Jam in the ‘Dam is among the most exotic destination events in the modern festival scene. A large part of the event’s mystique comes from its namesake, Amsterdam – a city which Jam in the ‘Dam’s American-born founder and producer Armand Sadlier calls “his favorite city in the world.”
Sadlier, a career agent who has represented the likes of Phish, Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee and Dave Matthews Band, also procures talent for the festival and attributes the Dutch lifestyle, with its laid-back and accepting demeanor, as the reason for Amsterdam’s reputation as the world’s funkiest city.
[FIND more information about Jam in the 'Dam and buy tickets on the official website.]
After a hiatus in 2011, the sixth installment of Jam in the ‘Dam is back from March 14 to 16, featuring Mike Gordon, moe., Dark Star Orchestra, Lotus and Keller Williams.
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| JitD Perfromer Lotus in Philadelphia for New Year's Eve - Photo Credit: Charles Mostoller |
In the first of two preview stories, Sadlier discusses Dutch culture, the current controversy over the criminalization of marijuana in Holland (don’t worry, the coffee shops aren’t closing anytime soon) and his favorite dives for some great eats. (Plus, a tip or two he says may save your life.)
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Headstash Magazine: For those who may be unfamiliar or unacquainted with the Dutch way of life, could you give a little insight into the temperament and values of the people of Holland, and Amsterdam in particular? What is their attitude towards tourists?
Armand Sadlier: Perfect first question, because it’s the Dutch national cultural attitude from which all the great things about Holland have sprung. It’s the famous Dutch tolerance that is responsible for the liberal attitude, especially in Amsterdam.
The same attitude that turns a blind eye to coffee shops and prostitution – victimless “crimes” in their minds – also spawns the world’s most well adjusted children, according to a UNICEF study.
It’s an interesting paradox. They see tourists as contributing to their economic well-being and tolerance prevails here as well. They are an extremely conversational people and the vast majority speaks fluent English.
HM: Europe is largely known as the source of great electronic dance music – is that scene as popular in Amsterdam as well?
AS: Yes, the DJ phenomenon was much more popular there first and in Europe in general. Honestly, there is only a tiny jam scene [in Amsterdam], so I think the effect from EDM has had no influence on it.
I like to think we are helping grow the jam scene there as evidenced by our ever-increasing, though still modest Euro-ticket sales. My idea really was to create the world’s best private party and make my favorite city the star of the show.
There are obvious advantages for our fans: the museums, canals, architecture, food and exposure to the divinely laid-back attitude. This makes the experience all the more fascinating.
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For any true music fan, put Don McLean’s “Vincent” on your iPod while walking through the Van Gogh museum. If you don’t shed a tear, you probably wouldn’t go there in the first place.
For any true music fan, put Don McLean’s “Vincent” on your iPod while walking through the Van Gogh museum. If you don’t shed a tear, you probably wouldn’t go there in the first place.
HM: So then what is the jam band scene like in Amsterdam and Europe at large?
AS: There are pockets of Deadheads in Germany and the U.K., but mostly these fans are learning about the newer artists from the Internet and our little festival.
The only tours that have really taken place in Europe are from bands that tour after playing Jam in the ‘Dam – Umphrey’s McGee, Dark Star Orchestra and The Disco Biscuits in the past. This year, moe. is doing the most European dates ever by one of our artists. Quasi-jam-bands like Gov’t Mule and Jack Johnson do well in Europe, but I doubt even Phish could do much more than 1,000-seat theaters.
HM: Without making generalizations it seems that the European mentality is more open to and accepting of alternative lifestyles than that of the more conservative American.
AS: There no question that Americans are much more conservative as a culture. We could use a healthy dose of Dutch pragmatism in the U.S.
It amazes me that certain political entities in our country want the government to stay completely out of business, yet they refuse to stay out of a women’s body. The hypocrisy is blinding.HM: Cannabis culture plays a significant role in the image, economy and livelihoods of Amsterdam residents. Discuss Amsterdam’s relationship with marijuana – specifically, how do residents of Amsterdam treat the coffee shops and how do they view tourists who come almost solely to sample their products?
AS: It’s estimated that 25 percent of tourists will go into a coffee shop. The funny thing is you’ll find very few Dutch people inside. I think it’s the “forbidden fruit” aspect. [The Dutch] take [marijuana] for granted, so it holds no real allure to them.
