diff --git a/db/manifest b/db/manifest
index fb64e8498..0fc258a88 100755
--- a/db/manifest
+++ b/db/manifest
@@ -241,3 +241,4 @@ jam_track_available.sql
 active_jam_track.sql
 bpms_on_tap_in.sql
 jamtracks_job.sql
+text_messages.sql
diff --git a/db/up/text_messages.sql b/db/up/text_messages.sql
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4e8a10089
--- /dev/null
+++ b/db/up/text_messages.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+CREATE TABLE text_messages (
+    id VARCHAR(64) PRIMARY KEY DEFAULT uuid_generate_v4(),
+    source_user_id VARCHAR(64) REFERENCES users(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    target_user_id VARCHAR(64) REFERENCES users(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    message TEXT NOT NULL,
+    created_at TIMESTAMP NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
+    updated_at TIMESTAMP NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
+);
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ruby/lib/jam_ruby.rb b/ruby/lib/jam_ruby.rb
index d89371770..084ae7d9e 100755
--- a/ruby/lib/jam_ruby.rb
+++ b/ruby/lib/jam_ruby.rb
@@ -197,6 +197,7 @@ require "jam_ruby/models/jam_company"
 require "jam_ruby/models/user_sync"
 require "jam_ruby/models/video_source"
 require "jam_ruby/models/recorded_video"
+require "jam_ruby/models/text_message"
 require "jam_ruby/jam_tracks_manager"
 
 include Jampb
diff --git a/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/active_music_session.rb b/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/active_music_session.rb
index 6dd93acc8..c28ae8de2 100644
--- a/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/active_music_session.rb
+++ b/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/active_music_session.rb
@@ -290,13 +290,8 @@ module JamRuby
           }
       )
 
-      if (offset)
-        query = query.offset(offset)
-      end
-
-      if (limit)
-        query = query.limit(limit)
-      end
+      query = query.offset(offset) if offset
+      query = query.limit(limit) if limit
 
       if as_musician
         query = query.where(
diff --git a/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/text_message.rb b/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/text_message.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..64ef56e4c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/text_message.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+include Devise::Models
+
+module JamRuby
+  class TextMessage < ActiveRecord::Base
+
+    self.primary_key = 'id'
+
+    default_scope order('created_at DESC')
+
+    attr_accessible :target_user_id, :source_user_id, :message
+
+    belongs_to :target_user, :class_name => "JamRuby::User", :foreign_key => "target_user_id"
+    belongs_to :source_user, :class_name => "JamRuby::User", :foreign_key => "source_user_id"
+
+    validates :message, length: {minimum: 1, maximum: 400}, no_profanity: true
+
+    def self.index(target_user_id, source_user_id, options = {})
+      offset = options[:offset]
+      limit = options[:limit]
+
+      # if not specified, default offset to 0
+      offset ||= 0
+      offset = offset.to_i
+
+      # if not specified, default limit to 10
+      limit ||= 10
+      limit = limit.to_i
+
+      TextMessage
+        .offset(offset)
+        .limit(limit)
+        .where('(source_user_id = (?) AND target_user_id = (?)) OR (source_user_id = (?) AND target_user_id = (?))', source_user_id, target_user_id, target_user_id, source_user_id)
+
+    end
+
+    def self.create(message, target_user_id, source_user_id)
+      sanitized_text = Sanitize.fragment(message, elements: HtmlSanitize::SAFE)
+
+      # create new message
+      tm = TextMessage.new
+      tm.message = sanitized_text
+      tm.target_user_id = target_user_id
+      tm.source_user_id = source_user_id
+
+      # send notification
+      @notification = Notification.send_text_message(sanitized_text, source_user_id, User.find_by_id(target_user_id))
+
+      tm
+    end
+  end
+end
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/user.rb b/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/user.rb
index a5ea8b827..cb6ff4b41 100644
--- a/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/user.rb
+++ b/ruby/lib/jam_ruby/models/user.rb
@@ -79,6 +79,9 @@ module JamRuby
     # self.id = followable_id in follows table
     has_many :followers, :as => :followable, :class_name => "JamRuby::Follow", :dependent => :destroy
 
+    # text messages
+    has_many :text_messages, :class_name => "JamRuby:TextMessage", :foreign_key => "target_user_id"
+
     # notifications
     has_many :notifications, :class_name => "JamRuby::Notification", :foreign_key => "target_user_id"
     has_many :inverse_notifications, :through => :notifications, :class_name => "JamRuby::User"
@@ -1017,6 +1020,8 @@ module JamRuby
 
         user.save
 
+        user.errors.add("recaptcha", "verification failed") if recaptcha_failed
+
         if user.errors.any?
           raise ActiveRecord::Rollback
         else
@@ -1033,16 +1038,9 @@ module JamRuby
             UserMailer.confirm_email(user, signup_confirm_url.nil? ? nil : (signup_confirm_url + "/" + user.signup_token) ).deliver
           end
         end
-
-        if recaptcha_failed
-          user.errors.add "recaptcha", "verification failed"
-          raise ActiveRecord::Rollback
-        end
-
       end
-
-      return user
-    end
+      user
+    end # def signup
 
