Mad Jammers Open Mic edinburgh

Mad Jammers Open Mic edinburgh Friendly, inclusive nights mainly for and by people with experience of mental health issues.

Email Martin on mfmc11266@gmail.com to enquire about booking a performance slot

01/08/2025

Her name was Elizabeth Cotten. She was left-handed, poor, and entirely self-taught. No teacher, no lessons, no fancy equipment. Just a $3.75 Stella guitar she ordered from a Sears catalog in 1904.
Because it was a right-handed guitar—and no one told her otherwise—Elizabeth simply flipped it upside down and taught herself to play. Her thumb danced on the melody while her fingers held the bass. It was backwards to the world. But it became her signature.
At just 11 years old, she wrote “Freight Train,” a song that would one day echo across generations. But life pulled her away from music. She set the guitar aside for decades, working as a domestic servant to support her family.
Then one day, in the home of the Seeger family—yes, those Seegers—someone overheard her quietly playing.
And everything changed.
In the 1960s, Folkways Records began recording her songs. Her unique style—now known as “Cotten picking”—inspired artists like Joan Baez, Doc Watson, and even Jerry Garcia.
Elizabeth Cotten didn’t come from fame. She didn’t have a recording contract at 20 or a hit single on the radio.
But she had heart. She had rhythm.
And a $3.75 guitar turned upside down.

~Weird Wonders and Facts

01/08/2025

Edinburgh comes alive in August, but with the buzz and busy streets, it can all feel a bit much.

If you’re finding it overwhelming, you’re not alone.

Visit iThrive Edinburgh for tips, tools and support to help you look after your wellbeing throughout the festival season.

👉 https://lght.ly/913237g

12/07/2025

Hi all. Huge thanks to everyone (performers, audience members, and volunteers) that once again made the in-person open mic from Mad Jam this eve great fun. We have a break in August but back at Augustine United Church on Sat September 13. A heads-up for wordsmiths that we've one more open mic in July for spoken word-only. The theme is "Journey" and all readings welcome. It's online using zoom next Sat 19/07/25 from 7.00 - 9.30pm. For the link and a performance slot of up to 20 minutes or to be in the audience, email me at mfmc11266@gmail.com As always it would be great to see you. Cheers, Martin🙂

Julie here…never let it be said that I don’t care about y’all. I spent yesterday evening making fans to go on the tables...
12/07/2025

Julie here…never let it be said that I don’t care about y’all. I spent yesterday evening making fans to go on the tables at MJ because it’ll probably be blimmin’ roasting. You’re welcome 😂 🥵🪭❤️

10/07/2025
10/07/2025

Hi all. Here is the running order for the open mic from Mad Jam on Saturday 12 July. Venue Augustine United Church, 41-43 George 4th Bridge, Edin EH1 1EL. Doors open 5.40, performances from 6.20 - 9.30. Would be great to see you there. Running order follows:

Sam McIntyre, John Hartley, Tony Chan, Robbie Wilson, Tam Laidlaw.. break...Sasha Callaghan, Roger, Why Icarus, RAFFLE, David Mullett and Sarah Ri, FINISH

Cheers, Martin😊

30/06/2025

Come along and see the work we do and how we support our 'Trainees'. There will be garden tours to join on the day . We would love to be able to clear our sales tables (limited plants for sale). All proceeds help to sustain the support we offer.

Hi all. Would be great to see you at this open mic online. Performance slots available. One of two open mics Mad Jam is ...
30/06/2025

Hi all. Would be great to see you at this open mic online. Performance slots available. One of two open mics Mad Jam is running in July. We are also running an in-person open mic in Augustine United Church on Saturday 12 July. Look out for the posts. We hope to see you soon. Cheers, Martin👍

Hi everyone. Just a wee reminder Mad Jam is running 2 open mics in July. The first in-person in Augustine United Church ...
30/06/2025

Hi everyone. Just a wee reminder Mad Jam is running 2 open mics in July. The first in-person in Augustine United Church Saturday 12th July - doors open 5.40 with performances from 6.20 to 9.30. The second online for spoken word-only on Saturday 19th July from 7.00 to 9.30. Would be great to see you at both or either. Cheers, Martin🙂

Address

Augustine Utd Church, 41 George IV Bridge
Edinburgh
EH11EL

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