'The Apple Jam' Open Mic Returns After Pandemic Hiatus

APPLE VALLEY, MN— As COVID-19 cases drop in Minnesota, The Apple Jam is up and running once again.

The weekly open-mic nights will take place from 6:30-10 p.m. on Mondays in the ballroom of Apple Valley Legion, according to Ace Barton, a saxophone player in the house band, the Valley Jammasters.

The first “back-to-normal” event without masks or social-distancing will be June 7, Barton said. The free event will have raffles, dancing and special guest musicians Minnesota Blues Brothers.

Barton said the house band plays from 6:30-7 p.m., with the open-mic beginning at 7.

Participants can either perform at the open mic, or just listen to the performers, Barton said.

Barton said that all are welcome to perform, regardless of skill level.

Before the pandemic the weekly events drew nearly 100 people. The weekly events came to a complete halt March 2020 due to the pandemic, but Barton said he hopes the events will reach their pre-pandemic popularity soon.

The Apple Jams began in 2017, and is the only weekly jam night south of the river, Barton said. Apple Jams is the only variety music jam in the Twin Cities, meaning they play any genre of music as opposed to just blues, Barton said.