Actually, all I've found is gentlemen such as yourself. There are a couple co-workers that I think I can develop with, but other than that, not many with the love of the blues. I did notice there are a few open jam nights, but I don't have the guts to get there and do it.
Try the open jams. Just go hang out and meet people. After you get to know some of the players, you'll be more comfortable with getting up there. Some can be kind of snobby, so if you don't like the people at that open jam, try different one with more supportive players.
Don't let your past bad experience with those jerks affect what you do in the here & now. Get out and have some fun.
I guess it makes me think of the first "Back to the Future" movie, where as Marty says, "Maybe I'm not cut out for that, I don't think I can take that kind of rejection". Confidence is my biggest problem. When I'm around the people at work, its no big deal, I can really stretch out. But trying to play structured songs in a band, its a whole new story...
