By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, March 5, 2017

Formerly from the Bronx, New York where he graduated from Music and Art, Andy Lackow is now a West Orange, New Jersey resident. He studied Illustration at Rhode Island School of Design, is the Owner of Andy Lackow Illustration but more importantly for us, Andy is a Blues Guitarist that seems to have a handle on ow to quickly start a blues jam and make the Blues Jam extremely successful on a bi-weekly basis.

What does Andy currently do and why is he considered a Blues Jammer Extraordinaire?

Andy Lackow runs his Blues Jam In West Orange, NJ and also sits in and/or runs Blues Jams all around our towns. He currently runs the Monday Blues Jam in SuzyQue's BBQ and Bar every other Monday in West Orange, located in Essex County New Jersey. Friendly, warm and personable, within 8 months he has done a really great job of it, as he gets standing room crowds on most nights, and he also gets sought out by many others to help in their Blues Jam endeavors.

Recently, Andy was sought after by the North Jersey Blues Alliance to help publicize the South Mountain International Blues Festival. Even though Andy had recently kicked off this Blues Jam, it was evident he has a great following and some excellent Blues folks show up at his event. It was clear he knew how to help and, me being a board member of the North Jersey Blues Alliance, I can attest to the fact, his promotional efforts definitely contributed to helping get the word out about the upcoming festival.

As a Blues mastermind, Andy’s expertise was also recently sought out when another member of the Blues community was hospitalized for a small period. Andy jumped right in and managed the reigns of another Central New Jersey Blues Jam with ease and aplomb. Andy steps in when needed and always does a great job.

What's unique about Andy's Jam?

Andy Loves to make his jams unique. For each jam he devises a new theme, and for holidays he goes all out. Even better, the musicians and attendees join in and have some fun. Also, is the fact that Andy doesn’t seem to get tired. Most Jams run a set limit and folks move on. If you come to an Andy Jam, if you are on the list and he can get you on, he will, if not he will stay late if the venue allows and make sure you get to Jam. Andy, like all good Blues Jam hosts, will remove himself from the jam when time gets short and a load of folks still have not played. He has been quoted as saying, "Hey, they came to hear them, not me, so let them jam on."

What else does Andy do about his Jams?

As mentioned, Andy seems to have learned well the value of promotion. While a lot of musicians hate the idea of promotion themselves, much less a Jam, Andy seems to have a handle on the issue. The saying "out of sight, out of mind" does not appeal to Andy Lackow or his Blues Jams. While other jams have problems with every other week jams, Andy uses that time to promote, promote, and over promote his jams. You will get a book full of promotional message and more.

Does Andy have successful Blues Jams?

Andy Lackow Blues Jams are extremely successful. Because of his personality and his promotional skills, Andy's blues compatriots show up happy to jam. You will see lots of folks dancing, happy to tell others to come on out.

The musicians fill up the place with Blues music to die for. Also, the quality of the musicians is top notch and for each session it only gets better.

In the next article, we dig deeper into what makes Andy go, but for now are you ready to Jam or ready to listen to some serious Blues? You can come on out every other Monday to Andy Lackow’s Blues Jam and enjoy the best in food, drink and, of course, the best in Blues.

Where can you learn more about Andy Lackow?

http://www.andylackow.com

https://www.facebook.com/AndyLackowIllustration/

About the Writer

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians, and local art exhibitions. Gregory is a manager and promoter of the South Orange Village Center Alliance Downtown After Sundown Live Music Events, Board Member of the North Jersey Blues Alliance, Friend of the Valley Arts District in Orange, NJ and avid supporter of jazz, blues and art all around our towns and the GreaterNew York, New Jersey area. On a regular basis, Gregory gets the word out through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photojournalism.