• Q:  What is FlashJamTM?

A:  Imagine you're a musician and you go see your favorite band in concert.  A band with songs you know very well and like to cover for example.  While at the concert, one of the band members unexpectedly passes out, and you are called upon spontaneously to walk on stage and fill in for them while they are revived.  You walk on stage and play under the circumstances presented to you...no prep, no sound check, no tuning, no adjusting, just get up there and jam the song to the best of your ability...because the show must go on!  FlashJamTM is exciting and fun and spontaneous, rather than routine and planned and perfect.

• Q:  Where do I find the upcoming FlashJamTM events, dates, times and locations?

A:  All the current and upcoming events are listed on our venues page, click here.

• Q:  Can I view the song list(s) before I register to play?

A:  Yes, go to the venues page, click on the "Register Now" button next to the venue to view the setlist.

• Q:  How do I register to play in a FlashJamTM?

A:  Go to the venues page:

• Find a venue you are interested in playing at.

• Click on "Register Now" to open the itinerary (Song List).

• Identify a song you want to play on marked with an "OPEN" song part you can play.

• Click on the "FlashJam" link beneath the song title to open the registration and update form.

• Complete and submit the registration form.  You will answer "no" to the question "Do you have a profile with us" if this is your first time.  You will only need to answer the profile questions the first time you register.

• Register several songs since you may not be slated on every song you choose, depending on demand.  If a part is filled, you'll be slated as an alternate in case they drop out.

• Once you are slated on a song, you will receive an email confirmation.

• Q:  Do musicians and bands get paid to FlashJamTM?

A:  FlashJam offers performance pay opportunities by arranging shows and forming niche bands to fill venue and private party requests.  Musicians and bands are drawn from the FlashJam competitions and offered performance pay opportunities based on their needs, abilities, and availability.

• Q:  Is FlashJamTM for newbies, I'm a professional musician?

A:  FlashJamTM can be a mix of experience, each player knows their part on a song they're good at, so it works well.

• Q:  What if I haven't been playing long?

A:  To FlashJamTM, you only need to know your part on one song.  You can learn, practice, and focus on just one song and play in a FlashJamTM.  It's a really fun amazing experience for people of all experience levels and ages.

• Q:  I'm having trouble viewing the list of songs on my phone.

A:  Download Google Sheets from your mobile app store, that will usually fix all the issues.

• Q:  Is there a limit on how many songs I can sign up to play?

A:  There is no limit.   We encourage you to sign up for all the songs you like and we'll place you on as many as possible, depending on participation.

• Q:  Can I nominate a song that I want to play at FlashJamTM?

A:  Yes.  During the registration process, you will see the first option on the song list is "I WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE MY OWN SONG(S)".  Select that option and complete the requested information; song title, artist name, and youtube link.  Depending upon how full the show is and how much demand there is for the current songs on the list, your nominated song may be added to the current show or it may be added to a later show, but we'll do our best to accommodate the request.

• Q:  How does FlashJamTM assign players to songs?

A:  FlashJamTM uses a fair and equitable protocol to assign songs as follows:

• Assign 1st choices to the itinerary upon registration submission.

• If a choice is unavailable, assign to “alternate” and attempt to slate lower level choices until a selection is available and they are evenly slated on the itinerary. 

• Evenly slated means that they do not appear more or less than other registrants and everyone is on the itinerary the same number of times.

• However, if they do not make enough choices, they do not get slated evenly.

• Fill 1st choices until 1/3 of all available slots are filled.  This is why additional song choices won't show up until later in the process.

• This process is repeated for additional song choices until the itinerary is filled.  If you notice an error, which may happen from time to time, please bring it to our attention and we will address it, if possible.

Other General Rules:

• Distribute registrations evenly.   (unless you register for enough songs, this may not end up even)

• Higher choices trump lower choices.  However, protocol #2 above demonstrates how someone can end up on a song even though they had a lower choice on it than you.  But generally, someone who chose a song as their 3rd choice will get it before someone who chose it as their 4th choice.  If two people make the same choice, it goes to the one who registered first.

• Late cancels within 10 days of the show date = strike log

• Three strikes = registration denied. 

• Q:  Why does FlashJamTM assign songs in this manner?  Why not just assign them as soon as they come in?

A:  The process was developed to keep a small group of people from signing up for every song and dominating the competition.  It attempts to put players on songs they will do their best at, and they feel most comfortable with.   It allows newcomers a chance to play, even if they sign up a week before the show, and helps to ensure a full show.

• Q:  I signed up to play a song, why don't I show up on the itinerary?

A:  Slating you on your first choice song may take up to 10 minutes.  If you don't show up by then, you may have used a different email, name or phone number than what was registered in your FlashJam profile.  Always use the same information to register for songs as you used in your FlashJam profile registration. 

