Listing of open musical jam sessions
Rich Kulawiec
Version: $Header: jam.sessions,v 1.19 93/02/28 09:43:00 rsk Exp $
Here's the latest revision of the open jam sessions list. Further
additions, comments, corrections, etc. VIA MAIL PLEASE, are welcome.
I'll maintain the list, revise it, and repost it periodically.
My thanks to all of you who have contributed to the list!
This edition of the list has been sorted by State/Province/Country to make
it a bit easier to find entries for a particular area. In response
to reader requests, I'm also trying to figure out a way to classify
jam sessions into loose categories, i.e. "blues", "folk", etc., so that
it's a bit easier to locate sessions by genre.
Finally, if you notice a missing "Contributed-by" field where your name
should be, please let me know; it's handy to have someone to steer
questions to when they come up, and it's also nice to know who
should get the credit for the entry. As a note to folks out there
who have questions about particular jams: sometimes the person who
contributed the entry has current information, sometimes they don't.
The best way to find out is to ask nicely, and not to be too surprised
if it turns out that they moved away from the area 2 years ago. :-)
---Rsk
This list is copyrighted by Rich Kulawiec, 1992.
Tucson, AZ: Rusty Nail, 326 N. 4th Avenue, has a Tuesday night
"Celtic Jam" ... actually a mish-mash of contra dance music +
american/anglo/keltic tunes + whatever. They also have an open
mike night on Fridays.
Contributed-by: Theron Friedman (t...@csl.biosci.arizona.edu)
Davis, CA: There is a "traditional" tune jam at Steve's Pizza, 314 F St.,
on alternate Wednesday evenings from 7:30 - 10:00 PM. Beginners
are welcome; the level of playing is variable, ranging from novice
to competent amateur level. Both Irish and traditional American
tunes are commonly played.
Contributed-by: dar...@eecs.ucdavis.edu (Richard Darsie)
Folsom, CA: Sutter Street Saloon, 614 Sutter St, 916/985-3280;
Sun, 8pm; $3.00 cover. A pretty loose blues jam in the historical
section of town. Look for Jody and his red Gibson; he schedules
the players.
Contributed-by: David Fiedler (da...@infopro.com)
Lodi, CA: R Place, 710 South Beckman Road, 209/369-4767
Thu, 8pm; no cover. Guitar Mac and the Blues Express plays a set,
then anyone can come up to jam. A real bunch of gentlemen and a
good band.
Contributed-by: David Fiedler (da...@infopro.com)
Los Angeles, CA: In Melrose, the Nucleus Nuance is a classy place with
a Monday night jam session. Mostly real book type tunes, good
house rhythm section but rhythm players can also sit it.
Contributed-by: marco...@enquirer.scandal.cs.cmu.edu (Marco)
Santa Cruz, CA: Callahan's - On Water St. one block east (and slightly
north) of Ocean St. Thursday night blues jam, 8:30 - 1. House
band plays a couple sets. Sign up on set list (usually 4 sets).
Players range from not very good to very good. Anyone who gets on
the list gets to play. Also have a "talent night" on Sundays.
Contributed-by: le...@sco.com (Bill Leff)
San Diego, CA: The Espresso Literati (a cafe/bookstore) has a Saturday
afternoon jam from 2-5 PM, hosted by guitarist Art Johnson
and a rhythm section. It usually consists of a first set by
Art and his friends then the jammers sit in. Espresso Literati is
in La Jolla (a nice part of San Diego), at the corner of
Fay and Kline (downtown La Jolla. Not to be confused with
downtown San Diego). Jazz, real book type stuff.
Contributed-by: Sue Raul (s...@snafu.seada.com)
San Francisco, CA: The Plough and Stars, 116 Clement, SF, has an open
Irish jam on Sunday nights. This is a very hot session, the level
of playing is at a professional level. Sessions begin at 8 PM or so,
and often last until 1 or 2 AM. Leif Sorbye, of Tempest and formerly
Golden Bough, has been a regular in the past.
Contributed-by: dar...@eecs.ucdavis.edu (Richard Darsie)
Boulder, CO: J.J. Mccabe's, downtown Boulder about the 1000 block of Walnut,
has a blues jam on Monday nights. Starts about 9, you have to sign
up at the door ahead of time (blech), and the "house band" plays
the first and last sets, which leaves little time for real jamming.
Participation is very "clique-ish", with known players who show up
late always taking the spots of unknowns who show up early;
avoid this one.
Contributed-by: r...@ecn.purdue.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Ft. Collins, CO: The Old Town Ale House has a Monday night blues "jam",
or at least they call it that. Generally speaking, you watch the
house band play for 2-3 hours, and then maybe you'll get on
afterwards. Not recommended. (Marc Sabatella tells me that
this one is probably dead now. Can anyone double-check and
confirm that it's gone before I remove the entry?)
Contributed-by: r...@ecn.purdue.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Ft. Collins, CO: The Bar Bazaar (downtown) is once again holding a Monday
Blue Jam; Creighton Holley (sp?) leads it. Pretty open after the
first set.
Contributed-by: Marc Sabatella <ma...@urutu.sde.hp.com>
Ft. Collins, CO: There is a low key jazz jam at the Wine Cellar on Wednesday
nights, hosted by Hugh Ragin and Marc Sabatella; more or less open
from 9:30 - 11.
Contributed-by: Marc Sabatella <ma...@urutu.sde.hp.com>
Ft. Collins, CO: Linden's (downtown) has a pretty good Monday night blues jam.
They also have a jazz/blues jam hosted by Walter Jenkins on Tuesdays.
Contributed-by: Marc Sabatella <ma...@urutu.sde.hp.com>
Ft. Collins, CO: AJ's on Linden (downtown) has a rock and roll jam
on Wednesday nights. It's pretty loose, with a tendency
towards 70's/80's classic rock tunes.
