This evening, the New Orleans Bayou Steppers Social Aid and Pleasure club will be holding the first of their fall series of Music Clinics for Youth at Sound Café. Sponsored by Silence Is Violence, a New Orleans-based anti-violence campaign, the clinics are free and open to all New Orleans youth accompanied by an adult. The clinics begin at 5:30 p.m., and will run each Tuesday until November 13. Each session includes an instruction period, a break for dinner, and an informal jam session, allowing the children to play with accomplished musicians. Participants may come as they please.

These free clinics, led by Shamarr Allen, will feature Allen and a team of musicians offering instruction in a varied assortment of instruments to New Orleans youth. The clinics are designed to expose children to music and allow them to decide if it’s something they want to pursue in a comfortable, informal setting. And as an incentive regular participants will receive free tickets to the 2011 Jazz Fest.