by TaLeiza Calloway
news@thenewsleaders.com
Marilyn Krzenski is not a silent shopper. When the St. Joseph resident thinks of something, she has to share it.
Her latest suggestion to add jam sessions to the Minnesota Street Market is one she recently shared with store officials and in less than a week they embraced it. As customers stroll in on Tuesday nights, they will now hear original tunes from musicians playing near the front of the store.
When Krzenski’s son, David Krzenski, heard of the jam-session idea, he was not surprised. His mother is always coming up with cool ideas, he said, and the fact they were supported is even more exciting. David, 24, has been playing the guitar since he was in fourth grade. He now plays a six-string. He participated in the first jam session and is eager for the sessions to catch on in the community.
“Just getting the music community together is really a cool part,” David said. “Really instilling that jam sense into people musically. A lot of time you practice by yourself, but music can be so social, which is really powerful.”
Marilyn, a member of the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association, was looking through the organization’s quarterly newsletter last month. As she read about various jam sessions in St. Cloud, she noticed there wasn’t anything like that in the St. Joseph area – an area whose music community continues to grow. She thought, “Where in this area can we have this?” The Minnesota Street Market has proven to be just the place.
“I think mostly it will bring a lot to the community to have this opportunity,” Krzenski said. “It’s not performance, but yet you get to play your instrument and meet other people. I think it will add to the (store’s) atmosphere.”
She suggested the idea to Katie Foley, the store’s manager last month. The first jam session was held Dec. 4. The feedback has been positive. Foley said one of the musicians was excited to learn from a fellow guitarist during the first session. Though it’s just beginning, all look forward to the success of the jam sessions.
“It’s evolving,” Krzenski said. “People will get out of it what they put into it.”
The jam sessions take place from 5-7 p.m. at the Minnesota Street Market, Those interested in participating can just show up and play. It is open to all skill levels – true to the jam-session format. Organizers are discussing recording some of the songs they play during the jam sessions and posting them online so others can learn the tunes. For more information about the sessions, visit www.minnesotastreetmarket.com.