Contributed-by: r...@ecn.purdue.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Denver, CO: Swallow Hill Music Association has an open acoustic blues jam
on the third Sunday of the month; the session is led by Mary Flower
and takes place from 4 to 6 pm. There's also an open bluegrass
jam (also on the third Sunday) from 1 to 3 pm.
Contributed-by: ecu...@nma.mnet.uswest.com (Ed Cummings)
Washington, DC: New Vegas Lounge, 1415 P Street NW, (202) 483-3971 has an
open mike night on Thursdays. It's run by a local band led by
Rickie Lee who is a hot guitarist. The club is run by Dr. Blues
who will get up and sing without much encouragement. Lots of fun,
but Ave. P and 14th is not a nice place to be at two in the morning.
Contributed-by: keith....@execnet.com (Keith Graham)
Washington, DC: Twins Lounge, 5516 Colorado Avenue NW, (202) 882-2523 has
a Sunday night jazz jam.
Contributed-by: r...@ecn.purdue.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Washington, D.C.: The Zoo Bar on Connecticut Avenue, just across from
the main entrance to the National Zoo, has an Irish music jam
every Sunday night at 9:00 PM. This jam has tended to change
location every few years, and also it skips nights occasionally
when there's some special event.
Contributed-by: David Scheim (d...@helix.nih.gov@alw.nih.gov)
Atlanta, GA: "Sounds of Buckhead" no longer has an open jam; they've
gone to a DJ/dance format.
Atlanta, GA: Fellini's Pasta in Little 5 Points has a Monday night jazz jam,
which starts at 10 PM. The house rhythm section is the JAS trio,
one of whom (James) leads the session.
Atlanta, GA: Just Jazz in Buckhead has a Sunday night jazz jam, and
a Tuesday night blues jam "with the Hammond B3 Organ".
Both start at 9 PM; call 404-355-5423 for more details.
Atlanta, GA: Penta Hotel, 26th floor, in downtown atlanta...starts at 9 PM.
the purpose of this open Jazz session is to recruit local folks for
the live broadcasts on Friday and Saturday.
Chicago, IL: Kingston Mines, on Halsted a few blocks north of Fullerton,
has a blues jam on Monday nights from 9-??. Amateur jam is
usually during the first part of the evening, pro jam is later.
This is *THE* blues jam; folks such as Keith Richards, Vanessa
Davis, Albert King, Koko Taylor, and so on have been known
to drop in. (312) 477-4646.
Contributed-by: r...@ecn.purdue.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Chicago, IL: B L U E S Etcetera, 1124 W Belmont, 312/525-8989;
Weds. 9pm; $3.50 cover This is a well laid out, spacious club
near Wrigley Field. Open jam sessions follow a set by Glenn
Davis and Straight Shooter.
Contributed-by: Beth Scheid (bsc...@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu)
Chicago, IL: Buddy Guy's Legends, 754 S Wabash, 312/427-0333;
Mon. 8:30pm; $3.00 cover This is the newest club on the circuit.
The inside is very blue(!) and it has a great stage/sound
system set-up.
Contributed-by: Beth Scheid (bsc...@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu)
Chicago, IL: Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W Armitage, 312/342-0452;
Mon. 9:15pm; $3 cover Very friendly club on near northwest side.
Jams hosted by co-owner and drummer Tony Mangiulio and David Lindsay.
Sometimes Mama Rosa makes her great lasagna. Rosa's also does the
periodic 1:30-6am BluesCruises on Lake Michigan during the summer.
Contributed-by: Beth Scheid (bsc...@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu)
Chicago, IL: Wise Fool's Pub, 2270 N Lincoln, 312/929-1510;
Tues. 9:30pm; $3 cover Very favorite small club in same
neighborhood as Kingston Mines. It's been around for years. Jams
hosted by Ron Shanaver.
Contributed-by: Beth Scheid (bsc...@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu)
Chicago, IL: The Green Mill, 4802 N Broadway, 312/878-5552;
Fri. 1:30-4:30am no cover Late night open jazz jam session with
the Green Mill Quartet-baritone sax, piano, bass, drums.
Great club, former Al Capone hangout and now home of the famous
Sunday night Uptown Poetry Slams (open mike 7-8pm).
Contributed-by: Beth Scheid (bsc...@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu)
Chicago, IL: The Playhouse, 7407 W. Madison St. in Forest Park,
(708) 366-6363, has an open jam on Tuesday nights.
Contributed-by: r...@ecn.purdue.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Chicago, IL: Saltes, 7541 Irving Park Rd, (312) 589-9460, has an
open jam on Wednesday nights.
Contributed-by: r...@ecn.purdue.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Chicago, IL: Hugh's, 720 S. Barrington Rd. in Streamwood, (708) 894-3830,
has an open jam on Sundays beginning at 6 pm.
Contributed-by: r...@ecn.purdue.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Indianapolis, IN: The Slippery Noodle Inn is downtown on Meridian a couple
of blocks south of The Circle, i.e. just about at Union Station.
Blues jam on Wednesday nights; pretty open atmosphere, and usually
lots of fun. Musicians vary from complete amateur to medium pro.
(317) 631-6968.
Contributed-by: r...@ecn.purdue.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Indianapolis, IN: The Patio in Broadripple has a blues jam on Tuesday nights.
Better musicians than the Slippery Noodle (see above) but more
of them, too, so you might not get quite as much stage time.
Reasonably easy to get into, especially if you become a regular.
Watch for "Lefty", who can barely walk, but can outplay anybody;
he plays a beat-up left-handed Strat. (317) 253-0799
Contributed-by: r...@ecn.purdue.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Bloomington, IN: The Bluebird Nightclub, 216 North Walnut.
