Every Wednesday night at The Federal in North Hollywood, some of LA's most accomplished session musicians gather for an extraordinary free jam session called The Federal Affair. This weekly event showcases premier talent who have performed with artists like Eminem, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Earth Wind and Fire.

The jam features a rotating cast of stellar musicians, from guitarists and drummers to keyboardists and vocalists. The house band, anchored by bassist Frank Abraham, demonstrates remarkable versatility, able to tackle virtually any song requested. What makes this gathering special is not just the caliber of musicianship, but the sense of community it fosters.

On any given night, you might witness unexpected collaborations. Recently, world-renowned tap dancer Sarah Reich, known for her work with Postmodern Jukebox and So You Think You Can Dance, delivered an impromptu percussion performance through her tap dancing.

As Frank Abraham puts it, The Federal Affair is "an opportunity to play good music with your friends." Most performers are working professionals in their 20s and 30s who regularly tour with major artists. The jam serves as both a creative outlet and networking opportunity - when musicians need substitutes for gigs, they often call on fellow performers they've met at these sessions.

For aspiring musicians and music lovers alike, The Federal Affair represents more than just a jam session - it's where LA's music community comes together to celebrate their craft, free from commercial pressures. The fact that there's no cover charge makes this weekly display of world-class talent even more remarkable.

These sessions demonstrate that success in the music industry isn't just about technical skill - it's about showing up, building relationships, and being someone others want to work with. The Federal Affair exemplifies how the best opportunities often arise from simply being present in your musical community.

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