In a room full of friendly faces, the love of music and supporting community talent is one of many common themes felt at Morgan’s Music Junction.
It can be felt during the weekly “Jammin’ at the Junction” event, also called “Jam Night.”
Before the show starts, the audience, many of whom are regulars, give greetings to one another while the band tunes up. The event is from 7 to 10 p.m. every Thursday and has been running for more than five years at the music joint. Morgan’s Music Junction is run by Suzanne Morgan and her husband, Darell, who met in 2002 at the Orange Blossom Opry, a music venue in Weirsdale.
“I’ve been doing this for 23 years,” Suzanne said. “Back in 2003, it was very unorganized. I’m called ‘Mother of all Jams’ because there were only two jams back in the day when I was a ‘Jammer,’ one of the talents asked to perform.”
Suzanne explained the Jam Night event at Morgan’s Music Junction is much different than others.
“(Typically, at other locations) you have to perform country music,” Suzanne said. “We are one of the only places you can do any genre ‘50s, ‘60s, jazz — the variety, it’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”
Band members and audience members also agree the music variety at “Jammin’ at the Junction” events is a unique factor.
“I really enjoy playing here because it’s a big variety,” said Doug Florence, a drummer for the Mogan’s Music Junction Band who previously played for the Pointer Sisters. “Jam Night is always something different.”
Janee Flanders, of the VIllage of Santo Domingo, has performed on the MMJ Jam Night stage before, but on Thursday she supported her husband David for his performance.
“I love the variety in the music here,” she said. “It’s very family oriented and there is a lot of great local talent on ‘Jam Night.’ Suzanne and Darell are wonderful, and the place is open and non-judgemental. It’s very positive and very welcoming,” After many years of hosting Jams, Suzanne implemented several rules to help the event be structured and organized, including having her Jammers call and schedule their performances ahead to time.
By calling ahead, Suzanne is able to let the band know what will be playing and schedule the performances in an order that entertaining for the audience.
“The band would have no idea what they were going to play before the performer started or if it would be five slow songs in a row,” Suzanne said.
Performers also can perform original songs if they wish.
“The fact that you ask for a song and they’ll learn it for you, you’re not limited like other places who are like ‘You can only do these songs we know,’” said David. “They put up with me. I like the support.”
Suzanne said she wants to create a comfortable situation.
Iris Kaplan, of the Village of Pine Ridge, is 90 and is a jammer at the venue.
Kaplan told the audience during a performance that she loves the band and coming to Morgan’s Music Junction because it makes her feel good.
“I love the live factor,” Kaplan said. “It’s so different, singing with a live band. They are amazing.”
Suzanne said she enjoys doing shows in the area because she wants to promote local talent.
“The local talent we have in this community is phenomenal,” she said. “I’ll give them their own show, so it can help with their career path. It’s about turning their childhood dreams into reality. That’s what keeps me going, to give them that shot in life even if it’s for one night.”
Overall, the event creates a good time and guests are able to enjoy the community that is built with music, laugh and conversation.
The music venue is holding its fifth anniversary celebration event on Oct. 3.
Suzanne said the goal of the celebration is not only to look back and honor those who helped get the venue running, but also look to the future.
“We support live music and local talent and anytime we can give someone their moment to shine, whether it is for their own show or for five minutes on a Jam Night of Talent, MMJ has changed a life and life is important,” Suzanne said. “Darell and I together have been doing this for more than 20 years now — before that, all of our lives. It’s what we do.”
For more information about upcoming events at Morgan’s Music Junction, visit morgansmusicjunction.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