The evening start off at about 10:00 with the house band, The Blues
All Stars, playing a least one set. Fairly loose and easy to get to
sit in. Players range from fair to excellent, mostly local. There
have been some celebrity appearances, such as members of John
Mellencamps' band (who are, after all, locals) and others. But those
are rare. It's not unusal to wait until midnight to play, so be
prepared to wait.
Contributed-by: Lloyd T Jones <t...@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu>
Boston, MA: Blues jam on Mondays at Wally's, Mass. Ave. and Columbus
9PM - 1:30AM. SMALL place. Oldest jazz club in New England.
Hosted by the F.T.F. Band. Jazz jams Tuesday-Sunday from
9 PM - 2 AM.
Contributed-by: g...@vax.ftp.com (Glen Daniels)
Boston, MA: Blues jam on Mondays at Cantares in Innman Square
9:30PM - 1AM, on Sundays 2 PM to 7 PM. Great atmosphere!
Hosted by Stovall Brown
Contributed-by: g...@vax.ftp.com (Glen Daniels)
Boston, MA: Blues jam on Wednesdays at Harper's Ferry on Brighton Ave.
in Allston 10PM - 1:30AM. Best blues club in Boston.
Hosted on alternate weeks by Boston Baked Blues and the Rick
Russell Band. R&B jam on Sundays, 10:30 PM to 2 AM, hosted
by Stovall Brown.
Contributed-by: g...@vax.ftp.com (Glen Daniels)
Boston, MA: Blues jam on Sundays at Johhny D's in Davis Square
5PM - 9PM, Hosted by the Heart Attacks.
Contributed-by: g...@vax.ftp.com (Glen Daniels)
Boston, MA: House of Blues (Dan Akroyd's place) is a blues tourist trap,
very interesting, but expensive. If you like blues, go once on a
Friday or Saturday. I went on a Thursday and had to listen to some
college student Commitments wanabees. Buy a tee shirt at the gift shop.
If you buy dinner you get a blues ID card with your picture on it.
Contributed-by: keith....@execnet.com (Keith Graham)
Boston, MA: R&B Jam on Sundays at the Cantab Lounge on Mass. Ave.
in Central Square, 9:30PM - 1AM.
Boston, MA: The Claddagh (corner of Dartmouth and Columbus) has a blues jam
on Wednesdays from 10 to 1 (same basis as Wally's). No cover.
Contributed-by: j...@wang.com (John S. Payne)
Belmont, MA: Green Briar Restaurant and Pub 304 Washington St., Brighton
has an Irish session every Monday night starting about 9:00 or
so, and extending until closing time (1:00am I believe). This is
the extension of the old Coach House Session which used to be held
in Brookline. Several big names in the local Irish music
community occasionally come here, including Johnny Cunningham,
Seamus Connally, and Skip Healy. The bar's telephone number is
(617) 789-4100. The man in charge of the session is Larry
Reynolds, but I don't have his telephone number.
Contributed-by: bwh...@inmet.camb.inmet.com (Bill White)
North Andover, MA: The Red Barn Coffeehouse. Open mike for acoustic
musicians, poets, and storytellers fourth Sunday of every month
at 7:00 in the Red Barn in North Andover's old center. Sponsored
by the Cowpasture Collective. For more information,
call (508) 688-3569 or (508) 374-1058
Contributed-by: Sean.P....@Dartmouth.edu (Sean P. Donahue)
Ann Arbor, MI: Bird of Paradise, (207 S. Asheley, 662-8310) has a jazz
jam on Sunday hosted by Paul Finkbeiner and friends. The jam
runs 8:30 pm to 1 am.
Contributed-by: John I. Hritz (j...@ox.com)
Ann Arbor, MI: Blind Pig ((208 S. First St., 996-8555) has a blues
jam on Sundays hosted by various bands, from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am.
Contributed-by: John I. Hritz (j...@ox.com)
Minneapolis, MN: The New Riverside Cafe has open jam sessions one Thursday
each month, as well as the best veggie food in the Twin Cities.
329 Cedar Avenue (at Riverside Avenue in the Seven Corners
theatre district) (612) 333-4814
APPARENTLY DEFUNCT. Rsk 1/1/93
Contributed-by: p...@craycos.com (Peter Klausler)
St. Louis, MO: Melanie's, 701 S. Broadway, 2 blocks south of Busch Stadium,
has a blues jam Monday nights from 9:30 pm til 2:30 am. The Soulard
Blues Band hosts it, and they usually play the first set, maybe the
first set-and-a-half. This is the one that gets crowded after the
Hilary's jam closes at 1. 314-621-5668
Contributed-by: de...@wubios.wustl.edu (Derek Morgan)
St. Louis, MO: Hilary's, 1015 Russell. They have a Monday night blues jam,
from 9 pm to 1 am with a house band for the first set, and closing
out the last 1/2 hour. Some really good stuff here. On Tuesdays, they
have the Jazz and Blues Workshop, with a slightly different line-up
of musicians, but this is THE jam session in St. Louis. Same time.
314-421-3126.
Contributed-by: de...@wubios.wustl.edu (Derek Morgan)
St. Louis, MO: Off Broadway, 3511 Lemp. They have a jam session 9pm - 1am
hosted by a guitar shop. No house band, no format, but it's just
show up, and see who else does. Equipment is provided, and it's good
for newer musicians. That is, if enough people show up to
field a band. Definitely call first. 314-773-3363
Contributed-by: de...@wubios.wustl.edu (Derek Morgan)
St. Louis, MO: Cicero's Basement Bar, 6510 Delmar. Wednesday nights, 9:30 pm
to 1 am. Mojo Syndrome hosts this jam session. Strictly blues, it's
can be a guitar player logjam session, but horns are welcome any time.
