Jampod FAQ
What is a Jampod?
If you have been to Magfest, you may have noticed that there are sections of the hallways reserved for our more musical attendees to share their talents through brief public performances. These are jampods!
How do I perform at a jampod?
All you need is to show up and find a vacant jampod. They will be clearly marked out with rules posted at each one.
What do I need to bring? What is provided?
We provide a space, you provide everything else. You’ll want to pack relatively light due to space constraints and limited time for setup (small busking type setups work best). Electricity may not be available at all jampod locations.
Can I sign up to use a jampod at a specific time?
Jampods are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you see a vacant jampod feel free to walk up and play! If the jampod is occupied, let them know you would like a turn or try one of the other jampod locations.
How long are we able to perform?
We ask that each individual/group self-limit their performance to 30 minutes if someone is waiting for a turn. If no one is waiting, you are welcome to stay longer until you get tired or someone else would like a turn. If someone asks to play and you have used up your time please offer them the space so that we can give as many people an opportunity as possible.
What do I do if someone has been using the jampod longer than their allotted time?
Jampods dept staff will be making rounds to check in by offering support and enforcing the rules. You can let staff know you have been waiting.
Can we turn up like we are at a stadium concert?
Each jampod will have its own posted volume limit which we ask that you stay below in order to avoid disrupting other Magfest events and activities, and to protect the hearing of attendees passing by. While it is each performer’s responsibility to make sure they are playing at appropriate levels, staff will also be equipped with decibel meters to make sure average Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) at the boundary of the jampod are under the requirement for that location.
Can we just set up anywhere in the hallways outside of jampod areas?
No. While we love to hear our attendees and want everyone to have a chance to jam, that would quickly get out of hand. Aside from jampods, we also have a Jam Space and a Jam Clinic which are open for attendees to play music in different ways - check with those departments for their specific guidelines.
Where are jampods located?
This year we plan to have jampods available at the following locations:
Intersection of ballroom level. Volume - Medium
Outside of Expo Hall C. Volume - Quiet
Inside Expo C [Indie Arcade]. Volume - reasonably loud (electronic music only, other rules may apply)
*Locations and volume limits subject to change at-event*
What hours are jampods open?
Jampods are generally open 24 hours, unless temporarily closed.
Can I sell merch or solicit/accept tips for performing?
No. You may not request, verbally or in writing, tips or payments of any kind. You may give away promotional material and share links to your website or social media.
Is there a Jampod Department?
As of Magfest 2022, yes! Due to the growth of popularity of jampods and Magfest in general a few issues popped up over the years. In order to keep the jampods safe and fair for all, we now have a department of staffers helping to keep things running smoothly at the event. If you have questions or feedback before/during/after the event, you can contact the department at jampods@magfest.org.
What will be different from previous years?
As you may have noticed, we are a bit more organized this year. If you have performed at jampods in the past, you will especially want to take note of the posted volume limits at different locations which we hope will allow us to avoid shutting down jampods that get too loud for the area. If you’ve set yourself up to jam outside of approved jampods, you may be asked to relocate, mostly to prevent impediments to hallway traffic and ensure compliance with fire codes.