It's been about a year since I started blogging on the arts so I thought it appropriate that I check out one of my first blog sites: January Jams at The Recovery Lounge in Upper Jay.

As I walk down the road from my car to the old riverside building, I strike up a conversation with a fellow who has never been to the Recovery Lounge before and is pleased that I know the way in. He is from Lake Placid and has heard about the spot from friends. As soon as we enter, we are each greeted by folks we know and drift to our various circles.

The official "jam" session is just beginning and owner Scott Renderer is pointing out the bathroom to newcomers and that there are scones available for jamming. Someone shouts out for clarification, "Are the scones in the bathroom?" --a crowd pleaser and icebreaker all in one.

The first entertainer I see take the spotlight is Eric Klotzko of Upper Jay. He is a dynamic performer and though much of the afternoon is about singing and acoustic guitar, I know his will be one that stands out. He is so connected with the lyrics and delivers them all from the heart.

The room fills as the afternoon progresses. There are babies, grandmothers, teens, college kids, a cat, a dog...it's like being in a big old family room with all the family home on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

The magic number for most performers is three so things move along rather quickly. Cathy Harris treats us to a Beach Boys number and "Puff the Magic Dragon"-- another nod to the various age groups that the audience represents.

It is obvious that player/singer Stan Oliva has been here before as he relishes the phrase "January Jams" and the way he introduces song number three which is an original debut performance.

Other performers are Rocky and Lil from AuSable Forks (first timers), Dave from Elizabethtown, Micky from Keene and two teenage girls who perform the Cup Song from "Pitch Perfect" which draws the loudest applause of the afternoon.

The Recovery Lounge will host two more January Jam Sundays this season if you can get yourself out to Upper Jay it is always worth the trip. There's more than one group from Lake Placid here today, as well as folks from Essex, Whallonsburg, and Westport.

For more events at The Upper Jay Arts Center aka Recovery Lounge, click through to the web site.

For more arts events in the Adirondacks visit the Lake Placid Events page.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, swimming, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.