The host band likes to do first and third sets, but if a singer and
drummer can be found, have been known to wait until 12:45 to start
their third set. If you go, ask for Derek, and tell him you saw it
on the rec.music.bluenote. You will get at least 20 minutes of air
time if you can play a little.
Contributed-by: de...@wubios.wustl.edu (Derek Morgan)
Merrimack, NH : Stormy Monday's Cafe (attached to the Country Gourmet) on
Rt. 3. Blues Jam every Sunday night, starting between 8
and 9pm 'till closing.
Contributed-by: James T. Francis Jr. <jfra...@ctron.ctron.com>
Carrboro, NC: (near Chapel Hill and Durham) The Arts Center. Open jazz jam
second Sunday of every month, 7-10 p.m. Musicians admitted free.
Experienced and less experienced players are welcome. House rhythm
section of Ben and Cara Shaw. Just show up and sign in. The Carrboro
Arts Center is on Main St. in Carrboro, N.C.
Contributed-by: Michael R. Volow <ecsvax!mv...@uncecs.edu>
or <ejl...@eos.ncsu.edu>
Charlotte, NC: The Celtic Trader has a Celtic jam session on Thursday
nights. A fair bit of old-time is played, too. It starts around
7:30 and goes till 10:30 or 11 most nights. The Celtic Trader is
located at 600 Park Rd. on the south side of town. Call Regis Malady,
the owner, before making a long trip, as the session gets cancelled
sometimes if there is something going on in Charlotte or if he has
the shop packed up and on the festival circuit. The number
is 1-800-822-2420.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Raleigh, NC: The Berkeley Cafe, on Martin St., downtown.
The Rhythm and Blues Review, hosted by guitarist Larry Hutcherson,
is usually frequented by the hottest musicians in town.
It takes place every other Thursday night (sometimes every
Thursday night during the summer). Just tell Larry you want to play.
Contributed-by: <ejl...@eos.ncsu.edu>
Raleigh, NC: Easy Street, downtown has the Blues Jam from Hell, hosted by
Mike Pitz. Mike plays a little, the turns to a sign up sheet.
Usually random groups, lots of fun; happens every other Wednesday.
Contributed-by: <ejl...@eos.ncsu.edu>
Hackensack, NJ: The Fox's Lair has open mike night every Thursday.
Mainly blues.
Contributed-by: cscnj!p...@rutgers.edu
New Brunswick, NJ: J August's at 10 Dennis Street has a jam session
every Sunday night hosted by Jack Petruzelli. Jazz, r+b and blues.
Contributed-by: tr...@remus.rutgers.edu (Rich Trott)
Long Branch, NJ: Cheers, on Broadway across from the municipal building
near the RR tracks, has as jam night on Tuesdays.
Contributed-by: jo...@tsdiag.ccur.com (Joshua B. Shar)
Bloomfield, NJ: The Feedbag Saloon on Broad Street has an open jam on
Sunday nights starting at 9:30 PM. Organized by Mad Max on drums,
the regulars step up when the sign-up list thins out. Lots
of variety including blues, jazz, and folk.
Contributed-by: mosk...@paul.rutgers.edu (Len Moskowitz)
East Orange, NJ: Radio Station WFMU at Upsala College, in East Orange,
New Jersey (91.1 FM), they have an open telephone jam session,
where you can call up and play on the air. The musicianship
has been quite good. If I recall correctly, it is scheduled
for Sunday evenings.
Contributed-by: t...@holborn.com (Phil Kramer)
New York (Manhattan), New York: Manny's Car Wash, Third Avenue bet.
East 87th and 88th. Sunday night Blues Jam with the Chris Carter
(house) Band. Good sound system. No cover, Bass on draft @$3.
Contributed-by: g...@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Gary L Dare)
and mosk...@paul.rutgers.edu (Len Moskowitz)
and keith....@execnet.com (Keith Graham)
Binghamton, NY: The Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 Conklin Ave.,
has a get-together every Tuesday night around 7:30 so that
folks can play Irish, Scottish and old-time music for a
couple hours. Everyone is welcome to join in, we have
excellent musicians and beginners. It's not a club, not
in a bar, no audience (usually), no sign-up list, no waiting,
no performing sets. It's a bunch of people playing music.
Contributed-by: Curt Osgood, (607) 724-3404,
Jeff Bronfeld, (607) 722-5234,
Nancy Smith, nsm...@gdlvm7.vnet.ibm.com.
Ithaca, NY: On Monday nights at 10 there is the Blue Monday Jam at the Nines
on College Avenue. The core band comes from members of Pete Panek
and the Blue Cats, and most of the tunes are like that groups
Chicago repertoire, with more jazz or folk flavor depending on
who comes. All blues musicians are welcome. Cover is $3.
(Bill commented that this jam attracts pretty high caliber
musicians for a small college town.)
Contributed-by: Lenny Silver <l...@gibbon.cit.cornell.edu>
or Bill Sloan <wl...@cornell.edu>
Oklahoma City/Midwest City, OK: The Oklahoma City Traditional Music
Association meets the 1st Saturday of each month at the Tom
Steed building on the Oscar Rose State College Campus.
The Tom Steed building is at the intersection of Interstate 40
and Hudiburg Drive in Midwest City. Meetings start at 6PM,
and consist of workshops on various instruments (including guitar,
banjo, hammered and mountain dulcimer) followed by the PlayAround
(ie: "open mike" show), followed by jam sessions until midnite.
No cover, but the "hat" is passed to pay for the building.
All kinds of music - folk, traditional, bluegrass, celtic, cajun,
blues, whatever! Guests welcome - bring your axe (acoustic
instruments preferred).
