Jam Sessions @ The Cave
 
Big Bear Lake's Premier Organized Live Music Experience
Jam Sessions @ The Cave is the flagship event of SoCal Jams, bringing musicians from across Southern California together at one of the region's premier live music venues. Located in the heart of Big Bear Lake Village, The Cave provides the perfect stage for an experience unlike any traditional open mic or open jam.
 
Every performance begins weeks before the first note is played. Musicians reserve a specific instrument or vocal position, receive the setlist in advance, rehearse on their own, and arrive ready to perform. On event night, they take the stage with fellow musicians they've often never met before—and together, they become a band.
 
Event Schedule
Each Jam Session features two one-hour performance sets, with 10–14 songs per set, separated by an Artist Showcase featuring some of the area's most talented local and regional musicians across a variety of genres.
 
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
 
If you're performing that evening, please check in with security upon arrival. You'll receive a colored wristband if your name appears on the performer list.
Performer wristbands must be worn at all times. They provide access to the stage and may also qualify you for special venue discounts (when available).
 
Performance Schedule

• Set One: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM

• Artist Showcase: Approximately 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Set Two: 8:15 PM – 9:30 PM
   

Performer Expectations & House Rules:
 
Setlists will be distributed at least 72 hours before each event.
 
Please arrive on time, know your songs, and be ready to perform at your scheduled time. Your bandmates are depending on you. Every missed performance affects the entire band and may result in canceled songs for the audience.
 
No-shows or performers who fail to communicate their absence will not be invited to future Jam Sessions. Medical or personal emergencies will, of course, be considered when communicated appropriately.

ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES ON STAGE! 
ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS!
 
Backline Equipment
SoCal Jams and the incredible crew at The Cave provide a professional backline so musicians can focus on what matters most—performing.
 
The house backline includes:

• DW drum kit (bass drum, snare, three toms, double kick pedal, and assorted cymbals)

• Ampeg SVT head with Ampeg 8×10 bass cabinet

• Marshall JCM amplifier with 4×10 cabinet

• Fender Twin Reverb with distortion pedal (pedals may vary)

• Fender Hot Rod DeVille with Boss tuner, Blues Driver, and tape delay pedals

• Multiple direct inputs for acoustic instruments and keyboards

• Vocal microphones and microphone stands

• The MASSIVE PA sound system The Cave is famous for
   

Keyboard Players
House keyboards and synthesizers are not provided.
If your song requires keyboards, arrangements must be made in advance. Load-in begins at 3:00 PM, and soundcheck starts promptly at 4:30 PM. Please don't arrive with keyboard equipment expecting it to be added to the show without prior coordination.
 
What to bring & what NOT to bring
Please do not bring your own amplifier, drum kit, or other large stage equipment unless you have been specifically asked to do so. The house backline is used for all performances, and exceptions cannot be accommodated.
 
Guitarists are welcome to bring specialty effects pedals when required for specific songs (such as wah, tremolo, or similar effects).
We encourage performers to bring:

• Guitar(s)

• Bass(es)

• Drumsticks

• Preferred snare drum (optional)

• Picks

• Capos, slides, or any small personal accessories needed for your performance
   

Come play.
Come connect.
Come discover why Jam Sessions @ The Cave has become one of Big Bear Lake's most unique live music experiences.
 
Where Strangers Become Bands.