Patio Jams was a safe, open platform for community music jams and interactive performances. Patio Jams had a warm, inviting atmosphere that was created through the usage of comfy patio furniture, cozy lighting, and a variety of instruments. The furniture and instruments were placed in a circular formation to encourage people to jam on the instruments together and share music, therefore cultivating connections. The instruments, including cajon drums, a piano, guitars, and xylophones, were accessible to people to create musical expression.

Our project used the 3 Piece Band, an art piece by Elisa Yon and Elia Kirby as the base for our patio to provide an eye-catching element for participation and a sturdy platform. We reversed its purpose as a performer oriented stage into an audience oriented seating arrangement.

In the opening portion of our intervention, we invited the public into an open jam session that was lightly facilitated by our team. Towards the evening, musicians, poets and rappers of various backgrounds and genres were scheduled throughout the night to perform for the public.

Patio Jams addresses goals 7 and 10 of the Healthy City Strategy by providing seating and musical instruments to encourage connections and interactions between public space activators and foster opportunities for people to play with the existing instruments or bring their own to perform in front of others.