Contributed-by: rob...@ocdis01.oc.aflc.af.mil (Bob Johnson)
Eugene, OR: Old-time fiddle Friday nights; general (mostly Irish)
instrumental Thursday nights. All levels. These are in people's
houses, and not always the same ones, but are open to anybody who
wants to play tunes. Current info: Scott DeLancey,
dela...@darkwing.uoregon.edu (503-346-3901, 485-2128).
Contributed-by: Scott C DeLancey <dela...@darkwing.uoregon.edu>
Portland, OR: Sunday's at the Polo Club (don't know the time).
Led by Ron Steen.
Contributed-by: jh...@wv.MENTORG.COM (Jim Hale)
Portland, OR: Monday's at Produce Row, 7:30 to 10:30 PM. Led by Ron Steen.
Contributed-by: jh...@wv.MENTORG.COM (Jim Hale)
Pittsburgh, PA: In the Homewood area (not the nicest neighborhood in
the world), Too Sweet has a jam session led by saxophonist Tony
Campbell on Saturday afternoons, mostly Real book tunes, good rhythm
section. If in Pittsburgh, check the free weekly paper
"In Pittsburgh" for jazz listings.
Contributed-by: marco...@enquirer.scandal.cs.cmu.edu (Marco)
Pittsburgh, PA: The Backroom, hosted by Jeff Bell Bluz Band. The newest blues
jam in the city, hosted by a master guitarist. House band plays
Allman Bros, Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, & The Police. 3 piece band.
All graduated from the local university in jazz studies, so they're
talented as well as versed in blues AND jazz...
Bar is located at 12th & Carson, on the South Side.
Contributed-by: vau...@psy.cmu.edu (Lisa Laverne Vaughan)
Pittsburgh, PA: Gene's Bar, Rt. 51, almost adjacent to the Liberty Tunnels.
Heavy weight blues masters meet Monday's.
Contributed-by: vau...@psy.cmu.edu (Lisa Laverne Vaughan)
Pittsburgh, PA: Excuses, 27th (?) & Carson, SouthSide. Thursday night jam
session, probably the most popular in PGH. Mid to heavy weight
blues night.
Contributed-by: vau...@psy.cmu.edu (Lisa Laverne Vaughan)
Pittsburgh, PA: Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle, Strip District, has Irish
Sessions on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month in the
afternoons (around 4 pm), usually followed by performance
by one or another of the local groups in early evening.
Contributed-by: Rebecca Roolf )rr...@andrew.cmu.edu)
Pittsburgh, PA: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, Calliope House holds folk
singing jams at the Lawrenceville Library at 7:30PM. There are
also shape-note singing sessions at 6:30PM on the 3rd Sunday and
Songwriter's Jam on some other day, I think the 4th Wednesday,
but I'm not sure.
Contributed-by: Gordon Banks <g...@cs.pitt.edu>
Carnegie, PA: (Pittsburgh suburb) The Pour House has Old-time jam sessions
on Thursdays at 9PM. No cover. There are usually 2 or 3 excellent
fiddlers (some have recorded), a banjo or two, guitars, and a bass.
I believe they also have Irish sessions on one other night, but
I've never been to those. Clogging is also allowed.
Contributed-by: Gordon Banks <g...@cs.pitt.edu>
Philadephia, PA: J.C. Dobbs at 304 South Street in Philadelphia
[(215) 925-4053] has a blues/funk/r&b/rock jam on Tuesdays.
Starts pretty early. You have to sign up. House band does a
couple of short sets, but there's time to jam. The house band
will even back you up if you are, say, a guitartist and you need
a bassist and drummer, etc. Pretty good jam. Some "clique-ishness"
but unknowns do get their shots. Talk to Wally Smith, the house
keyboard player, and tell him that Dan Barron sent you. (seriously).
Contributed-by: bar...@eniac.seas.upenn.edu (Daniel P. Barron)
Greenville, SC: On the 1st Sunday of every month, the Upstate Dulcimer Players
get together at Wood, Strings, and Dulcimers at 115 Pelham Road.
It's mostly old-time and Irish instrumental. Everyone is welcome,
but you'd be well-advised to bring your own seat (lousy folding
chairs). The session runs from 2:30 to about 6:00. For more
info, call Carolee at (803) 235-6291.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Columbia, SC: Thursday Night Blues Jam at Players Club, host by
Elliott & the Untouchables. Open to all Blues players.
Just sign-up and they'll get you up to jam.
Contributed-by: Elliott New <ncrcol!ell...@ncrcae.columbiasc.NCR.COM>
Columbia, SC: Sunday Night Blues Jam at Decisions, hosted by Brainstorm.
Blues and R&B welcome.
Contributed-by: Elliott New <ncrcol!ell...@ncrcae.columbiasc.NCR.COM>
Nashville, TN: Bluegrass Inn has a bluegrass jam on Sunday night.
Contributed-by: smi...@vf.jsc.nasa.gov
Nashville, TN: Station Inn (two or three blocks off Broadway near 10th
Street) has a bluegrass jam on Sunday nights at 8 PM. Best
BG jam in the area, well-known folks show up.
Contributed-by: smi...@vf.jsc.nasa.gov
Nashville, TN: Bell Cove Restaurant has a songwriter's showcase (free
appearances) on Sunday nights.
Contributed-by: smi...@vf.jsc.nasa.gov
Austin, TX: Colorado St. Cafe, 705 Colorado St., has a Scottish-Irish jam
on Mondays at 7:30 PM going till 10PM or so. Everyone welcome.
Contributed-by: ja...@cs.utexas.edu (Jason Martin Levitt)
or: hmue...@orca.tamu.edu (Hal Mueller)
Austin, TX: Blues jam at Pearl's Oyster Bar, 9003 Research Blvd., Monday night.
Contributed-by: ja...@cs.utexas.edu (Jason Martin Levitt)
Austin, TX: Blues jam at the 311 Club, 311 E. 6th, 477-1630,
on Sunday nights.
