Crossroads Music moves to Amagansett with help of dedicated jam players

Voices raised in song set against a wall of guitar strumming reverberated against the walls and rolled through open windows into the street. Parents pushing strollers and couples on the walkway of Amagansett Square on Sunday turned their heads, seeking the source of the surprising sound.

The afternoon music was unexpected because Crossroads Music moved into the neighborhood only two weeks ago. Now that the store and de facto music center has settled into the more spacious digs, musicians are already flocking to a nexus of the East End music community.

The Sunday afternoon jams started innocently enough, said Michael D. Clark. The store was “supposed” to be closed on Sundays, but he and his wife, Christine, found themselves doing paperwork on their day off each week in the music store they opened in 2006.

On a whim, they decided to keep the doors open and invite musicians to play. The only rule was to leave egos at the door. The point was to have fun, make music and meet others who shared the same passion.

“This is a place for musicians. It has nothing to do with us,” Mr. Clark said. “We just opened the doors and welcomed musicians to come play here. It’s amazing that an idea or concept can impact so many people in a positive way.”

The afternoon jams caught on quickly. Since then, they’ve grown from a handful to a roomful. Bands have formed, musical connections have been made and area recording studios have touted their services to musicians. The new Amagansett store was designed with the jam in mind: shelves holding merchandise are set on wheels so the space can be reconfigured to accommodate the jammers.

When Crossroads Music moved from East Hampton to Amagansett, the musicians who have played at Crossroads Sunday Jams, the store’s “Coffee House” sessions or the Music Showcases at Guild Hall stopped the Clarks from hiring a moving van, Mr. Clark said.

Instead, a small army turned out, relocated the entire store and helped set up the two-story shop on a single Wednesday night. The store opened the next morning as planned. As a gift, photographer and conga jammer Megan Ganga presented a book of photo memories of jams at the East Hampton store.

All instruments are welcome at the jams, which are held every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. There is no fee to join and no reservations. Musicians wander in, find a spot and join the fray.

Typically, there are tons of acoustic guitars and a few electric guitars, a drummer, a keyboard player and lots of singers. The jam could include an accordion player, a violinist or someone playing the harmonica, mandolin, tambourine, saxophone or a number of other instruments.

Songs played are decided by the group. Classic rock is a favorite since most know the music and at least some of the words. Last Sunday, jammers played “Aimee” by New Riders of the Purple Sage, “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, some Rolling Stones tunes and more.

Without intention, Crossroads Music has become the axis on which an East End music scene can turn and spin outward. Bands have formed or picked up key members at the Sunday jams, including The Surf Dogs, The Third Estate, The Lost Keys, which morphed into Psychedelic Summer and The Complete Unknowns, Mr. No-Shame and others.

The Jams have become a resource cataloguing area venues for players, open mic locations, nearby recording studios and musicians who can fill in at gigs. Ms. Ganga began a blog to try to keep track of it all (www.jampaparazza.blogspot.com).

Musicians of all ages and talent levels walk in, take a seat and join in. Ages range from teenagers to retired.

“Not everyone wants to be a rock star or wants to pursue that,” Mr. Clark said. “Some people just want a taste of it.”

Of course, some musicians are professionals and have performed in large stadiums and small venues. Paul Gene, a Crossroads music teacher and jam regular, played with Carly Simon, Meatloaf, Roy Buchanan, Chico Hamilton and many others.

Cynthia Daniels of Monk Music Recording Studio has recorded big time stars, sweeping musical soundtracks, and won a Grammy for recording and producing “The Producers.” Her guitar playing at the jams won her a spot in Mariann Megna’s new band and recording. This will be Ms. Megna’s third recording.

Other musicians now play The Stephen Talkhouse and other local venues. Still others are part of Crossroads Music Presents concert series at Guild Hall. Now in its second year, the series kicks off on July 11 with a Teen Rock Night. On July 23, Mr. No-Shame has a CD release concert and party. September 23 features another Teen Rock Night. December 7 will see a Holiday Show.

Already, the new location has brought new faces and players into Crossroads Music, Mr. Clark said. The hope is better economic times will bring a bright future for the music store and its expanding roster of troubadours.

“We’re happy that we’ve been able to help people connect,” Mr. Clark said. “There’s a real community of musicians on the East End. People help each other and are supportive. The jams are always different. They’re sometimes good and sometimes great, but there’s always a lot of fun.”

Crossroads Music is located at 160 Main Street, Amagansett. For information, call 907-4838 or visit http://crossroadsmusicstore.com.