     # this is intended to be development-mode or test-mode only; VRFS-149
     # it creates or updates one user per developer, so that we aren't in the business
diff --git a/ruby/spec/jam_ruby/models/text_message.spec.rb b/ruby/spec/jam_ruby/models/text_message.spec.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..7b612b3ac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ruby/spec/jam_ruby/models/text_message.spec.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+require 'spec_helper'
+
+describe TextMessage do
+
+  before do
+    TextMessage.delete_all
+    User.delete_all
+    @target_user = FactoryGirl.create(:user)
+    @source_user = FactoryGirl.create(:user)
+
+    @msg = TextMessage.new(:target_user_id => @target_user.id, :source_user_id => @source_user.id)
+  end
+
+  describe "index" do
+
+    it "should retrieve conversation for both users" do
+      @msg.message = "Test message"
+      @msg.save!
+
+      messages = TextMessage.index(@target_user.id, @source_user.id)
+      messages.count.should == 1
+
+      messages = TextMessage.index(@source_user.id, @target_user.id)
+      messages.count.should == 1
+    end
+
+    it "should page records" do
+      11.times do |n|
+        message = TextMessage.new(:target_user_id => @target_user.id, :source_user_id => @source_user.id)
+        message.message = "Message #{n}"
+        message.save!
+      end
+
+      messages = TextMessage.index(@target_user.id, @source_user.id, {:offset => 0})
+      messages.count.should == 10
+
+      messages = TextMessage.index(@target_user.id, @source_user.id, {:offset => 10})
+      messages.count.should == 1
+    end
+
+    it "should not allow empty message" do
+      expect { @msg.save! }.to raise_error(ActiveRecord::RecordInvalid)
+    end
+
+  end
+end
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/web/app/assets/javascripts/accounts_session_detail.js b/web/app/assets/javascripts/accounts_session_detail.js
index d75a5ea2e..82c028e52 100644
--- a/web/app/assets/javascripts/accounts_session_detail.js
+++ b/web/app/assets/javascripts/accounts_session_detail.js
@@ -339,7 +339,14 @@
 
           if ("instrument_list" in pending_rsvp_request && pending_rsvp_request.instrument_list != null) {
             $.each(pending_rsvp_request.instrument_list, function (index, instrument) {
-              var instrumentId = context.JK.getInstrumentId(instrument.id);
+              var instrumentId;
+
+              if (instrument) {
+                instrumentId = context.JK.getInstrumentId(instrument.id);
+              }
+              else {
+                instrumentId = 'other';
+              }
               var inst = context.JK.getInstrumentIcon24(instrumentId);
               instrumentLogoHtml += '<img title="' + instrumentId + '" hoveraction="instrument" data-instrument-id="' + instrumentId + '" src="' + inst + '" width="24" height="24" />&nbsp;';
               instrumentDesc.push(instrumentId);
@@ -378,7 +385,14 @@
       $.each(sessionData.approved_rsvps, function(index, approved_rsvp) {
         if ("instrument_list" in approved_rsvp) {
           $.each(approved_rsvp.instrument_list, function(index, instrument) {
-            var instrumentId = context.JK.getInstrumentId(instrument.id);
+            var instrumentId;
+            
+            if (instrument) {
+              instrumentId = context.JK.getInstrumentId(instrument.id);
+            }
+            else {
+              instrumentId = 'other';
+            }
             var inst = context.JK.getInstrumentIcon24(instrumentId);
             instrumentLogoHtml += '<img title="' + instrumentId + '" hoveraction="instrument" data-instrument-id="' + instrumentId + '" src="' + inst + '" width="24" height="24" />&nbsp;';
           });
diff --git a/web/app/assets/javascripts/dialog/sessionStartDialog.js b/web/app/assets/javascripts/dialog/sessionStartDialog.js
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..971a5da65
--- /dev/null
+++ b/web/app/assets/javascripts/dialog/sessionStartDialog.js
@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+(function(context,$) {
+
+  "use strict";
+  context.JK = context.JK || {};
+  context.JK.SessionStartDialog = function(app, session) {
+    var logger = context.JK.logger;
+    var sessionUtils = context.JK.SessionUtils;
+    var $dialog = null;
+    var dialogId = 'session-start-dialog';
+    var $btnStartSession = null;
+
+    function beforeShow(data) {
+    }
+
+    function afterShow(data) {
+    }
+
+    function afterHide() {
+    }
+
+    function showDialog() {
+      return app.layout.showDialog(dialogId);
+    }
+
+    function events() {
+      $btnStartSession.unbind('click');
+      $btnStartSession.click(function(e) {
+        context.location = '/client#/session/' + session.id;
+        app.layout.closeDialog(dialogId);
+      });
+    }
+
+    function initializeSessionDetails() {
+      $dialog.find('#session-start-type-disp').html('Now!');
+      $dialog.find('#session-name-disp').html(session.name);
+      $dialog.find('#session-description-disp').html(session.description);
+
+      if (session.music_notations && session.music_notations.length > 0) {
+        $dialog.find('#session-notations-disp').html("Notations: " + session.music_notations.join(', '));
+      }
+
+      if (session.band) {
+        $dialog.find('#session-band-disp').html(band.name);
+      }
+      else {
+        $dialog.find('#session-band-disp').html('N/A');
+      }
+
+      $dialog.find('#session-language-disp').html(session.language_description);
+
+      var invitedFriends = session.invitations;
+
+      var sessionInvited = [];
+      $.each(invitedFriends, function(index, invitation) {
+        sessionInvited.push(invitation.receiver_name);
+      });
+
+      var sessionInvitedString = sessionInvited.join(', ');
+
+      if (session.musician_access && session.approval_required) {
+        if (session.open_rsvps) {
+          if (invitedFriends.length == 0)
+            sessionInvitedString = "Any interested JamKazam musicians that I approve";
+          else
+            sessionInvitedString += ", plus any interested JamKazam musicians that I approve";
+        }
+        else {
+          if (invitedFriends.length == 0) {
+            sessionInvitedString = "No open RSVPs";
+          }
+          else {
+            sessionInvitedString += " (No open RSVPs)";
+          }
+        }
+      }
+      else if (session.musician_access && !session.approval_required) {
+        if (invitedFriends.length == 0)
+          sessionInvitedString = "Any interested JamKazam musicians who want to join us";
+        else
+          sessionInvitedString += ", plus any interested JamKazam musicians who want to join us";
+      }
+
+      $dialog.find('#session-invited-disp').html(sessionInvitedString);
+
+      var instrumentsMe = [], instrumentsOthers = [];
+
+      $.each(session.approved_rsvps, function(index, rsvp) {
+        if (rsvp.id === context.JK.currentUserId) {
+          $.each(rsvp.instrument_list, function(index, instrument) {
+            instrumentsMe.push(instrument.desc);
+          });
+        }
+        else {
+          $.each(rsvp.instrument_list, function(index, instrument) {
+            instrumentsOthers.push(instrument.desc);
+          });
+        }
+      });
+
+      $dialog.find('#session-instruments-me-disp').html(instrumentsMe.join(', '));
+      $dialog.find('#session-instruments-rsvp-disp').html(instrumentsOthers.join(', '));
+
+      $dialog.find('#session-musician-access-disp').html('Musicians: ' + session.musician_access_description);
+      $dialog.find('#session-fans-access-disp').html('Fans: ' + session.fan_access_description);
+      $dialog.find('#session-policy-disp').html(session.legal_policy);
+    }
+
+    function initialize() {
+
+      var dialogBindings = {
+        'beforeShow' : beforeShow,
+        'afterShow' : afterShow,
+        'afterHide': afterHide
+      };
+
+      app.bindDialog(dialogId, dialogBindings);
+
+      $dialog = $('[layout-id="' + dialogId + '"]');
+      $btnStartSession = $dialog.find('.btnStartSession');
+
+      initializeSessionDetails();
+      events();
+    }
+
+    this.initialize = initialize;
+    this.showDialog = showDialog;
+  }
+
+  return this;
+})(window,jQuery);
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/web/app/assets/javascripts/dialog/textMessageDialog.js b/web/app/assets/javascripts/dialog/textMessageDialog.js
index 78107a7f9..62b3b68f9 100644
--- a/web/app/assets/javascripts/dialog/textMessageDialog.js
+++ b/web/app/assets/javascripts/dialog/textMessageDialog.js
@@ -163,6 +163,7 @@
               }
               $sendTextMessage.click(sendMessage);
 
