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To submit jam session reviews, email the webmaster.  
When sending reviews, please include:

- Location (web site preferred)

- Dates and Times

- Name of host

- Skill level (open, pro, invitation-only)

- Genres permitted (blues, rock, jazz, anything-goes)

- Anything else relevant or useful for jammers! e.g. parking, door cover etc. 

We also welcome updates on existing sessions, and any news about ones that are defunct or on hiatus.

Reviews may be edited for content and brevity before publishing. 

Your email will not be published in the review, but we will need your initials to identifiy reviewers to our readers.

East Bay sessions 

Your jam session infocenter

This section includes all Alameda Co., Contra Costa Co. and points east, including the I-80 corridor.

Toot's Tavern, Crockett

When: Thursday Blues Jam, 8pm

Where: Toots Tavern, 627 2nd Ave Crockett, CA, 94525 510.787.9860

Been here a long time but the jam sessions have only recently surfaced.
Host: Ed Early, plus others  Session link

Mojo Lounge, Fremont

Moved...

No sessions here, bar appears to be up and running but website not located anywhere.
Host: Aki Kumar  Session link

Aki's Jam has moved to Poor House Bistro in San Jose. See South Bay listings. (per Aki's site)

Vallejo Jazz Jam, Vacaville

When: some Saturdays - call ahead - 11:30am-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 $10 donation, the full proceeds of which goes to support Church community outreach projects.

Jam still going as of March 2024 (per host), and still at the church. 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: JD

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!

Session still going per FB page as of March 2024. [SJ]

The Beer Baron, Livermore

Venue has closed.

Eli's Mile High, Oakland

Unconfirmed

Where: Eli's Mile High, 3629 M.L.K. Jr Way, Oakland  510.655.6661

Host: Rotating

Blue Monday blues has returned, with rotating hosts. Marked as a "jam" but unclear as to format. Recommend call ahead or bring a knowledgeable friend.

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, but no info about sessions any more. [SJ Mar 2024]

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. " [No replacement has appeared. - SJ Mar 2024]

Ivy Room, Albany

When: Tuesday evenings  9pm-12:30am

Where: Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany  510.526.5888
No sessions as of Mar 2024. [SJ]

Marina Lounge (formerly Nippers), San Leandro

Venue has closed.

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