• Q:  I signed up for more than one song and I only see my name on one song?

A:  At times, song registrations may be staggered so that a few people do not dominate the competition.  It depends on how many registrations are coming in at the same time for the same songs.  Sometimes, they may not be staggered, it depends on participation.

• Q:  Will I get to play on every song I signed up for?

A:  It depends on how many FlashJammer's registered for the same song.  If participation is high, you may not get every song, so we encourage you to sign up for several songs and we'll place you on as many as possible as the registration progresses.  It takes time to complete the registration process  and get everything settled so check the itinerary often for changes.

• Q:  Why do some people have more spots than others?

A:  The song choices are always distributed completely fairly.  Some people are on more songs because they are in one or more winning FlashJam's, or they have entered a band registration.  One of the advantages to winning is playing more often.  Otherwise, the distribution of song choices is equal and fair. 

• Q:  What happens if someone drops out on a song?

A:  It goes to the alternate person in back up position, if available.

• Q:  Can I join a FlashJamTM if I was invited by other Flashmates, but I'm not slated on the song on the itinerary?

A:  It depends.  You can't bump someone off a song.  The itinerary is the official record of who's on the song.  If someone drops out of a song, the part goes to the alternate, if any.  If no one is slated on the song yet, then you may be able to sign up for it. 

• Q:  Can I swap songs with someone?

A:  If everyone is ok with it, yes, otherwise, no.   The itinerary is the official record of who's on the song.  If changes are made, the FlashJammer coming off the song must submit a cancelation form, and the replacement Flashjammer must complete a new registration form so we can update the itinerary and scoring card.

• Q:  Can I ask a FlashJammer to give up a slot on a song for me?

A:  Asking FlashJammer's to take themselves off a song for someone else is discouraged because it's an unpleasant experience for the FlashJammer who got the part first.  Additionally, if the slot has an alternate listed, the alternate is first in line if the primary FlashJammer comes off the part for any reason.  Consider whether you would want someone to request the same of you before you ask.  If changes are made, the Flashjammer coming off the song must submit a cancelation form, and if there is no alternate listed, the replacement Flashjammer must complete a new registration form so we can update the itinerary and scoring card.

• Q:  Can a player be replaced or removed from a FlashJamTM?

A:  A FlashJamTM band may remove a player with a 2/3 majority vote and notification to FlashJamTM.  The band  must accept the next FlashJammer in the que, if any.  FlashJamTM reserves the right to veto the decision depending on the reason for removal.

• Q:  How are rehearsals handled?

A:  Flashmates may organize practices if they choose.  FlashJamTM does not organize rehearsals and they are not required.

• Q:  I noticed the key for the song is incorrect on the itinerary, now what?

A:  Notify us and we'll get it corrected.

• Q:  The song key is correct, but can I request a change to the key?

A:  Collaborate with the other Flashmates on the song and come to a consensus and notify us of any agreed changes.

• Q:  Can the arrangement of a FlashJamTM song be changed around?

A:  Generally speaking, no.  The YouTube videos are posted to so that everyone knows what the arrangement is going to be.  This keeps things simple for everyone to practice on their own and come together for the performance.  If the arrangement is changed, it complicates things too much.  If someone signs up for the song later, they would be behind the curve.  If you want to perform a song with a different arrangement, you always have the option of putting together a group and submitting a band registration and playing a different arrangement that way.

• Q:  How do I find contact information for the other Flashmates I am playing with?

A:  Once you have been slated on the song in question and received a confirmation by email, locate the song on the itinerary (song list) and click on the "Flashmates" link to view the contact information.  Note that you must be signed on to your browser with the registered email address in your FlashJam profile in order to view the information.  Otherwise, you will have to request access and receive approval before you can view the information. 

Permission Based Contact Only

IMPORTANT:  Complying with the law. 

• • You may contact Flashmates on a one-to-one basis only to collaborate on FlashJamTM rehearsals.

  • 8am-8pm local time is considered normal hours.  Do not contact people outside of normal hours.   

  • Do not add anyone to a group message or send group text messages before you get individual permission from each person you are contacting first.  Be aware, some musicians don't plan on rehearsing with Flashmates beforehand, it's all a personal choice.

  • Do not contact people for anything other than FlashJamTM related rehearsals, unless you have been given permission otherwise.

  • Do not contact participants who have asked to not be contacted.

  • If someone complains about how, or when they were contacted, strike(s) may be given to the violator.
    
    

• Q:  Can my whole band sign up to play?

A:  Yes. 

• Q:  How can I sign my band up to perform at FlashJamTM?

  • Create a band profile

  • Find a venue, then you can open the itinerary specific to that show and register your band.  Identify an open band slot on the itinerary, click on "FlashJam" and complete the band registration section of the form and submit.

