East Bay sessions
Your jam session infocenter
This section includes all Alameda Co., Contra Costa Co. and points east, including the I-80 corridor.Vinnie's, Concord
When: Mondays 9pmWhere: Vinnie's Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo St, Concord 925.685.9515
Live music but no jams detected. (Updated Nov 2021 by SJ)
The Bistro, Hayward
When: Various days (pending)Where: The Bistro, 1001 B Street, Hayward 510.886.8525
Hayward's best-known live music venue has multiple sessions. Most were on hiatus during COVID and have not fully returned. Call ahead and confirm.
Armando's, Martinez
Where: Armando's, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez 925.228.6985
ANNOUNCEMENT JAN 2020
We are sad to announce that the owner of the building where Armando's is located has served a 30-day eviction notice. Accordingly, Armando's will be closed indefinitely after February 9th, 2020. We have had a great time over the last 14+ years, and loved every minute! So much talent has graced our stage, and we have had tremendous love and support from the artists, the patrons and our team. Roy Jeans will be looking for an alternative location, and we are hopeful Armando's will rise up again and continue to be a cherished part of the musical landscape in Martinez.
Ivy Room, Albany
When: Tuesday evenings 9pm-12:30amWhere: Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany 510.526.5888
Host: Mike Toth
New session as of Jan 2016, with Facebook Link here. No signups, no slots, fluid situations. Full backline including guitar amps. Song selections tend toward funk, classic soul and jazz of the non-reading and horn-friendly sort; expect to see horn players every session. As with all new sessions, recommend messaging host on FB to confirm the jam is still on. Send a review!
Jam re-confirmed with hosting venue as of Jan 2017 (updated by SJ)
Marina Lounge (formerly Nippers), San Leandro
Venue has closed.
Mojo Lounge, Fremont
Moved...Host: Aki Kumar Session link
Jam has moved to Poor House Bistro in San Jose. See South Bay listings. (per Aki's site)
Meenar Music Club, Danville
Where: Meenar's Music Club, 349 Hartz Ave, Danville 925.838.1186
Jams off an on (lately seem to be off). Call ahead. (Updated Nov 2021 by SJ)
Dark Horse Lounge, Hayward
When: Third Fridays Blues Jam 8pm - midnightWhere: Dark Horse Lounge, 24018 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward 510.397.2233
Lots of interesting food offerings, but no jams detected as of Nov 2021. (updated by SJ)
Vacaville (formerly Vallejo) Jazz Jam
When: first or second Saturdays (call ahead) 12-2pmWhere: Community Presbyterian Church, 425 Hemlock St, Vacaville, CA 95688
Host: Patricia Kutza 707.319.4184 or pkutza at pacbell.net
Formerly at the Methodist Church. This is a jazz session reading Real Books. Note from Host: All levels of musicians (including singers) welcome for non-competitive and supportive environment. You must bring instruments and amps if needed. Repertoire primarily based on Jazz standards fakebooks (and tunes/lead sheets provided in advance). Host requests a $5 donation, the full proceeds of which goes to support Church community outreach projects. (Updated Sep 2021 by PK)
Host has re-confirmed this session as of Sep 2021 at a new location. See Facebook session link for updates.
R Place, Livermore
When: Jam Night Sundays & Thursdays 8pmWhere: R Place, 2562 Old 1st Street, Livermore (925) 294-9693 Facebook
Host: Channing Heath
The jam has shifted dates and formats various times. Recommend call ahead. This venue has a reputation for rock, rock and more rock. Send a review!
CL ad promoting session. (updated Jan 2021 by SJ)
The Beer Baron, Livermore
When: Thursday evenings 7pm-midnightWhere: The Beer Baron, 2223 1st Street, Livermore 925-579-4865
No jams detected as of Nov 2021. (Updated by SJ)
Eli's Mile High, Oakland
UnconfirmedWhere: Eli's Mile High, 3629 M.L.K. Jr Way, Oakland 510.655.6661
Host: ??
There is activity at the club but no jamming detected. Just a lot of weird ish and indie bands. (updated Nov 2021 by SJ)
Capri Lounge, Oakland
Venue has closed.Continental Club, Oakland
Where: Continental Club, 1658 12th St, Oakland 510-444-9000Continental Club will reopen NYE 2021 but no jams here.
Givin' it back, and keepin' it real. Since 2000.