Every first Thursday of the month at the Royal Palace Theater in Spanish Fork (located at 165 N Main St) the "BluesJam" rocks the house. Local blues artists play for a couple hours. And it doesn’t disappoint.
The BluesJam has been jamming since December ’99, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. The artists are playing simply for the love of the music and when you see them on stage, it’s obvious that they are having tons of fun. The Royal Palace Theater is an intimate and quality venue. There is no cover charge to BluesJam-only a donation jar passed around.
This last BluesJam, the host band was Good Karma and they where fantastic. They played cover songs and originals. Good Karma never missed a beat, even though most of the songs were performed with artists they had never played with. They do not make money from the event, but when you see how much fun they’re having on stage, you’d think they were getting rich off of it. The whole concept to the event is to get people involved and, most importantly, have fun playing blues.
Anyone that wants can get up and rock out with the band. They had vocalists, guitarists, drummers, harmonica players-even a beat boxer got up and let loose with Good Karma to Jimi Hendrix’s "Foxy Lady." A list is sent around, and one puts their name down and what music they will provide. Then volunteers get up on stage and do their thing with the band.
Bob Williams is a clinical psychologist who practices in Orem. He looks forward to the first Thursday of every month. The BluesJam regulars know him as Dr. Bob and it’s very apparent he has a blast on stage both singing and riffing with his harmonica.
Dr. Bob said about BluesJam, "I love the BluesJam-they have accepted me from the beginning. I’ve never had so much fun in front of an audience." Dr. Bob has been a regular for a little over a year now and he’s definitely a fan favorite.
BluesJam is a laid back and entertainment-conducive atmosphere that anyone can enjoy. But if blues isn’t your thing, don’t fret. The second Thursday of each month is "Classic Country Night;" the third Thursday is "Classic Rock Night;" and the fourth Thursday is "Bluegrass and Acoustic Night."
So all you aspiring blues musicians, head down to the Royal Palace Theater every first Thursday night of the month and get involved. It’s great live entertainment.
