Jump on in at the pub jam

THE Railway Hotel Linton and their house band are inviting any musicians and an audience to join them on a late Sunday afternoon.

On the last weekend of each month, the pub hosts their regular jam session from 3pm to 6pm, where anyone, whether they’re a singer or instrumentalist, can rock up with or without an instrument, write their name on the whiteboard, and play some tunes with the group.

The Hotel’s owners Krystine and David Maloney are music lovers who have run the regular, relaxed events for the past four years with support from the gig’s host and band leader Vincent Emanuel.

“Sometimes we might have 12 people getting up with the band, other afternoons we might have six, but the jams have attracted some pretty serious musicians,” Mrs Maloney said.

“I’ve worked with bands, and a lot of those people live in the area, within Victoria, or just over the border. Some will travel a long way to come to our jam.”

She said the gigs offer another opportunity for the diverse community to come together.

“Lots of new people are living up around Linton now, and so many people love to come and listen to music, relax, sit and have a few drinks.

“There’s a basic crew of about 20 that come, and you know they will always be there, but as far as the jammers go, that changes so there’s always something different on offer,” Mrs Maloney said.

“We have very terrific fellas in the band that embrace and support everyone. Varying ages of people get up too, from mid-teens to people in their 70s, so there’s something there for everyone.”

In recent months, the jam sessions have been held outside, but they will likely move into the pub in the coming season, where the wood fire burns.

“We create a lovely atmosphere, where people can just come in, watch, and enjoy the different music. It’s a good vibe with friends, great music and plenty of fun,” she said.

Gold coin donation is encouraged on entry. The next gig will be on Sunday, 25 April.