Residents in the Northeast Valley living in the area surrounding the San Fernando Recreation Park have had a wonderful opportunity this summer. Art has been brought to them. Families have not only been able to watch a performance but become part of the show. Over recent weeks, families have drummed, danced and picked up musical instruments they had never tried to play before. For some kids, it was the first time they held a musical instrument in their hands.

Last weekend, kids took their turns playing the accordian and heard musician, Antonio Lujan make it sound as one adult described as "awesome," which is not the customary reputation for the instrument. As Lujan hit the buttons, the kids sitting in a row of chairs, smiled and tried to duplicate the sound.

Adam Davis, Managing Director of Productions for the Ford Theatre is responsible for all the public events. "J.A.M. is an abbreviation for jazzed and motivated," said Davis who said that the goal of the program is to "active artists in the community." All the events are free through the support of the Metabolic Studio and the L.A. County Arts Commission.

"This year, in addition to having the J.A.M at the Ford, we have five locations at various locations throughout L.A. County," said Davis. "Families come together to come to the sessions to share the experience and play together. Sometimes we don't know that we can do something until we try it.." Davis said the arts and theater helped to bring him out of his shell when he was in high school and now he wants to give others the same opportunity. "The arts can help to build confidence."

So far, residents have learned to dance the samba and hip hop and coming up this weekend they'll learn how to Salsa Rueda (salsa dance n a circle). Next week on August 18, Bollywood will come to San Fernando. The J.A.M. sessions will conclude on September 1st with Ballet Folklorico Ollin.

J.A.M events are held at San Fernando Recreation Park held on Saturday night 6-8 p.m.