Gowanus Jug & String Band Sessions

Join us every Tuesday evening from April through October at the beautiful Gowanus Dredgers Boathouse! 🎸✨ Located at 165 2nd Street between Bond and the Gowanus Canal, this is a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts of jug and string band music to come together and jam!

Jam Leader: Papa Ernie Vega
Dredger Host: Liz Rabson Schnore

What is Jug Band and String Band Music? 🤔

String band music, particularly the Black string band genre, originated from Southern Black communities and predates the blues and jazz. This captivating style features a variety of stringed instruments such as guitars, banjos, violins, and more, allowing musicians to perform enchanting ballads, two-steps, waltzes, and even humorous novelty songs. Though its presence waned with the rise of recording industries in the 1920s and 30s, dedicated musicians have revived this rich heritage for new audiences to appreciate.

Jug band music, on the other hand, combines traditional string instruments with household items like jugs, washboards, and kazoos to create a unique sound. It gained popularity in the early 20th century and saw a resurgence during the Folk Music Revival of the 1960s, remaining cherished today.

Who Can Join? 🎤🎶

These sessions are open to intermediate players and above! Participants are encouraged to sing along and bring a song to lead. To lead, simply ensure that you can project your voice, know your song’s key, and clearly explain the chord changes if needed. We’ll also share tips on performing in an ensemble environment!

About Papa Ernie Vega 🌟

With over 20 years of professional experience, Papa Ernie is a celebrated NYC singer, instrumentalist, bandleader, teacher, songwriter, and performing artist. He has graced stages at renowned events including the Newport Folk Festival and the Jug Band Jubilee. When he’s not performing, Ernie enjoys fine cheap food, old movies, humor, and photography!

Don’t miss out on these vibrant musical evenings! Bring your instrument and let's make some music together!
🔗 Get your tickets here!