+              // TODO: PULL FROM NEW TABLE
               rest.getNotifications(buildParams())
                 .done(function (response) {
                   context._.each(response, function (textMessage) {
diff --git a/web/app/assets/javascripts/jam_rest.js b/web/app/assets/javascripts/jam_rest.js
index 230e6d23b..37951e687 100644
--- a/web/app/assets/javascripts/jam_rest.js
+++ b/web/app/assets/javascripts/jam_rest.js
@@ -1258,6 +1258,7 @@
             });
         }
 
+        // TODO: push into new table
         function createTextMessage(options) {
           var id = getId(options);
           return $.ajax({
@@ -1269,6 +1270,17 @@
           });
         }
 
+        function getTextMessages(options) {
+          if(!options) options = {};
+          var id = getId(options);
+          return $.ajax({
+            type: "GET",
+            url: '/api/users/' + id + '/text_messages?' + $.param(options),
+            dataType: "json",
+            contentType: 'application/json'
+          });
+        }
+
         function getNotifications(options) {
           if(!options) options = {};
           var id = getId(options);
diff --git a/web/app/assets/javascripts/notificationPanel.js b/web/app/assets/javascripts/notificationPanel.js
index 41fa918c4..ca393b18d 100644
--- a/web/app/assets/javascripts/notificationPanel.js
+++ b/web/app/assets/javascripts/notificationPanel.js
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@
     function updateNotificationList(response) {
       $.each(response, function(index, val) {
 
-        if(val.description == 'TEXT_MESSAGE') {
+        if(val.description == context.JK.MessageType.TEXT_MESSAGE) {
           val.formatted_msg = textMessageDialog.formatTextMessage(val.message.substring(0, 200), val.source_user_id, val.source_user.name, val.message.length > 200).html();
         }
 
diff --git a/web/app/assets/javascripts/scheduled_session.js.erb b/web/app/assets/javascripts/scheduled_session.js.erb
index ebbd6a9b3..969f9449d 100644
--- a/web/app/assets/javascripts/scheduled_session.js.erb
+++ b/web/app/assets/javascripts/scheduled_session.js.erb
@@ -200,14 +200,14 @@
 
       createSessionSettings.startDate = createSessionSettings.startDate || (new Date().toDateString());
 
-      $("#session-start-date").val(createSessionSettings.startDate);
+      $screen.find("#session-start-date").val(createSessionSettings.startDate);
       toggleDate(true);
       toggleStartTime();
       toggleStepStatus();
       sessionUtils.defaultTimezone($timezoneList);
       if(firstTimeShown) {
         firstTimeShown = false;
-        $('#session-when-start-scheduled').iCheck('check');
+        $screen.find('#session-when-start-scheduled').iCheck('check');
       }
     }
 
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@
     function beforeShowStep3() {
       rest.getBands(context.JK.currentUserId)
         .done(function(result) {
-          var options = $("#session-band-list");
+          var options = $screen.find("#session-band-list");
           options.empty();
           options.append($("<option />").val('').text('No'));
           $.each(result, function(idx, item) {
@@ -251,10 +251,10 @@
 
       var sessionName = createSessionSettings.name;
       sessionName += ' (' + createSessionSettings.genresValues[0] + ')';
-      $('#session-name-disp').html(sessionName);
+      $screen.find('#session-name-disp').html(sessionName);
 
       var sessionDescription = createSessionSettings.description;
-      $('#session-description-disp').html(sessionDescription);
+      $screen.find('#session-description-disp').html(sessionDescription);
 
       var sessionNotations = [];
       for (var i = 0; i < createSessionSettings.notations.length; i++) {
@@ -262,16 +262,16 @@
         sessionNotations.push(name);
       }
       if(sessionNotations.length > 0) {
-        $('#session-notations-disp').html("Notations: " + sessionNotations.join(', '));
+        $screen.find('#session-notations-disp').html("Notations: " + sessionNotations.join(', '));
       }
       else {
-        $('#session-notations-disp').html('');
+        $screen.find('#session-notations-disp').html('');
       }
 
