Singing Away the Mid-week Blues

“Music can soothe the savage soul”

That’s what my mom always used to tell me and I find that it still holds true today.  I was forced to take piano lessons when I was a kid. Sure, originally it was my idea but after a year or so I lost interest with the piano my father had bought me - as most young children are apt to do. But, they made me stick with it and, in hindsight, I am glad they did. Music can be used to create a mood, invoke a feeling and for so many other things. Participating is fun as well. Whether you sing, strum, percuss, dance or just tap your  foot to the beat – it’s hard not to enjoy it in some form or fashion.

Every Wednesday from around 8 pm to midnight, local music icons Billy Osman and Marty “Big Dog” Mercer, together with drummer Larry Ortega and Bassist Ben smith make up the OzBand who hosts the Open Jam Session at West Side Tap at 1356 Houbolt Rd in Joliet.

“The unique thing about this jam session is that it truly is open to people from all walks of musical life,” said Osman “We have people come out to play everything  from acoustic folk rock right on up to heavy metal; we get a diverse crowd."

Both Osman and Mercer have been playing guitar most of their lives, they both teach in addition to performing regularly with their respective musical endeavors.  For information about booking their musical stylings at your establishment or for your next event visit bigdogmercer.com

If you are not one to take the stage - sit back and enjoy the show, the Tap has drink specials for jam-night patrons. So subdue those mid-week blues with a little live music to help get you through the week.