  • Bands may select the songs they want to play, but may not perform songs that are already on the FlashJamTM setlist.  Original songs are also allowed.

  • Winning bands earn a triple play slot at the following show, and qualify for a band showcase where they can play a longer set of 35-40 minutes.  The winner of the band showcase may be offered a paid gig at the venue.

• Q:  What if I have an emergency and cannot make it to the show?

A:  Go to the event itinerary, click on "FlashJam" beneath the title of the song you are slated on, select the "I would like to cancel" option, complete the form and submit.  You have the option to cancel just one song or all of them.  Give plenty of notice so we have maximum time to replace you, and your Flashmates are not let down at the last minute.

• Q:  How do I cancel a song registration, or a band registration?

A:   Cancellations are done the same way as joining a song.  Go to the event itinerary, click on "FlashJam" beneath the title of the song you are slated on, select the "I would like to cancel" option, complete the form and submit.  You have the option to cancel just one song or all of them.  Give plenty of notice so your Flashmates are not let down at the last minute.  You will be removed once the itinerary updates.
Please note that only you can cancel your registrations, this is to prevent others from canceling your registration against your will.  We do not accept cancellations by email, text, or phone calls.  The fastest and easiest way to cancel is through the registration and update form as described above.

Late Cancel Policy

Canceling a registration within 10 days of the show is considered a "Late Cancel".  Late cancel's are problematic for the show and for the other Flashmates on the song and denies participation to those FlashJammer's who could have otherwise been slated and preparing for the show.  Therefore, FlashJamTM reserves the right to penalize late cancel's.  FlashJammer's who cancel within 10 days of the show may forfeit future registrations.  FlashJammer's are encouraged to find a replacement if possible rather than canceling late.  

Strike Policy

• Q:  Why does FlashJamTM have a "three strikes and you're out" policy?

A:  FlashJamTM is a team sport and people are counting on each other.  Based on feedback, Flashmates want some accountability from one another.  Here are some strike able offenses:

• Late Status Change; canceling within 10 days of any show.  We may have to find an alternate, and they may need time to prepare.

• No Show. 

• Late arrival for a FlashJamTM that forces us to skip the song.

• Registering and canceling frequently. 

• This is fair to everyone and allows flexibility for those unavoidable circumstances in which you have no choice.

• Q:  Is it possible to move songs to better accommodate my schedule?

A:  FlashJamTM is unable to shuffle songs or people around after the itinerary has been published.

• Q:  What happens if all the  song parts on a song do not get filled by showtime?

A:  We'll fill the spot one of a few ways:

• We'll try to fill the song parts until the show starts.  Typically some people will drop in late and  sign up for songs.

• Host band members will  step in and fill the open part(s) to complete the  FlashJamTM.

• FlashJammers attending the show will typically step in and play the part when given the opportunity.

• An open mic song may be played spontaneously.

• One of the bands in attendance may be allotted an additional slot to cover the open slot.

• The song slot may be skipped as a last resort and we'll move on to the next FlashJamTM.

• Members of the house band may play those parts.  Or in some cases, we'll skip and move on to the next song.

• Q:  What's the best way to prepare for FlashJamTM?

A:  Practice the song with a karaoke track or arrange a practice session with your Flashmates, or both.

• Q:  Can I sign up for more than one part on a song?

A:  Yes, if you can play an instrument and sing, or play two parts, go for it.

• Q:  How long will each FlashJamTM have to set up?

A:  Typically less than 2 minutes.  Most of the setup will occur while the FlashJamTM is on que.

• Q:  Does each band get a sound check?

A:  No.  Sound check is done before the show starts by the first band.  No sound checks are necessary after that.

• Q:  What does "on que" mean?

A:  On que is knowing you're up next to play, assembling near the stage with your Flashmates and getting ready to walk on stage and play.

• Q:  I'm a drummer, how will that work?

A:  All drummers will play on a house kit.  Bring your own sticks.

• Q:  I play strings, how will that work?

A:  We have a backline available and ready for your use.  You'll only need your instrument, we provide amps and guitar pedals.  Always tune your instrument before going on stage to allow for quick transitions.

• Q:  Can I bring my own amplifier?

A:  No, because we have a backline available and ready for your use, and we conduct a sound check before the show starts and set the levels.  You'll only need your instrument, we provide amps and guitar pedals.  Bringing your own equipment slows down the transitions and causes the show to run late.

• Q:  I'm a singer, how will that work?

A:  FlashJamTM provides microphones and stands.  If you use a mobile device to view lyrics, bring a method of attachment to affix it to the mic stand.

• Q:  How are winners selected?