-      $('#session-language-disp').html(createSessionSettings.language.label);
-      $('#session-band-disp').html(createSessionSettings.band.label);
+      $screen.find('#session-language-disp').html(createSessionSettings.language.label);
+      $screen.find('#session-band-disp').html(createSessionSettings.band.label);
 
-      var plusMusicians = $('#session-plus-musicians')[0].checked;
+      var plusMusicians = $screen.find('#session-plus-musicians')[0].checked;
 
       var sessionInvited = [];
       var invitedFriends = inviteMusiciansUtil.getInvitedFriendNames();
@@ -302,7 +302,7 @@
         else
           sessionInvitedString += ", plus any interested JamKazam musicians who want to join us";
       }
-      $('#session-invited-disp').html(sessionInvitedString);
+      $screen.find('#session-invited-disp').html(sessionInvitedString);
 
       if (createSessionSettings.createType == '<%= MusicSession::CREATE_TYPE_START_SCHEDULED%>') {
         var session = scheduledSessions[createSessionSettings.selectedSessionId];
@@ -315,7 +315,7 @@
               });
             }
           });
-          $('#session-instruments-me-disp').html(instruments_me.join(', '));
+          $screen.find('#session-instruments-me-disp').html(instruments_me.join(', '));
         }
 
         if (session.open_slots.length > 0) {
@@ -334,7 +334,7 @@
           $.map(instruments_rsvp_arr, function(val, i) {
             instruments_str_arr.push(i + ' (' + val.count + ') (' + val.level + ')');
           })
-          $('#session-instruments-rsvp-disp').html(instruments_str_arr.join(', '));
+          $screen.find('#session-instruments-rsvp-disp').html(instruments_str_arr.join(', '));
         }
       }
       else {
@@ -342,7 +342,7 @@
         $.each(getCreatorInstruments(), function(index, instrument) {
           instruments_me.push(instrument.name);
         });
-        $('#session-instruments-me-disp').html(instruments_me.join(', '));
+        $screen.find('#session-instruments-me-disp').html(instruments_me.join(', '));
 
         var instruments_rsvp = [];
         var otherInstruments = instrumentRSVP.getSelectedInstruments();
@@ -353,13 +353,13 @@
         $.each(otherInstruments, function(index, instrument) {
           instruments_rsvp.push(instrument.name + ' (' + instrument.count + ') (' + proficiencyDescriptionMap[instrument.level] + ')');
         });
-        $('#session-instruments-rsvp-disp').html(instruments_rsvp.join(', '));
+        $screen.find('#session-instruments-rsvp-disp').html(instruments_rsvp.join(', '));
       }
 
-      $('#session-musician-access-disp').html('Musicians: ' + createSessionSettings.musician_access.label);
-      $('#session-fans-access-disp').html('Fans: ' + createSessionSettings.fans_access.label);
+      $screen.find('#session-musician-access-disp').html('Musicians: ' + createSessionSettings.musician_access.label);
+      $screen.find('#session-fans-access-disp').html('Fans: ' + createSessionSettings.fans_access.label);
 
-      $('#session-policy-disp').html(createSessionSettings.session_policy);
+      $screen.find('#session-policy-disp').html(createSessionSettings.session_policy);
     }
 
     function beforeMoveStep1() {
@@ -428,7 +428,7 @@
         createSessionSettings.recurring_mode.value = 'once';
       }
       else {
-        createSessionSettings.startDate = $('#session-start-date').val();
+        createSessionSettings.startDate = $screen.find('#session-start-date').val();
         createSessionSettings.startTime = $startTimeList.val();
         createSessionSettings.endTime = $endTimeList.val();
         createSessionSettings.notations = [];
@@ -437,7 +437,7 @@
         createSessionSettings.timezone.label = $timezoneList.get(0).options[$timezoneList.get(0).selectedIndex].text;
         createSessionSettings.recurring_mode.label = $recurringModeList.get(0).options[$recurringModeList.get(0).selectedIndex].text;
         createSessionSettings.recurring_mode.value = $recurringModeList.val();
-        createSessionSettings.open_rsvps = $('#session-plus-musicians')[0].checked;
+        createSessionSettings.open_rsvps = $screen.find('#session-plus-musicians')[0].checked;
       }
 
       return true;
@@ -503,22 +503,22 @@
 
     function beforeMoveStep2() {
       var isValid = true;
-      var name = $('#session-name').val();
+      var name = $screen.find('#session-name').val();
       if (!name) {
         $('#divSessionName .error-text').remove();
         $('#divSessionName').addClass("error");
-        $('#session-name').after("<ul class='error-text'><li>Name is required</li></ul>");
+        $screen.find('#session-name').after("<ul class='error-text'><li>Name is required</li></ul>");
         isValid = false;
       }
       else {
         $('#divSessionName').removeClass("error");
       }
 
-      var description = $('#session-description').val();
+      var description = $screen.find('#session-description').val();
       if (!description) {
         $('#divSessionDescription .error-text').remove();
         $('#divSessionDescription').addClass("error");
-        $('#session-description').after("<ul class='error-text'><li>Description is required</li></ul>");
+        $screen.find('#session-description').after("<ul class='error-text'><li>Description is required</li></ul>");
         isValid = false;
       }
       else {
@@ -558,13 +558,13 @@
       else
         createSessionSettings.band.label = $bandList.get(0).options[$bandList.get(0).selectedIndex].text;
 