Contributed-by: ja...@cs.utexas.edu (Jason Martin Levitt)
Austin, TX: Jazz jam at the Elephant Room, 315 Congress, 473-2279
on Monday nights.
Contributed-by: ja...@cs.utexas.edu (Jason Martin Levitt)
Austin, TX: Bluegrass jam at Cap'n Tom's BBQ, 11800 N. Lamar,
834-1858 on Saturday and Sunday.
Contributed-by: ja...@cs.utexas.edu (Jason Martin Levitt)
Austin, TX: Blues jam at Joe's Generic Bar, 315 E. 6th,
480-0171 on Sunday nights.
Contributed-by: ja...@cs.utexas.edu (Jason Martin Levitt)
Austin, TX: Jazz jam session every Monday night at The Elephant Bar,
315 Congress Avenue. Starts around 9:30, lasts until the wee hours
of the night. Many of Austin's best jazz players show up, lots of
good music. No cover, reasonably priced drinks, great jazz
atmosphere (dark and smokey).
Contributed-by: hat...@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (John Eichenseer)
Austin, TX: Cap'n Tom's BBQ on Lamar Blvd. has a bluegrass jam on the
2nd Saturday of the month, sometime in the afternoon.
Contributed-by: smi...@vf.jsc.nasa.gov
Austin, TX: Irish session at O'Brien's (near 34th and Guadalupe)
8 to midnight.
Contributed-by: hmue...@orca.tamu.edu (Hal Mueller)
Houston, TX: The Bay Area Bluegrass Association (BABA) hosts a bluegrass jam
at the League City Civic Center on the 3rd Saturday of every month,
5 PM for beginners, 7 PM others. Open stage for performance, good
audience of 300-2000.
Contributed-by: smi...@vf.jsc.nasa.gov
Houston, TX: McGonigel's Mucky Duck offers an acoustic open mike Monday
nights. Signup is at 7pm. Phone (713) 528-5999.
Contributed-by: tos...@watson.bcm.tmc.edu
Houston, TX: Irish session at the Red Lion Restaurant
(near the Astrodome Marriot) Wednesday nights about 8:30.
Contributed-by: hmue...@orca.tamu.edu (Hal Mueller)
Houston, TX: Every Thursday night, Open Mic at The Brazos Bottom Bar &
Grill, hosted by Joe Kirkpatrick and sponsored by the Fort Bend
Songwriters Association.
Contributed-by: do...@brewich.hou.tx.us (Donal)
Houston, TX: Every Sunday night, Open Mic at Molly Maquires near 1960
and Kuykendahl.
Contributed-by: do...@brewich.hou.tx.us (Donal)
Houston, TX: Every Thursday night, Open Mic at Dan Electro's Guitar Bar.
Contributed-by: do...@brewich.hou.tx.us (Donal)
Salt Lake City, UT: Bluegrass/acoustic jam session every Wednesday
night at 7 p.m. till ... , April through September at the
southeast corner of Sugarhouse Park, 1500 East 2100 South, Salt
Lake City. October through March jam sessions are held on the
1st and 3rd Wednesdays at Crompton's Roadside Attraction in
Emigration Canyon at 7 p.m. till 10 p.m..
Contributed-by: Bill Moore (bill_...@novell.com)
Celtic/British Isles/Contradance tuhne(tune) sessions
are held at the SAME locations as the Bluegrass jams, but
alternate weeks (2nd and 4th Wednesdays). Open to anyone who
wants to play for fun.
Contributed-by: reb...@cc.utah.edu
Salt Lake City, UT: There is an open jazz jam each Monday evening after
about 9:30 at the club "D.B. Cooper's." Adress is approximately
200 South between State St. and Main St.
Contributed-by: richar...@uuserv.cc.utah.edu (Richard Lee Dixon)
Seattle, WA: Monday nights at the New Melody Tavern (Ballard Avenue in
Ballard). Loose jam session of 10-25 players makes music for
contra/square dancers. Experience levels happily range from
professional to rank beginner. A designated "leader"
(changes weekly) selects tunes and generally keeps the
anarchy at a moderate level; no other structure is evident
or necessary.
Contributed-by: jda...@halcyon.com <David Ruggiero>
or: mr...@u.washington.edu <Mike Richardson>
Seattle, WA: This is just a general note on the Seattle area.
There are other jams in town (like a once-a-month for Cajun/Zydeco).
Visitors should always ring the Seattle Folklore Society
((206) 782-0505) when they hit town for the most recent listings
of goings-on.
Contributed-by: jda...@halcyon.com <David Ruggiero>
Madison, WI: Cafe Montmartre, just east of the Capitol (next to
Esquire theater.) Jazz jam Sunday evenings beginning Feb 28, 1993.
Contributed-by: Joe Hellerstein <hel...@cs.wisc.edu>
Milwaukee, WI: The Jazz Oasis, off Hwy 43 North somewhere (sorry I
can't be more specific, I was only there once.) Jazz Jam Monday nights.
Contributed-by: Joe Hellerstein <hel...@cs.wisc.edu>
Calgary, AB, Canada: The King Eddie Hotel has a blues jam on Saturday afternoons
(I beleive). There's an LRT stop nearby at this downtown place, but
that's all I remember.
Contributed-by: uunet!cs.ualberta.ca!cdshaw (Chris Shaw)
Edmonton, AB, Canada: The Commercial Hotel. This dive in Edmonton
between 103 and 104 streets on Whyte (82nd) Avenue has a blues
jam every Saturday from 2PM til 6PM (or later, depending on the
host band). The current week's house band opens the show with a
small set and usually finishes with a tune or two.
