[L.A. County Arts Commission] – The Ford Theatres are expanding their popular J.A.M. (Jazzed and Motivated) Sessions to locations around L.A. County this summer. A series of 8 Thursday night J.A.M.s opens in Santa Clarita July 5 with interactive group drumming led by Chris Ramirez of Freedom Drum Circle. All J.A.M.s take place in the Downtown Newhall Arts District, 24274 Main St., Newhall, CA 91321. The Newhall Arts District is accessible by the MetroLink.

J.A.M.s are designed for everyone, from the completely inexperienced to the amateur and professional. All sessions are free. Participants have the opportunity to meet and learn from artists expert in bluegrass, drumming and Brazilian, hip hop, salsa, Bollywood, swing and Samoan dance. For complete information visit www.FordJamSessions.org.

The Santa Clarita J.A.M. Sessions are being presented in partnership with the City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at College of the Canyons.

“We are proud to help bring the J.A.M. Sessions to Old Town Newhall this summer,” said Adam Philipson managing director of the PAC. “We know these free and interactive events will be an incredible experience for those that participate.”

The Santa Clarita J.A.M. Sessions, at 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays are:

THU July 5 @ 6PM – 8PM

Drum Circle

Live the beat by joining the rhythm of a drum circle led by Chris Ramirez of Freedom Drum Circles. Interactive group drumming is fun for everyone. Learn how to create your own music with family and community. Drums provided.

THU July 12 @ 6PM – 8PM

Pacific Island Dance & Song

Explore the islands of the Pacific. Tui Letuli and members of the Pacific Talent Academy bring to life the Pacific island culture through song and dance. Discover storytelling through the gestures of Hawaiian hula, become one with the beat of Tahitian drums or learn the art of the Samoan Fire Knife Dance, with practice sticks, of course.

THU July 19 @ 6PM – 8PM

Salsa/Rueda Dance

Learn the Rueda, a Cuban form of salsa danced in a circle. Urban Latin dance theatre company CONTRA-TIEMPO teaches the principles of leading and following, improvising in pairs and compassionate partnering. Leave inspired, engaged and better at communicating through movement.

THU July 26 @ 6PM – 8PM

Samba Dance Party.

The exhilarating dance company Viver Brasil demonstrates their “intoxicating style” (LA Times). Experience a night of movement and music that exalts the rich cultural traditions of Northeastern Brazil.  Evoke the energy of the earth and embody the spirit of the summer.

THU August 2 @ 6PM – 8PM

Bluegrass Jam

Grab your guitar, banjo or fiddle.  Bluegrass Association of Southern California invites musicians of all skill levels to a good old-fashioned bluegrass jam. Come play, sing, share.

THU August 9 @ 6PM – 8PM

Hip-hop Dance

Unleash your inner funk.  Dancers from Culture Shock LA Dance Troupe will teach the basics of hip-hop dance styles like locking, breaking and popping. Great for the whole family–don’t miss this energizing experience that explores the power and beauty of hip-hop.

THU August 16 @ 6PM – 8PM

Swing is the Thing

Get ready to kick up your heels. The Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association will teach the basic steps of swing dancing that remains popular even today. Couples and singles of all ages are encouraged to join the fun.

THU August 23 @ 6PM – 8PM

Bollywood

Catch the infectious music and joyous moves that have made the films from India’s cinema center, Bombay, so popular. Members of blue13 dance company teach Bollywood and Bhangra styles to the music of DJ Sandeep Kumar.

J.A.M. Sessions in Santa Clarita are presented by the Ford Theatre Foundation in partnership with the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center College of the Canyons and the City of Santa Clarita with major support provided by Metabolic Studio. Community partners include the Newhall Community Center. J.A.M.s series are also being presented at the East L.A. Civic Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-Service Ambulatory Care Center in Willowbrook, Recreation Park in San Fernando and Mayberry Park in Whittier in addition to Ford Theatres. Complete information is available at www.FordJamSessions.org

The Ford Theatre Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1994, supports performing arts programming at the historic John Anson Ford Theatres complex and produces programs that engage and enrich surrounding communities through a series of outreach initiatives. Community Bridges connects artists and audiences through a wide range of live performing events held in parks and community centers throughout Los Angeles. J.A.M. Sessions nurture the artistic development of both youth and adults and invite active participation in music, dance and the creation of art alongside professional local artists. Big!World!Fun! provides the opportunity for Los Angeles families to enjoy high caliber performing arts presentations at affordable prices.

The Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Laura Zucker, Executive Director, provides leadership in cultural services of all disciplines for the largest county in the United States, encompassing 88 municipalities. The Arts Commission provides leadership and staffing to support the County-wide collaboration for arts education, Arts for All; administers a grants program that funds almost 400 nonprofit arts organizations annually; oversees the County’s Civic Art Program for capital projects; funds the largest arts internship program in the country in conjunction with the Getty Foundation; programs the John Anson Ford Theatres and supports the Los Angeles County Cultural Calendar on ExperienceLA.com and SpacefinderLA.org, Creative Spaces for Creative People. The Arts Commission also produces free community programs, including the L.A. County Holiday Celebration broadcast nationally, and a year-round music program that funds more than 140 free concerts and participatory arts events each year in public sites. The 2012-13 President of the Arts Commission is Mattie McFadden-Lawson.