-      createSessionSettings.open_rsvps = $('#session-plus-musicians')[0].checked;
+      createSessionSettings.open_rsvps = $screen.find('#session-plus-musicians')[0].checked;
       return true;
     }
 
     function beforeMoveStep4() {
       var isValid = true;
-      var sessionPolicyChecked = $('#session-policy-confirm').is(':checked');
+      var sessionPolicyChecked = $screen.find('#session-policy-confirm').is(':checked');
       if (!sessionPolicyChecked) {
         $('#divSessionPolicy .error-text').remove();
         $('#divSessionPolicy').addClass("error");
@@ -576,11 +576,11 @@
       }
 
       createSessionSettings.session_policy = $('input[name="session-policy-type"][checked="checked"]').attr('policy-id');
-      var $musicianAccess = $('#session-musician-access');
+      var $musicianAccess = $screen.find('#session-musician-access');
       createSessionSettings.musician_access.value = $musicianAccess.val();
       createSessionSettings.musician_access.label = $musicianAccess.get(0).options[$musicianAccess.get(0).selectedIndex].text;
 
-      var $fansAccess = $('#session-fans-access');
+      var $fansAccess = $screen.find('#session-fans-access');
       createSessionSettings.fans_access.value = $fansAccess.val();
       createSessionSettings.fans_access.label = $fansAccess.get(0).options[$fansAccess.get(0).selectedIndex].text;
 
@@ -975,7 +975,7 @@
     }
 
     function toggleDate(dontRebuildDropdowns) {
-      var selectedDate = new Date($('#session-start-date').val());
+      var selectedDate = new Date($screen.find('#session-start-date').val());
       var currentDate = new Date();
       var startIndex = 0;
 
@@ -1046,7 +1046,7 @@
         radioClass: 'iradio_minimal',
         inheritClass: true
       });
-      $("#session-start-date").datepicker({
+      $screen.find("#session-start-date").datepicker({
           dateFormat: "D d MM yy",
           onSelect: function() { toggleDate(); }
         }
diff --git a/web/app/assets/javascripts/sessionList.js b/web/app/assets/javascripts/sessionList.js
index 690667c74..5a02eb429 100644
--- a/web/app/assets/javascripts/sessionList.js
+++ b/web/app/assets/javascripts/sessionList.js
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
     var $musicianTemplate = $('#template-musician-info');
     var showJoinLink = true;
     var showListenLink = true;
-    var showRsvpLink = true;
+    var MAX_MINUTES_SHOW_START = 15;
 
     // related to listen
     function stateChange(e, data) {
@@ -369,11 +369,39 @@
 
       var showRsvpLink = true;
       var noLinkText = '';
+      $('.rsvp-link-text', $parentRow).hide();
 
-      if (approvedRsvpId) {
+      function showStartSessionButton(scheduledStart) {
+        var now = new Date();
+        var scheduledDate = new Date(scheduledStart);
+        var minutesFromStart = (scheduledDate.getTime() - now.getTime()) / (1000 * 60);
+        return minutesFromStart <= MAX_MINUTES_SHOW_START;
+      };
+
+      if (session.creator.id === context.JK.currentUserId) {
         showRsvpLink = false;
-        noLinkText = $('<span class="text">You have been confirmed for this session. <a href="#" style="color: #fc0">Cancel</a></span>');
+        noLinkText = $('<span class="text"><a class="start" style="color: #fc0">Start session now?</a></span>');
         noLinkText.find('a').click(function() {
+          ui.launchSessionStartDialog(session);
+          return false;
+        });
+      }
+      else if (approvedRsvpId) {
+        showRsvpLink = false;
+
+        if (session.scheduled_start && showStartSessionButton(session.scheduled_start)) {
+          noLinkText = $('<span class="text"><a class="start" style="color: #fc0">Start session now?</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a class="cancel" style="color: #fc0">Cancel RSVP</a></span>');
+          noLinkText.find('a.start').click(function() {
+            ui.launchSessionStartDialog(session);
+            return false;
+          });
+        }
+        else {
+          noLinkText = $('<span class="text"><a class="cancel" style="color: #fc0">Cancel RSVP</a></span>');
+        }
+
+        // wire cancel link
+        noLinkText.find('a.cancel').click(function() {
           ui.launchRsvpCancelDialog(session.id, approvedRsvpId)
             .one(EVENTS.RSVP_CANCELED, function() {
               rest.getSessionHistory(session.id)
@@ -387,9 +415,20 @@
             return false;
         });
       }
+      else if (hasInvitation) {
+        showRsvpLink = false;
+
+        if (session.scheduled_start && showStartSessionButton(session.scheduled_start)) {
+          noLinkText = $('<span class="text"><a class="start" style="color: #fc0">Start session now?</a></span>');
+          noLinkText.find('a').click(function() {
+            ui.launchSessionStartDialog(session);
+            return false;
+          });
+        }
+      }
       else if (pendingRsvpId) {
         showRsvpLink = false;
-        noLinkText = $('<span class="text">You have RSVP\'ed to this session. <a href="#" style="color: #fc0">Cancel</a></span>');
+        noLinkText = $('<span class="text"><a class="cancel" style="color: #fc0">Cancel RSVP</a></span>');
         noLinkText.find('a').click(function() {
           ui.launchRsvpCancelDialog(session.id, pendingRsvpId)
             .one(EVENTS.RSVP_CANCELED, function() {
@@ -416,6 +455,7 @@
       if (showRsvpLink) {
         $('.rsvp-msg', $parentRow).hide();
         $('.rsvp-link', $parentRow).show();
+        $('.rsvp-link-text', $parentRow).show();
 
         $('.rsvp-link', $parentRow).click(function(evt) {
           ui.launchRsvpSubmitDialog(session.id)
diff --git a/web/app/assets/javascripts/ui_helper.js b/web/app/assets/javascripts/ui_helper.js
index 167855b30..9213c43cb 100644
--- a/web/app/assets/javascripts/ui_helper.js
+++ b/web/app/assets/javascripts/ui_helper.js
@@ -53,6 +53,12 @@
       return rsvpDialog.showDialog();
     }
 