Musicianship is usually good, but participation is clique-ish
in the sense that most of the people have at least a
semi-regular gig either in or out of town. If you can convince
the guy running the Jam that you know which way is up, you'll
likely get on after an hour's wait. The place is usually
crawling with drummers, and is usually packed, so if you have a
band with you, that will improve your chances. They also have a
jam on Monday evenings, but I don't know whether it's still
running. Much less crowded on Monday.
Contributed-by: uunet!cs.ualberta.ca!cdshaw (Chris Shaw)
Edmonton, AB, Canada: The Yardbird Suite, on 103 St and 85 Ave has a Jazz
Jam on Tuesday evenings at 9PM til Midnight or so. Very small crowd,
and a $2 cover pays for the house jazz band to supply support/opening
tunes. No drunks in evidence every time I've been there. Musical
calibre is quite good.
Contributed-by: uunet!cs.ualberta.ca!cdshaw (Chris Shaw)
Vancouver, BC, Ca: The UBC Grad Centre has an informal jam every
Tuesday night from 6:30 to 11 upstairs in Thea's (fireside room).
This is cosponsored by the AMS Jazz, Folk and Blues Club.
When busy we separate into jazz from 6:30 to 8, folk from 8 to
9:30 and blues from 9:30 to 11. Lately, though, only about
10 musicians have been showing up and it runs from 7:30 to
10:30, mixed types. Very often there is no rhythm section :-( .
Also, there is a showcase night the first Friday of every
month, with a more formal structure (folk 5--7:30, jazz 7:30--9,
blues 9--10:30, rock 10:30--12). Usually 30-40 musicians show.
Contributed-by: <dal...@geop.ubc.ca> (folk, blues, showcase)
and <croe...@cs.ubc.ca> (jazz).
Vancouver, BC, Canada: Yale Hotel, 1300 Granville, Highest calibre
blues jam in town, show up early and get your name on the list if you
want to play. Hosted by Jack Lavin & the Demons, Sat. 3-8, Sun. 3-12.
Call (604) 681-YALE for further info.
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
Vancouver, BC, Canada: Maximum Blues Pub, Hotel California,
1176 Granville blues jam Sat. 3--7 p.m. hosted by Incognito.
Call (604) 688-8701 for details.
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
Vancouver, BC, Canada: Jake O'Grady's 3684 E. Hastings. Blues
jam every Sun. 8 p.m.--midnight and every Mon. 9:30 p.m.--1:30 a.m.
They also occasionally have `Songwriter Showcase' and `Composer
Presents' series. Further info: (604) 298-1434
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
Vancouver, BC, Canada: Fairview Pub, 898 W. Broadway, blues jam every Sunday,
hosted by Incognito. Further info: (604) 872-1262
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
Vancouver, BC, Canada: W.I.S.E. Hall (upstairs), 1882 Adanac, (604) 254-5858.
Every Sunday there is a blues jam from noon to six, hosted by Peter
Alan and Jellyroll Blues Band. Then beginning around 8:00 there
is a showcase of local folk and other musicians, possibly with some
open mic spots. These just began, so call the W.I.S.E. for info.
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
Vancouver, BC, Canada: W.I.S.E. Club (downstairs), 1882 Adanac. Every
Wed. through Sat. there is an acoustic jam (no PA) with folk,
blues and occasional jazz musicians sitting around and
trading licks. The start time varies, generally around
9 p.m. weeknights and 10 p.m. on weekends, and attendance
is variable --- some nights there are 8 or more people and
others none. Non-members have to be signed in, but this
usually isn't a problem if you are a musician. It sometimes
goes right to 2 or later. Occasionally a musician from an
upstairs concert comes down and jams --- Johnny Cunningham
was there until 2:45 a.m. recently, and Alan MacLeod is
there often. There are two house acoustic guitars. For
further information, call the W.I.S.E. at (604) 254-5858.
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
Vancouver, BC, Canada: West Point Grey Community Centre, Coffehouses on
the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Pre-registration
is probably required. Contact Eva (I'll get her number soon).
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House often has Sunday night coffeehouses, too.
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
Vancouver, BC, Canada: Notorious, 364 Water St., has a rock jam,
hosted by Mad Max, every Mon. night. Call (604) 684-1968.
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
Vancouver, BC, Canada: Jazz sessions: Cafe Bergman has a Wed. night session,
I think the Latin Quarter has a lively Latin/jazz jam, and Cafe
Django, the Glass Slipper and Alma St. Cafe occasionally have jams
or allow guests with the house band. The UBC JFB club will start
a weekly jazz session very soon, at the grad centre or elesewhere.
I will update this next month.
Contributed-by: CRoe...@CS.UBC.Ca
Victoria, BC, Canada: Hermann's Jazz Club at 753 View St.,
(604) 388-9166, has a jam on Thursday at 8:30 pm. It's hosted
by pianist Tom Vickery and friends.
Contributed-by: Hyong-Joong Kim <hj...@sol.UVic.CA>
St. John's, NF, Canada: Bridgett's Pub, Cookstown Road, Wed. night folk
night. Usually a local headline act and lots of floor spots.
$2 cover. High calibre celtic music, sea shanties and lots more.
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
St. John's, NF, Canada: Mojo's Bar (in Haymarket Square) has a blues jam.
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
St. John's. NF, Canada: the Captain's Quarters, an after hours place in a
small hotel, sometimes has informal jams after downtown pubs
close. No PA, acoustic/singalong atmosphere.
Contributed-by: David Dalton (dal...@geop.ubc.ca)
Halifax, NS, Canada: The Silver Bullet. This place is on Hollis one
block North of Maritime Centre, downtown. Blues Jam on Thursday
evenings. I was there last week for only a short while, but was
able to get on anyway. Musical calibre seemed a tad low, but it
was blowing a gale that night, so maybe it's better when the
weather's better.
