partner or with friends.

2013 J.A.M. SESSIONS IN THE COMMUNITY:

Ted Watkins Memorial Park - 1335 E. 103rd Street, Los Angeles

May 18 at 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 12:45 p.m. - Samba Dance Party with Viver Brasil

June 22 at 9:30 a.m. - Bollywood with Blue13 Dance Company

July 20 at 5:30 p.m. - Stepping & Afro-Cuban Salsa with CONTRA-TIEMPO

Old Town Newhall Arts District - Main Street Farmer's Market, Newhall

June 6 at 6:30 p.m. - African Dance with CalArts African Dance Ensemble

June 13 at 6:30 p.m. - Square Dancing with Susan Michaels and Sausage Grinder

June 20 at 6:30 p.m. - Drum Circle with ChristopheR Ramirez

June 27 at 6:30 p.m. - Salsa Dance with CONTRA-TIEMPO

East L.A. Civic Center - 4801 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles

June 7 at 6:30 p.m. - Accordion Night with Otoño Luján and Gee Rabe

July 5 at 6:30 p.m. - Salsa Dance with CONTRA-TIEMPO

August 2 6:30 p.m. - Drum Circle with ChristopheR Ramirez

Recreation Park - 208 Park Avenue, San Fernando

August 4 at 6:30 p.m. - Mexican Folk Dance with Ballet Folklorico Ollín

August 11 at 6:30 p.m. - Drum Circle with ChristopheR Ramirez

August 18 6:30 p.m. - Bollywood with Blue13 Dance Company

El Cariso Regional Park - 13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar

September 7 at 6:30 p.m. - Frannie Marr and Triple Chicken Foot

September 14 at 6:30 p.m. - Bollywood with Blue13 Dance Company

September 21 at 5:30 p.m. - Drum Circle with ChristopheR Ramirez

A Lot Initiative/Long Beach - Various locations

September 7 (time TBA) - Samba Dance Party with Viver Brasil - 7th St. and Pine Ave.

September 22 (time TBA) - Drum Circle with ChristopheR Ramirez - 61st St. and Atlantic Ave.

October 12 (time TBA) - Hip-Hop Dance with Antics - 7th St. and Pine Ave.