Veteran axman Roger Davis nods along and lets his fingers do the talking, working their magic tickling the strings up and down the fretboard of his acoustic guitar.
He’s one of a dozen musicians at the Cardiff Legion May 9, partaking in a renewed monthly jam session that has taken the community by storm. Relaunching in January, the local concerts have given rural musicians an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a crowd. They’ve also helped bring more people to the legion, which volunteer Sylvia Maedar said has been a big help.
“Right now, the legion is just trying to keep ahead of its bills. Business has really dropped since the pandemic and we’re trying to come up with ways to build this place up again, make it a bit of a hub for the community,” Maedar said.
For years, the legion was just that in Cardiff, said current president Henry Dickinson. There would be musical acts booked on weekends, regular meat draws, 50/50s and themed parties through summer. One of the most popular recurring events was the monthly jam sessions, but they faded out around 10 years ago.
Davis was instrumental in getting the music flowing at the legion again.
“I run a monthly gathering at the Bancroft Legion and just thought this is something that could work in Cardiff too,” Davis said. The first meet, in January, was held on a Thursday evening and wasn’t well-attended, so the group shifted to weekends.
“Since then, it’s been awesome. We’re getting amazing participation from musicians and a decent crowd in to sing along,” Davis added.
Whether it’s Davis’ bread and butter, such as Creedence Clearwater Revival or Johnny Cash, or other country, folk and rock and roll melodies, there’s a good mix of sounds and genres displayed throughout the three-hour sessions.
Rather than taking turns performing on stage, the musicians form a circle in the clubroom. One person starts playing, another might sing, while others fill in the gaps with background instrumentals.
Most play the guitar, but there has also been fiddle, saxophone, mandolin, and flute on display. “Most of the people here have played together at some point, so we have an idea of what to expect from everyone,” Davis said. “I enjoy it immensely. This gives us a place where we can play together and it helps the legion out, so it’s a win-win for everyone.”
He said the musicians take requests, joking, “one of my favourite statements is if you have a request, write it on a $5 bill and send it up to the front. If I don’t know it, I’ll make sure you get $4 back.”
Dickinson said he hopes the sessions inspire an uplift in legion membership. During its heyday 15-20 years ago, the branch would have between 200 and 250 active members. Today, there are fewer than 50.
“We need help with volunteers too. It would be great if we could get enough to bring the fish fries back on Fridays, or run meat draws… it’s been a long time since we’ve been able to do that,” Dickinson said.
For Vince Bassaretti, a legion member for 50 years, he appreciates the effort people are putting in to make the branch a happening place again.
“Before these started, I hadn’t seen a live band for about 10 years. This is something that gets me out, but it also helps put the legion on the map a bit, let’s people know that there are things happening here. That’s a great thing,” Basseretti said.
Maedar and Davis said the sessions will run on the second Saturday of the month through the rest of 2026. The next one is scheduled June 13. They’re free to attend, with refreshments available to purchase. There’s also a donation jar that gets split between the musicians.
“New people are always welcome – musicians, listeners and anyone who wants to help out,” Maedar said.
