Every Wednesday night at The Federal in North Hollywood, some of LA's most talented musicians gather for an extraordinary free jam session called The Federal Affair. This isn't your typical open mic - it's where touring musicians and top session players come to perform when they're off the road.

The house band, led by virtuoso bassist Frank Abraham, backs up a rotating cast of performers including vocalists, guitarists, drummers, keyboardists, horn players, and even world-class tap dancers like Sarah Reich (known for Postmodern Jukebox). These musicians regularly tour with major artists like Eminem, Dr. Dre, Kimbra, Earth Wind & Fire, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and many others.

What makes The Federal Affair special isn't just the caliber of talent - it's the community. As Frank Abraham puts it, it's "an opportunity to play good music with your friends." For working musicians who spend most of their time as hired guns in other people's bands, this weekly jam provides a rare chance to connect with peers and play purely for the love of music.

The networking value is significant too. When these A-list session players need substitutes for gigs, they naturally turn to musicians they've met and played with at The Federal Affair. The jam has become an essential hub in LA's music scene where relationships are built, skills are showcased, and work opportunities naturally flow.

For any serious musician in LA, whether you're a band, singer-songwriter or session player, finding your scene and consistently showing up is crucial. The Federal Affair demonstrates that when you put yourself out there and prove your abilities, the work will follow. More importantly, it offers a reminder of why these musicians got into music in the first place - for the pure joy of playing with other talented artists.

The Federal Bar hosts this free event every Wednesday night, creating an incredible opportunity to witness some of LA's finest musicians in an intimate setting.

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