Contributed-by: uunet!cs.ualberta.ca!cdshaw (Chris Shaw)
Halifax, NS, Canada: The Harbour Folk Society holds a weekly "Coffee House",
open mike format, every Wednesday evening in the Earl of Dalhousie
pub on Dalhousie University Campus 8.00- 11.00pm. They also hold a
monthly Pub-Night in the Graduate House on university Avenue.
First Sat. of the month. Featured performer plus open mike sets.
Contributed-by: mme...@ace.acadiau.ca (Marcus Merrin)
London, ON, Canada: Ledbelly's Blues Hall 400 Clarence St. at Dundas,
(519) 433-5365 hosts a (mostly blues, some jazz and rock) jam every
Saturday afternoon starting around 4:00pm and going 'till 7:00pm or so.
It's hosted by whatever band happens to be doing the weekend gig there.
The players are usually competent to very good and there is usually a
decent sized crowd. Talk to the band to get up and jam - you can
usually do several tunes if the crowd likes you and there aren't a lot
of people wanting to jam. Some of the good local players will show
at this jam.
Ledbelly's also organizes the annual London blues festival held
outside in Harris Park for one weekend every August.
Contributed-by: cno...@irus.rri.uwo.ca (Chris Norley)
London, ON, Canada: Mash McCanns at 784 Dundas St. E., (519) 432-0774
This relatively informal jam is held every Tuesday night. It's hosted
by the bar owner (Steve McCann - keys, vocals, bass pedals - if no
bassist shows) and a few regular jammers. The place is a bit of a dive
and the musical calibre ranges from inexperinced to competent. They
play a fairly wide variety of styles ranging from rock and blues to
pop and traditional folk music.
Contributed-by: cno...@irus.rri.uwo.ca (Chris Norley)
London, ON, Canada: The Other Side Of Five, 120 York St. at Talbot,
(519) 679-1279, hosts a blues jam every Wednesday night.
The Hot Flames (house band) supply the rhythm section for any
jammers who are interested, but rhythm players also sit in.
The good local players are usually here. This bar has a very
pleasant atmosphere and the level of performance is
competent to very good.
Contributed-by: cno...@irus.rri.uwo.ca (Chris Norley)
Ottawa, ON, Canada: Rasputin's Ottawa, on Bronson near Carling.
Celtic instrumental jam on Mondays, Celtic song jam on Tuesdays.
Talent level from good to terrifyingly good, everybody all together.
Open mike night Wednesdays, hosted by local pro -- one person or
(small) group at a time. Talent level all over the place.
Contributed-by: David O'Heare <ohe...@jetform.com>
Ottawa, ON, Canada: The New Live Penguin, on Elgin near MacLaren.
Blues jam Thursday nights with "The Bird".
Contributed-by: David O'Heare <ohe...@jetform.com>
Arhus C., Denmark: Jazz jam sessions every Monday and Friday at
4 PM at Bent J's, Norre Alle 70, 8000 Arhus C., Denark. No cover.
Contributed-by: Torsten B. Hagemann (tor...@daimi.aau.dk)
Amsterdam, The Netherlands: The Bamboo Bar at Lange Leidsedwaarstraat 66.
Every Wednesday night, beginning about 10 and going til about 2 AM.
Anybody can play, players range from beginners to really good amateurs.
You need to show up early or you might need to wait til pretty late
(it's on first-come first-served basis except for the first set.)
Oh yeah, it's nominally a Blues jam but you hear also some bluesy
jazz (they think that's blues here in Holland.)
Contributed-by: Jeffrey Templon <tem...@paramount.nikhefk.nikhef.nl>
Dublin, Ireland: Hughes' on Chancery Street. You almost always find
Kevin Glackin and Ronan Browne here, along with any other greats
who happen to be around (James Keane, Tony MacMahon, Ciaran Tourish,
Siobhan Peoples). I think Monday and Thursday nights are the
good ones, but it could have changed.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Dublin, Ireland: The Meeting Place. On or near Wellington St. This is
a nice very open session with some very good musicians, but not
the ones you're likely to recognize from records, etc. Try Sunday
afternoons and maybe Wednesday nights.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Galway, Ireland: Noughton's (the name is probably misspelled) on High
Street is great.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Galway, Ireland: Taafe's, on High Street. Down the street from Noughton's.
More great music.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Galway, Ireland: The Crane (I think). Breda Lewis runs a really relaxed
session with a beginner to medium-high level of musicianship.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Kinvara, Ireland: Frankie Gavin has a pub here (presumably called Frankie
Gavin's) He's the fiddler from De Dannan.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland: Molloy's on Bridge Street. There's a guy
here that plays flute really well...Matt Molloy from the
Chieftans, Palnxty, Bothy Band. I caught a couple of sessions
here on a Friday and a Monday in the summer. There's a fantastic
singer that is sometimes found here.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Carrick, Co. Donegal, Ireland: McGinley's (I think). As of summer, 1991,
there was a session every Sunday night with fiddler James Byrne
hosting things. When I was there, Con Cassidy from Teilann was also
there. If you like Donegal music, this is a great place to be.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Carrick, Co. Donegal, Ireland: The Crossroads. This is at the bottom of
the hill as you come into Glencolumbkille. Especially good in
mid-August when the fiddle school is on down the road.
Contributed-by: Bruce Baker (bba...@clemson.edu)
Bergen, Norway: Maxime (Rock Pub), jam sessions Monday nights.
Contributed-by: Thor Legvold <T.Le...@edb.uib.no>
Oslo, Norway: Smuget ("The Alley"), jam sessions Monday nights, with
house band MOMS (Masters of Mixed Sessions). Often internationally
acclaimed musicians drop in, especially when in Norway on tour...
Contributed-by: Thor Legvold <T.Le...@edb.uib.no>
Other folks who have helped out include: mrh...@thor.gatech.edu (Michael).