TGIF: Engine House Deli hosting open jam, open mic night

When Tommy Rector’s daughter began singing and playing her original music in Lexington, he began to wonder why there weren’t more opportunities for musicians to perform locally.
Although Hannah Mae Rector grew up performing in the Winchester Seventh Day Adventist Church and even won a few local competitions like Winchester SuperStar, most of her stage experience came from performing in other towns.
Both father and daughter believed that plenty of musicians would take advantage of a local jam session if the opportunity presented itself, so they decided to host an event themselves.
“This has come to fruition from out of a lifetime of wanting to play,” Tommy Rector said.
A community open mic night and jam session will take place at the Engine House Deli Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. Hannah and Tommy Rector both will perform, as well as Tommy’s wife, Lisa.
“Whoever shows up can play,”¿Tommy said.
Hannah will perform 30 minutes of original music to start the evening,
“We’d like for people to come out and enjoy. It’s all about people playing music,”¿Tommy said.
Hannah said she is excited about playing in her hometown and sharing music from her third CD.
“I’ve been in Lexington three years, going to school. … This is the first time I’ve performed here in a couple years,”¿Hannah said.
Tommy said he hopes to create a show similar to “The Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour” broadcast from the Kentucky Theater in Lexington. The show is hosted by former Winchester resident Michael Johnathan. If the show is successful, Tommy said, there may be monthly jam sessions.
“We may have to find a bigger venue. I’m doing it out of a passion for music,”¿Tommy said.
Hannah also will perform at LexJam at Natasha’s Bistro in Lexington, held the second Saturday of each month.
“I feel like this music boils down to getting a break and making a lot of money, but that shuts out so many people,”¿Tommy said.
The Engine House jam sessions will be about having fun, he said, and anyone is allowed to participate, no matter what their skill level.
“We’ll have all levels. If you just know one chord, just get up there and pick it,”¿Tommy said.

Contact Rachel Parsons at rparsons@winchestersun.com.