Make no mistake, the Dutch like to make a profit, and they would be silly to rail against something that helps enable their somewhat socialistic lifestyle. A lot of that was created originally by the guilds, which were akin to an early type of unions.
HM: It’s no secret among American fans of Jam in the ‘Dam, that the Dutch Cabinet has attempted to introduce a wietpas or “grass pass” in an effort reduce the number of soft drugs made available to tourists. Discuss the realities of this situation and how this may influence tourists’ plans to attend Jam in the ‘Dam.
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| JitD Performer moe. at Summer Camp 2011 - Photo Credit: Andrew Duch |
Ultimately he says, “Has the government thought through these plans sufficiently? Or should the plan being launched be explained as a blatant attempt to ultimately be able to blame the Council of State for not being able to change coffee shop policies?” He also says the law faces “insurmountable difficulties.”
[FIND complete lineups, ticketing information and analysis in our 2012 Festival Guide.]
The only real problem with coffee shops is in border towns, where Germans and French flood the downtown areas of sleepy burgs on the weekends to stock up. It creates big traffic issues. Places like Masstricht are simply passing ordinances that the shops move to the outskirts of town.
Mark my words, there is no way in hell the Dutch throw away billions of dollars in revenue by enacting this in Amsterdam. Follow the money. As explained, even people who come for the shops, stay in hotels, eat out, go to museums and concerts and so forth. It’s not like they’re lying in a back alley with a pocket full of joints.HM: What are some general “rules of thumb” for tourists visiting the coffee shops? Is there a certain etiquette that should be followed?
AS: Very simply, do not smoke openly in public. It’s the old give an inch, take a mile cliché. It’s really just like going into a bar to get a beer here in the States. You can’t walk out with that beer in your hand.
HM: What are your suggestions for first-time visitors to Amsterdam who want to engross themselves in a true Dutch experience? Of course marquee tourist destinations like the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the infamous Red Light District are all on everyone’s “to-do list,” but suggest some sites or experiences that are off the beaten path.
AS: I would suggest renting a bike or scooter and tool around the city like a real native. It’s exhilarating. The Amsterdam History Museum is underrated and is set up chronologically. A canal cruise is an absolute must – I suggest either the tour organized through Jam in the ‘Dam or the Canal Bus hop-on/hop-off cruises. Buy one pass, get off at a stop and wander around, and then hop back on.
I wouldn’t bother trying to go outside of Amsterdam – you’ll never see the entire city in five days. A word of advice: you will get lost, so buy a good map, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Also, buy an unlimited tram pass. It’s the best travel value in the city.
HM: What are some of your favorite places to eat in Amsterdam? What’s a good place for a post-coffee shop chow down, a pre-show dinner and a late-night munchies stop?
AS: For those willing to spend some money, De Vijf Vlieghen (The Five Flies) is a landmark and the ultimate Dutch dining experience. Clark Gable ate there, and one of the five dining rooms has Rembrandt etchings on the wall.
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| JitD Perfromer Lotus in Philadelphia for New Year's Eve - Photo Credit: Charles Mostoller |
My favorite dish is an Indonesian Rijstafel. The two restaurants that do this dish the best are Tempoe Doeloe, which Anthony Bourdain goes to for his last meal in Amsterdam (during his show “The Layover,” which airs on the Travel Channel), and Sama Sebo, which is closer to the venue. [The meal is] nothing weird, just 12 to 16 little meat and veggie dishes laid out on a tray going from mild to eye-wateringly spicy, served with rice.
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Febo, on the Leidsestraat near the venue, is popular with the thrifty crowd. There are many good Argentine steakhouses as well, one near the venue to the left of the Bulldog on a street lined with restaurants.
Albert Heijn is the local supermarket, and they have fresh, pre-made sandwiches that you can stock up on if you are renting an apartment. Be sure to get Dutch pancakes at some point (pannekoeken), with your choice of fruit topping. More like a crepe, really.
HM: If you could give one suggestion to a first-time visitor to Amsterdam and Jam in the ‘Dam what would it be?
AS: That’s an easy one – look both ways, three times, before crossing the street. I may have just saved your life.
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Jam in the ‘Dam takes place from March 14 to 16 and features Mike Gordon, Lotus, moe., Keller Williams and Dark Star Orchestra. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, check out the official website.