A:  Winners are selected by attendees and judges.  Audience members and FlashJammer's who are in attendance vote for the the top 3 FlashJam's / Bands, and the top FlashJammer's, through an online scorecard.  FlashJamTM uses a voting algorithm which factors both popular vote combined with selected judges.  Scorecards that are duplicative or determined to have inauthentic voting patterns are discarded.  The pure popular vote shown in the graphs may be different from the final winning results.  Here are some additional voting tips;

• You must be present to vote.

• Vote fairly on a sufficient number of FlashJam's.  You may be selected as a judge by the algorithm.

• Do not use different email addresses; one person in attendance = one vote.

• The vote scoring algorithm will analyze the voting patterns and automatically discard inauthentic votes.

• Q:  Is there a reward for winning FlashJam's?

• A:  First place winners are featured in a three song set in the following FlashJamTM show at the same venue they won at, and are eligible to play in the FlashJamTM band showcases.  Showcase winners may be offered a paid gig at the venue.  Second and third place winners each earn a two song set at the following show.

• Q:  How are songs chosen for winning FlashJam's?

• A:  Winning FlashJamTM bands nominate the songs they want to perform through a collaborative process amongst the Flashmates in the band.  Typically, the final song selections are made by the lead vocalist based on their natural ability to perform the songs.

• Q:  How is the Seasonal Grand Prize awarded?

A:  Individual FlashJammer's who win the highest number of times throughout the season are eligible for "Icon Band" placement.  At the end of the season, two or more Icon Bands will face off at the Grand Finale where the winning Icon Band will be awarded the Grand Prize.

The more you play and win as an individual, the higher your chances for placement in an Icon Band.  Winning individuals may come from FlashJam's or bands throughout the season, it is not restricted.

Here's an example.  Mike, a guitarist who has won the most number of times in the lead guitarist category earns placement as Lead Guitarist in one of the Icon Bands eligible for the grand prize at the season finale.  Brian, who has won the second most number of times in the Lead Guitarist category earns placement as Lead Guitarist in another Icon Band.  Pinkie, who has won the third most number of times in the Lead Guitarist category earns placement as Lead Guitarist in a third Icon Band.  Same for all other categories; bass, drums, vocals, etc.  Two or more Icon Bands will compete at the Grand Finale and the winner will be awarded the Grand Prize.

How To Get Started and Prepare To Flashjam:

• • Create a profile.

  • Select a venue.

  • Choose a song from the set list published in advance by the venue.  

  • "FlashjamTM" by signing up to play your instrument in a song you like and play well.

  • Tell your personal fans about FlashjamTM and invite them to see you perform live and vote for you.

  • Practice the song in advance of the show on your own.

  • Optionally, practice with the other Flashmates who have signed up to play the same song.

  • Arrive at the venue on time and get in que with your Flashmates.

  • Walk on stage and FlashjamTM like an icon!

  • Have a great time performing the song and making new friends and fans.

  • FlashjamTM patrons will score individual players and bands at the conclusion of each song. 

  • Winners chosen nightly!

  • Advance in the competition!

Guidelines for the show:

• Have fun with it.  The more fun you have, the higher you'll be rated.

• Invite your people to the show; win by popular vote at the show.

• Come early and mingle before the show starts.  Get comfortable.

• Be on time, we have to keep a tight schedule.

• Bring only your instrument, you will plug into the existing stage apparatus.  Bring your pedal if you use one for the song.  

• Be ready to go on stage quickly when you're up.  You are "on deck" when a band is playing and you're going on stage next, or after the next band.

• Tune instruments in advance before you go on stage.

• Tune instruments in advance before you go on stage.

• Tune instruments in advance before you go on stage.

• No time for sound checks before starting the song.

• Do not adjust the amps or volumes as the sound will be pre-mixed by the sound tech.

• Plan on about 1-2 minutes to enter the stage, plug in and start the song.

• If someone makes a mistake, don't stop the song, keep it moving.

• Start and finish within the time slot, or forfeit unfortunately.

• Mobile devices; bring a method of attachment to the mic stand, or your own music stand, If you use a mobile device for lyrics or chords. 

• Enter and exit the stage quickly

• Stay for the whole show; support those who supported you, take part in voting.  Encourage everyone to vote.

• The stage monitors are wedges.  We won't be using in-ear monitoring.

• We will have cords to plug your instrument into the amp, however, bring your cord for backup in case we have a bad cord or something.

• Instruments will be plugged in using a cord, no wireless rigs or mics.

• The venue has mic's, mic stands, cords etc.

• The drums will be provided; Roland electronic V-Drums with mesh heads.  5-piece with double bass pedals, two crashes and one ride.  Bring your own drum sticks.

• Keyboards are typically provided.  Don't bring your own keyboards.