+    function launchSessionStartDialog(session) {
+      var sessionStartDialog = new JK.SessionStartDialog(JK.app, session);
+      sessionStartDialog.initialize();
+      return sessionStartDialog.showDialog();
+    }
+
     this.addSessionLike = addSessionLike;
     this.addRecordingLike = addRecordingLike;
     this.launchCommentDialog = launchCommentDialog;
@@ -60,6 +66,7 @@
     this.launchRsvpSubmitDialog = launchRsvpSubmitDialog;
     this.launchRsvpCancelDialog = launchRsvpCancelDialog;
     this.launchRsvpCreateSlotDialog = launchRsvpCreateSlotDialog;
+    this.launchSessionStartDialog = launchSessionStartDialog;
 
     return this;
   };
diff --git a/web/app/assets/stylesheets/client/sessionList.css.scss b/web/app/assets/stylesheets/client/sessionList.css.scss
index a1b65a214..16d208a59 100644
--- a/web/app/assets/stylesheets/client/sessionList.css.scss
+++ b/web/app/assets/stylesheets/client/sessionList.css.scss
@@ -127,6 +127,10 @@ table.findsession-table, table.local-recordings, table.open-jam-tracks {
     vertical-align:top;
   }
 
+  .musician-groups td.nowrap {
+    white-space: nowrap;
+  }
+
   a {
     color:#fff;
     text-decoration:none;
diff --git a/web/app/assets/stylesheets/dialogs/base_dialog.css.scss b/web/app/assets/stylesheets/dialogs/base_dialog.css.scss
index 4a183d9d3..049962e28 100644
--- a/web/app/assets/stylesheets/dialogs/base_dialog.css.scss
+++ b/web/app/assets/stylesheets/dialogs/base_dialog.css.scss
@@ -70,8 +70,8 @@
   min-height: 600px;
 }
 
-.dialog-overlay-sm {
-  width: 600px;
+.dialog-overlay-lg {
+  width: 800px;
   height: auto;
   position: fixed;
   left: 50%;
@@ -90,6 +90,18 @@
   color: #aaa;
 }
 
+.dialog-overlay-sm {
+  width: 600px;
+  height: auto;
+  position: fixed;
+  left: 50%;
+  top: 20%;
+  margin-left: -300px;
+  background-color: #333;
+  border: 1px solid #ed3618;
+  z-index: 1000;
+}
+
 .dialog-overlay-sm .dialog-inner {
   width: 550px;
   height: auto;
diff --git a/web/app/assets/stylesheets/dialogs/sessionStartDialog.css.scss b/web/app/assets/stylesheets/dialogs/sessionStartDialog.css.scss
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..492db6b16
--- /dev/null
+++ b/web/app/assets/stylesheets/dialogs/sessionStartDialog.css.scss
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+.session-wrapper {
+  padding: 10px 35px 0 0px;
+  white-space: initial;
+
+  h3 {
+    font-weight: bold;
+    color:#dedede;
+  }
+
+  > div.session {
+    width: 50%;
+
+    &.right {
+      font-size: 13px;
+    }
+  }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/web/app/controllers/api_text_messages_controller.rb b/web/app/controllers/api_text_messages_controller.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..79496988b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/web/app/controllers/api_text_messages_controller.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+require 'sanitize'
+class ApiTextMessagesController < ApiController
+
+  before_filter :api_signed_in_user
+  before_filter :auth_user, :only => [:index, :create]
+
+  respond_to :json
+
+  def index
+    @text_messages = TextMessage.index(params[:target_user_id], @user.id, {:offset => params[:offset]})
+    respond_with @text_messages, responder: ApiResponder, :status => 200
+  end
+
+  def create
+
+  end
+
+end
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/web/app/views/api_music_sessions/show_history.rabl b/web/app/views/api_music_sessions/show_history.rabl
index a172d1afc..5d44c43f0 100644
--- a/web/app/views/api_music_sessions/show_history.rabl
+++ b/web/app/views/api_music_sessions/show_history.rabl
@@ -98,7 +98,9 @@ else
 
     node do |invitation|
      user_score(invitation.receiver.id).merge({
-       receiver_avatar_url: invitation.receiver.resolved_photo_url, audio_latency: last_jam_audio_latency(invitation.receiver)
+       receiver_name: invitation.receiver.name,
+       receiver_avatar_url: invitation.receiver.resolved_photo_url, 
+       audio_latency: last_jam_audio_latency(invitation.receiver)
      })
     end
   }
diff --git a/web/app/views/api_text_messages/create.rabl b/web/app/views/api_text_messages/create.rabl
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e69de29bb
diff --git a/web/app/views/api_text_messages/index.rabl b/web/app/views/api_text_messages/index.rabl
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e38e85034
--- /dev/null
+++ b/web/app/views/api_text_messages/index.rabl
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+collection @text_messages
+
+attributes :id, :source_user_id, :target_user_id, :message, :created_at
+
+node :source_user do |msg|
+  attributes :id, :name
+end
+
+node :target_user do |msg|
+  attributes :id, :name
+end
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/web/app/views/clients/_findSession.html.erb b/web/app/views/clients/_findSession.html.erb
index 6f3375004..e78ec34b6 100644
--- a/web/app/views/clients/_findSession.html.erb
+++ b/web/app/views/clients/_findSession.html.erb
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@
         <tr>
           <td>
           </td>
-          <td>
+          <td class="nowrap">
             <span class="rsvp-msg" style="display:none;">You cannot RSVP to this session.</span>
             <a class="rsvp-link">
               <%= image_tag "content/rsvp-icon.jpg", :size => "40x40" %>
diff --git a/web/app/views/clients/_scheduledSession.html.erb b/web/app/views/clients/_scheduledSession.html.erb
index 157b6afe0..04a0e2055 100644
--- a/web/app/views/clients/_scheduledSession.html.erb
+++ b/web/app/views/clients/_scheduledSession.html.erb
@@ -402,9 +402,9 @@
 
