Yesterday’s jam session delivered exactly what outdoor collaborative music should achieve. Eastern Krylatskoye Hill became temporary musical community where strangers transformed into ensemble players through shared creative language.
The atmosphere captured that perfect balance between structure and spontaneity. Musicians arrived throughout the evening, adding layers to existing musical conversations or initiating entirely new directions. Guitars anchored rhythmic foundations whilst percussion instruments provided texture and ethnic instruments introduced unexpected melodic elements.
What struck me most was the organic audience development. Hill walkers initially passed by casually, then slowed their pace, eventually settling nearby to listen properly. Several approached to ask about instruments or express appreciation for the music. These interactions reminded me why public music making matters beyond just player satisfaction.
The cajon featured prominently throughout the session, providing versatile rhythmic backbone that adapted to different musical styles as they emerged. Shakers and other percussion created textural layers that elevated simple chord progressions into more complex sonic landscapes.
Weather cooperated perfectly, with clear skies and comfortable temperature that encouraged extended playing time. Yet there was bittersweet quality about the evening light—that particular August quality that reminds you autumn approaches. Summer’s final weeks carry different emotional weight when spent outdoors making music.
These sessions feel more precious knowing the season draws to a close. Soon, hill gatherings will become impossible due to weather, forcing musical community back into indoor spaces and formal venues. There’s urgency to capture these last opportunities for open-air collaboration before Moscow’s long winter arrives.
This represents exactly why these summer sessions exist: creating space for musical collaboration outside commercial venues, fostering community through shared creative activity, and proving that Moscow contains incredible musical talent waiting for the right circumstances to emerge. Each gathering becomes more meaningful as September approaches.
The seasonal transition adds poignancy to outdoor music making that indoor sessions simply cannot replicate.
— Indie pop artist, musician Anastasiia Ledovskaia