Anybody looking for a place to check out live music, or maybe even get up on stage, need look no further than Maple Ridge's own historic alehouse, the Billy Miner.

Though many locals will have some familiarity with the building's history (it was built in the early 1900s, and was originally a bank until it was converted into a pub and named after an infamous stagecoach robber), relatively few people know about its musical history.

In fact, the pub hosts jams every Sunday night, and has been a venue for live music for longer than most other pubs in town have been open.

These jams are impromptu musical gatherings, and have been hosted by a number of different bands and players through the years.

But they've remained firmly rooted in a tradition of fun and inclusiveness, explained musician and organizer Greg Stuart.

"The Billy Miner jam is an eclectic jam that has been a mainstay of live music in Maple Ridge for over 20 years," Stuart said.

Just as one feels a sense of history in the building itself, one also feels a deep sense of community among the jammers and listeners - many of whom attend regularly, and have done so for many years.

The jams are currently hosted by a local band called Newhouse, whose five members all agree that their love of music is the ultimate motivation for the jam.

According to lead singer Cailin Green, the real thrill is seeing the "variety of players that attend the jams, and the different styles and genres that they bring to the stage."

A jam is no ordinary musical performance; the distinction between performer and audience is somewhat blurry - interaction among players is supportive, mutually constructive, more than a show.

"My favourite thing about the jam is that it is very welcoming to newer, less experienced players, as well as the old pros," Stuart said.

"So the professional players try to mentor the less experienced players, and that makes it fun and rewarding for everyone."

Of course, part of the fun is not knowing what to expect, but according to the pub management, the results are always positive.

The pub came under new ownership in October 2010, and since then has been looking for creative ways to attract customers.

The jam, according to manager Kasey Kieler, brings a welcome sense of energy to the room while maintaining that neighbourhood pub feel.

"I've seen a lot of different kinds of performers

come through here, and the audience has always been positive and supportive, probably because the music is very good - never too loud or intrusive."

According to many musicians, there is a very real need for this kind of constructive musical culture, which can be a launch-pad for many aspiring young artists.

First-time jammer Mauro Pinto, in attendance last month, said the jams are "an invaluable opportunity for young players to get their first experience on stage."

Newhouse's jam nights will be back at the Billy Miner welcoming musicians of all kinds.

Signup is at 7 p.m., and all the heavy equipment is taken care of. Jammers are, however, asked to bring only their guitars, drumsticks, and love for live music.