Thanking our Volunteers is a high priority for Bread & Roses, and each year we hold a special event to make sure they are appreciated within our community. This event, "The Jam," is a day that includes food and drink, an awards ceremony, a special featured performance and opportunities to play music together.

The festivities took place at the Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael, beginning with a delectable lunch catered by Insalata's of San Anselmo. The elegant old mansion and beautiful grounds were the perfect setting for this event. On this beautiful, warm September afternoon, people drifted in, filled their plates and joined over two hundred guests at Bread & Roses' annual volunteer recognition celebration. Volunteer performers, hosts and committee members shared an afternoon of ceremony, music and socializing.

	Doug McConnell

The emcee for the day was Doug McConnell, producer and host of KRON televison's "Bay Area Back Roads." He expressed his appreciation of people who can share their talents through live performance. Doug deeply respects Bread & Roses' mission of providing free quality, live entertainment to isolated audiences in Bay Area institutions.

Patti Newman.

Awards were given to volunteers who have been with the organization for as long as 30 years. Patti Newman began performing in 1975 as a clown and now sings the old favorites for our elderly audiences. Twenty-five-year performers Wendy Worsley and John Chase Lewis were honored along with 20-year performers Michelle Sell and James Jenkins, who recently celebrated his 89th birthday. Several other categories of outstanding service awards were given for generous contributions to Bread & Roses.

	The Rowan Brothers.

A featured performance by The Rowan Brothers got the afternoon's music rolling. Peter, Chris and Lorin Rowan sing with incredibly tight three-part harmonies and pick with the best of them. They were joined by Barry Sless on pedal steel, David Jenkins on bass and Ian Dogole on percussion. Their upbeat songs got everyone smiling.

Jazz Salon.
Pickers' Paradise.

Jamming took place in four different areas at the Falkirk Center. The living room was transformed into a jazz salon where pianists and bassists accompanied singers and other soloists including the legendary Bishop Norman Williams on saxophone. The Rose Garden became Picker's Paradise where dobro, fiddle, mandolin and singing saws were joined by banjo players and guitarists in fine form. The Showcase Stage featured young and seasoned solo performers. The main stage was graced by a long set by Peter Rowan and spontaneous combinations of musicians, which delighted those lounging on the lawn.

A community feeling permeated the day. Performers networked with each other and exchanged stories about Bread & Roses experiences at institutional shows. A wide diversity of talents and people made the Jam, once again, a wonderful place to make new friends and share common interests in music and volunteerism.

	Volunteers Socializing.