If you are thinking about boarding a plane to Nashville or Hollywood to see some great live music, wait until you read to the end of this column.  I think that you will find, as I have, that Waukesha is springing up, pardon the pun, with all sorts of musical talent.  I witnessed this first-hand this past Friday evening as I attended the open mic at Sprizzo Gallery Cafe.  Not only were young people playing and singing, but there also was comedy and poetry. This article is not about the open mic specifically, stellar as that is. I may cover that in an upcoming column.

For the past 14 years, Cathy Atkinson has organized the JanBoree Jam, which is a battle of the bands and one of the many varied activities held during Waukesha’s Winter JanBoree.  The bands involved come from Waukesha high schools.  Atkinson is a social studies teacher at Waukesha South and the JanBoree Jam is her baby.  Sue Harter from the Waukesha Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department invited Atkinson to be on the JanBoree committee.  She saw Atkinson’s passion for getting young people involved.

Last year’s winner was Say it Loud. The band will perform at the end of this year’s event.  I think you should come hear them, and not just because two members of the band attend my church and play in the youth worship band. Atkinson estimates there will be six bands participating in the event, which starts at 6:30 p.m. Jan 22.  The event will take place in the auditorium at Waukesha North High School, which is where I attended high school. Admission is $8.

Tony Memmel, a three-time winner of the JanBoree Jam, will be performing on Jan. 21 during the opening ceremonies, said Harter.  The styles of music played by the students range from acoustic to punk rock and hard core. Bands are given about 20 minutes to impress the judges and wow the audience. That’s about three or four songs.  Speaking of judges, there will be about three of them. In past years, the judges have been well-liked teachers and prominent local musicians.

Atkinson points out that it is neat to see different groups of people flow in and out as they come to support the band of choice. Many parents come to support their children. Having moms and dads at the event works as an added security mechanism. Teens will behave if they know that parents are in the building.  School resource officers also are on duty for crowd-control purposes.

If for some reason you miss this event, you can also attend the Snow Show at Waukesha South, held in February every year. Waukesha West features the MUC (Musicians United for Charity) show which is also held annually. Some of the same acts that perform at JanBoree Jam also perform at these events.

My suggestion is to bring your ear plugs – if you have to – and come to Waukesha North on the evening of Jan. 22.  Let’s show these young people that we believe in them, and we want to encourage the gifts that they have.  Make sure to say hi to the blind guy who will stamp your hand on the way in.  I’ve heard he is really nice!