                   <h3 class="mt20">What instruments/parts do you need?</h3>
                   <div class="left ib w20 mt5">Me:</div>
-                  <div class="left ib w75 mt5" id="session-instruments-me-disp" class="mt5"></div>
+                  <div class="left ib w75 mt5" id="session-instruments-me-disp"></div>
                   <div class="clearall left ib w20">Others:</div>
-                  <div class="left ib w75" id="session-instruments-rsvp-disp" class="mt5"></div><br clear="all">
+                  <div class="left ib w75 mt5" id="session-instruments-rsvp-disp"></div><br clear="all">
 
                   <h3 class="mt20">What access policies are in effect?</h3>
                   <div id="session-musician-access-disp" class="mt5"></div>
diff --git a/web/app/views/dialogs/_dialogs.html.haml b/web/app/views/dialogs/_dialogs.html.haml
index b7b15976c..56ec88ccc 100644
--- a/web/app/views/dialogs/_dialogs.html.haml
+++ b/web/app/views/dialogs/_dialogs.html.haml
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 = render 'dialogs/rsvpSubmitDialog'
 = render 'dialogs/rsvpCancelDialog'
 = render 'dialogs/rsvpCreateSlotDialog'
+= render 'dialogs/sessionStartDialog'
 = render 'dialogs/sessionCancelDialog'
 = render 'dialogs/signinDialog'
 = render 'dialogs/signupDialog'
diff --git a/web/app/views/dialogs/_sessionStartDialog.html.slim b/web/app/views/dialogs/_sessionStartDialog.html.slim
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..5117beca0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/web/app/views/dialogs/_sessionStartDialog.html.slim
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+.dialog.dialog-overlay-lg layout='dialog' layout-id='session-start-dialog' id='session-start-dialog'
+  .content-head
+    = image_tag "content/icon_add.png", {:width => 24, :height => 24, :class => 'content-icon' }
+    h1 Start Session
+
+  .dialog-inner
+    .session-wrapper
+      .left.w55
+        h3 When are you starting your session?
+        .mt5 id='session-start-type-disp'
+        h3.mb5.mt20 What are you playing?
+        em id='session-name-disp'
+        #session-description-disp.mt5
+        #session-notations-disp.mt5
+
+        h3.mt20 Which band is playing?
+        #session-band-disp.mt5
+
+        h3.mt20 What language will be spoken?
+        #session-language-disp.mt5
+      .right.w40
+        h3 Who is invited?
+        #session-invited-disp.mt5
+
+        h3.mt20 What instruments/parts do you need?
+        .left.ib.w20.mt5 Me:
+        #session-instruments-me-disp.left.ib.w75.mt5
+        .clearall.left.ib.w20.mt5 Others:
+        #session-instruments-rsvp-disp.left.ib.w75.mt5
+        br clear='all'
+
+        h3.mt20 What access policies are in effect?
+        #session-musician-access-disp.mt5
+        #session-fans-access-disp
+
+        h3.mt20 What legal policy is in effect?
+        #session-policy-disp.mt5
+    .clearall
+    br
+    br
+    .buttons
+      .right
+        a.button-grey class='btnCancel' layout-action='cancel' CANCEL
+        a.button-orange class='btnStartSession' START SESSION
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/web/config/routes.rb b/web/config/routes.rb
index ecbec6909..2a18c7fce 100644
--- a/web/config/routes.rb
+++ b/web/config/routes.rb
@@ -296,6 +296,10 @@ SampleApp::Application.routes.draw do
     match '/users/:id/friends/:friend_id' => 'api_users#friend_show', :via => :get, :as => 'api_friend_detail'
     match '/users/:id/friends/:friend_id' => 'api_users#friend_destroy', :via => :delete
 
+    # text messages
+    match '/text_messages' => 'api_text_messages#index', :via => :get
+    match '/text_messages' => 'api_text_messages#create', :via => :post
+
     # notifications
     match '/users/:id/notifications' => 'api_users#notification_index', :via => :get
     match '/users/:id/notifications/:notification_id' => 'api_users#notification_destroy', :via => :delete
diff --git a/web/spec/features/find_sessions_spec.rb b/web/spec/features/find_sessions_spec.rb
index ba8f7c517..043fdd2ab 100644
--- a/web/spec/features/find_sessions_spec.rb
+++ b/web/spec/features/find_sessions_spec.rb
@@ -192,6 +192,121 @@ describe "Find Session", :js => true, :type => :feature, :capybara_feature => tr
     end
   end
 
