Rockin’ Through Stage Fright at Monthly Classic Rock-Blues Jam

Singer and composer Karie Naquin hosts a monthly Rock and Blues Jam in Bethesda, Maryland.

I am the singer and composer of the theme song for the Epilepsy Foundation of America’s annual National Walk For Epilepsy. I have had epilepsy almost all my life, but will not let that stop me from doing what I want to do…singing and managing bands. I will be fifty years old on December 8, 2009.

My pet project is a monthly, free organized jam that I run out of my band’s rehearsal space in Bethesda, Maryland. Bethesda Classic Rock and Blues Jam welcomes amateur and professional musicians of all ages (21+), skill levels, ethnicities, and musical backgrounds. There is never any preference given to professional musicians…it is always first-come, first-served. There is never a cover charge and there are no dues. No money ever changes hands…it is all about the music.

The majority of our members are in their forties and fifties, and some have never strummed a chord in front of another person. We welcome all those whose knees knock from stage fright. Two months later, they stride in and plug in and PLAY. Two professional bands, comprised of all 50-somethings, have spun off of the jam, and are playing out on a regular basis. 

My work with the Epilepsy Foundation of America has empowered me to keep on keepin’ on, and I and my musicians are just getting better with age, and encouraging other folks over 50 to start now and keep on playing solely for the reason that it gives you pleasure. Rock on. For more information about Bethesda Classic Rock and Blues Jam, email me at bcrabj@yahoo.com. 

Karie Naquin
Manager, Vocalist, Bethesda Classic Rock and Blues Jam
Bethesda, Maryland