Join Steve's Instrumental Jams

Have you been looking for a more intimate setting to play in, than a public jam? Less stressful, fully-supportive, and fun without the live audience and fast pace of a public jam? A well-organized and hosted house jam may be the answer. Steve hosts instrumental jams in his home, and typically opens the three-hour session to up to 10 musicians. We play from iRealB and Hal Leonard Real Books (vols 1-5), and take turns calling favorite tunes.

So many jams are about musical perfection or excellence, and can be filled with harsh criticisms of players who make mistakes. Of course we feel like we want it to sound good while we're playing together, but that's not the goal-- the goal is to have fun playing together. Steve keeps the session on track by making sure that fun and support come first. Steve removes grumpy players who are critical of others if they persist after a friendly reminder. In Steve's sessions, you can expect support from your new friends, hospitality, kindness, passion, energy, and being a part of a group that has a common interest-- playing with other people. It's okay when we get lost or lose the form while improvising; the group will collectively get it back on track, and we'll all enjoy it.

We've got an ideal place to play, with great acoustics and professional equipment, including a Steinway Model B grand piano and Gretsch jazz drum kit. Drummers bring sticks and optionally cymbals and a snare if you wish (house cymbals and snare are available.)

How to get started? Contact Steve and get on the invitation list!

2024 Instrumental Jam Schedule

Upcoming Sessions

Scheduling in progress.

Past Sessions

Saturday, Aug 10, 2024 (1pm-4pm) FULL - Two rhythm sections, guitars, and horns! Room for 15 people. We'll break for hamburgers, shish kebabs, and more on the grill outside.