+  describe "start session behavior" do
+    before(:each) do
+      stub_const("APP_CONFIG", web_config)
+      @music_session = FactoryGirl.create(:music_session, creator: user)
+
+      @invited_user = FactoryGirl.create(:user)
+      FactoryGirl.create(:friendship, :user => @invited_user, :friend => user)
+      FactoryGirl.create(:friendship, :user => user, :friend => @invited_user)
+      @invitation = FactoryGirl.create(:invitation, :sender => user, :receiver => @invited_user, :music_session => @music_session)
+
+      @rsvp_user = FactoryGirl.create(:user)
+      @rsvp_slot = FactoryGirl.create(:rsvp_slot, music_session: @music_session)
+      @rsvp_request = FactoryGirl.create(:rsvp_request_for_slots, chosen: nil, user: @rsvp_user, slots: [@rsvp_slot])
+    end
+
+    it "should always show start session link for session creator" do
+      pending
+      # sign in as creator
+      fast_signin(user, Nav.find_session)
+      find("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start", text: "Start session now?")
+      fast_signout
+    end
+
+    it "should not show start session link for anyone who is not creator, invitee, or RSVP user" do
+      pending
+      random_user = FactoryGirl.create(:user)
+      fast_signin(random_user, Nav.find_session)
+      page.should have_no_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start")
+      fast_signout
+    end
+
+    it "should show start session link for invited or RSVP users" do
+      pending
+       # make session date/time TBD
+      @music_session.scheduled_start = Time.now + 5.minutes
+      @music_session.save!
+
+      # invited user
+      fast_signin(@invited_user, Nav.find_session)
+      page.should have_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start", text: "Start session now?")
+      fast_signout
+
+      # RSVP user
+      fast_signin(@rsvp_user, Nav.find_session)
+      page.should have_no_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start", text: "Start session now?")
+      page.should have_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.cancel", text: "Cancel RSVP")
+      fast_signout
+
+      # now approve the RSVP
+      @rsvp_request.rsvp_requests_rsvp_slots[0].chosen = true
+      @rsvp_request.rsvp_requests_rsvp_slots[0].save!
+
+      fast_signin(@rsvp_user, Nav.find_session)
+      page.should have_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start", text: "Start session now?")
+      page.should have_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.cancel", text: "Cancel RSVP")
+      fast_signout
+    end
+
+    it "should not show start session link for invited or RSVP users when date/time is TBD" do
+      pending
+      # make session date/time TBD
+      @music_session.scheduled_start = nil
+      @music_session.save!
+
+      # invited user
+      fast_signin(@invited_user, Nav.find_session)
+      page.should have_no_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start", text: "Start session now?")
+      fast_signout
+
+      # RSVP user
+      fast_signin(@rsvp_user, Nav.find_session)
+      page.should have_no_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start", text: "Start session now?")
+      page.should have_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.cancel", text: "Cancel RSVP")
+      fast_signout
+
+      # now approve the RSVP
+      @rsvp_request.rsvp_requests_rsvp_slots[0].chosen = true
+      @rsvp_request.rsvp_requests_rsvp_slots[0].save!
+
+      # "start session" should still be hidden
+      fast_signin(@rsvp_user, Nav.find_session)
+      page.should have_no_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start", text: "Start session now?")
+      page.should have_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.cancel", text: "Cancel RSVP")
+      fast_signout
+    end
+
+    it "should not show start session link for invited or RSVP users when more than 15 minutes remain to start time" do
+      pending
+      # make session date/time more than 15 min away
+      @music_session.scheduled_start = Time.now + 60.minutes
+      @music_session.save!
+
+      # invited user
+      fast_signin(@invited_user, Nav.find_session)
+      page.should have_no_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start", text: "Start session now?")
+      fast_signout
+
+      # RSVP user
+      fast_signin(@rsvp_user, Nav.find_session)
+      page.should have_no_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start", text: "Start session now?")
+      page.should have_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.cancel", text: "Cancel RSVP")
+      fast_signout
+
+      # now approve the RSVP
+      @rsvp_request.rsvp_requests_rsvp_slots[0].chosen = true
+      @rsvp_request.rsvp_requests_rsvp_slots[0].save!
+
+      # "start session" should still be hidden
+      fast_signin(@rsvp_user, Nav.find_session)
+      page.should have_no_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.start", text: "Start session now?")
+      page.should have_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.cancel", text: "Cancel RSVP")
+      fast_signout
+    end
+  end
+
   describe "rsvp behavior" do
     before(:each) do
       stub_const("APP_CONFIG", web_config)
@@ -222,10 +337,9 @@ describe "Find Session", :js => true, :type => :feature, :capybara_feature => tr
     it "RSVP text shows correctly" do
       music_session = FactoryGirl.create(:music_session, creator: user)
 
+      # session creator cannot cancel
       fast_signin(user, Nav.find_session)
-
-      find("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text", text: "You have been confirmed for this session. ")
-
+      page.should have_no_selector("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.cancel", text: "Cancel RSVP")
       sign_out
 
       # create a slot so the session can be joined
@@ -241,15 +355,15 @@ describe "Find Session", :js => true, :type => :feature, :capybara_feature => tr
       # first state: an unconfirmed RSVP
       go_to_root
       fast_signin(finder, Nav.find_session)
-      find("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text", text: "You have RSVP'ed to this session. ")
+      find("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text a.cancel", text: "Cancel RSVP")
 
       rsvp_request.rsvp_requests_rsvp_slots[0].chosen = true
       rsvp_request.rsvp_requests_rsvp_slots[0].save!
 
-      # second state: a connfirmed RSVP
+      # second state: a confirmed RSVP
       go_to_root
       fast_signin(finder, Nav.find_session)
-      find("#sessions-scheduled .rsvp-msg span.text", text: "You have been confirmed for this session. ")
+      find("#sessions-scheduled a.cancel", text: "Cancel RSVP")
 
 
       # need to now CANCEL, and check what it says:  // VRFS-1891
diff --git a/web/spec/features/session_start_dialog_spec.rb b/web/spec/features/session_start_dialog_spec.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e69de29bb
diff --git a/web/spec/managers/user_manager_spec.rb b/web/spec/managers/user_manager_spec.rb
index df30da27f..275d90b69 100644
--- a/web/spec/managers/user_manager_spec.rb
+++ b/web/spec/managers/user_manager_spec.rb
@@ -666,6 +666,7 @@ describe UserManager do
     before(:each) do
       @old_recaptcha=Rails.application.config.recaptcha_enable
       Rails.application.config.recaptcha_enable=true
+      UserMailer.deliveries.clear
     end
 
     after(:each) do
@@ -687,6 +688,7 @@ describe UserManager do
                                   signup_confirm_url: "http://localhost:3000/confirm")
 
       user.errors.any?.should be_true      
+      UserMailer.deliveries.should have(0).items
     end
 
     it "passes when facebook signup" do