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 9pm

Where:  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-12:30am

Where: 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 - midnight

Where: 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) 12-2pm

Where: 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 8pm

Where: 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-midnight

Where: 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

Unconfirmed

Where: 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  510-444-9000

Continental Club will reopen NYE 2021 but no jams here.


Givin' it back, and keepin' it real. Since 2000.

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