Peninsula sessions
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The Longboard Bar, Pacifica
When: Pro Blues Jam 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursdays, 7pm-11pmWhen: Jazz Jam 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Where: The Longboard Bar, 180 Eureka Square, Pacifica (650) 738-5905
Venue FB link Venue IG link [web site currently down as of June 2025]
Blues Jam Host: Carmen Ratti + rotating guest bands
Jazz Jam host: AC Lewis, Antoinette
(Blues jam) The players are regulars and frequent the other sessions on Peninsula. Dennis Dove, Aki Kumar, Tia Carroll and Joe Lococo have made appearances. Host FB page says "Volume controlled!!" Send a review, and tell us how loud it got.
Link to current session on FB here.
Sometimes not many Blues jammers show, and the jukebox gets turned on by 10pm. [updated by SJ Feb 2025]
Jazz jam announcement on venue FB page May 2025: "DrClockMusic presents Pacifica Jazz Jam - all genders welcome - bring your instrument, voice charts - Hosts: AC Lewis ( drclock at gmail.com ) , Antoinette ( antsings at yahoo.com )".
The jazz session is brand new and strongly recommend calling ahead first to confirm. They would probably be fine with reading from the Real Books. [Added June 2025 by SJ]
Max's of Burlingame
When: Monday night jazz 6-9pmWhere: Max's of Burlingame, 1250 Old Bayshore Blvd, Burlingame (650) 342-6297
Host: Sunday's Cool Jam
We have heard for a while about a very good session that was happening at Max's. But we have not yet heard from anyone that has done it. Max's is the latest spot for a well-established session that was formerly at Savanna Jazz, then migrated to the Pioneer, then Longboards, and now here. We are also unsure of the open status of the session, who gets to play there etc. Clarification would be appreciated on that, and also what else is backlined besides the baby grand piano.
This is a restaurant in Hotel Row in Burlingame so volume levels should be low. Link to current session on FB here; plenty of videos, check them out and see if you recognize anyone (hint: KCSM's Chris Cortez makes regular appearances on drums). [updated by SJ May 2025]
Club Fox, Redwood City
When: Most Wednesday nights 7-11pm (check calendar to confirm)Where: Fox Theater, 2223 Broadway St., RC 650.369.7770
Host: rotating and varies
Pro-level blues jam with high level of musicianship, and rotating excellent featured bands so you're not hearing the same house band every time. Guitarists galore, not too many horns. (Horn players will not get to play all night though.) Not for the faint of heart but go with a friend or a regular and you'll be fine. Check calendar before heading out; jams are sometimes preempted by touring artists or other events. There is door cover for this session. Please send updates on current cover charge. [updated Sep 2024 by SJ]
St. James Gate, Belmont
When: Sunday afternoon blue, rock, etc jam 3-7pmWhere: St. James Gate, Belmont 650.592.5923 Venue FB page Venue IG page
Host: Varies
Long running open jam that has shifted locations and currently at The Gate. Carmen, Vince, Terry H and other blues mainstays often appear and occasionally sub host. Alt-country, country-rock, roots and Americana are also frequently on the menu. Link to current session on FB is here. Send a review!
Per Bobbie's 6-2-2025 FB post, Greg & Peter are done hosting; jams are still on the venue calendar, and Terry Hiatt and Stan Erhart are filling in as hosts for now. Recommend to call ahead. [Updated June 2025 by SJ]
Winters Tavern, Pacifica
When: Tues session 6:30pmWhere: Winters Tavern, 1522 Francisco Blvd, Pacifica 650.355.6162
Host: Captain Bob
Wedged in between bands with names like "Fern Spores" and "Pound Puppies" is a newly-reconstituted Tuesday evening session. Host is promoting on the venue site with "full backline." What this means is unclear; a current review clarifying what exactly is provided would be greatly appreciated. (drums, amps, etc.). Signups at 6:30pm. Punk and indie-friendly venue so we assume that anything goes. Please tell us what you played there! (and whether it's a true jam session vs an open mic situation) [updated Sep 2024 by SJ]
Still going, per FB, but its still billed as "open mic w/full backline". We have yet to see anyone using a backline. [Updated June 2025 by SJ]
Pioneer Inn, Woodside
When: Sunday afternoon pro session 4-7pmWhere: Pioneer Inn and Saloon, 2925 Woodside Rd, Woodside (650) 851-8487
Jams have ceased here for the time being; venue has cut back on Sunday hours. [Updated Sep 2024 by SJ]
Bobby D's, Redwood City
When: Sundays blues jam 4-8pm (varies pending sports schedules)Where: Bobby D's 700 Winslow, Redwood City 650.366.1043
Bar closed for a while then reopened. Dead website and no jam info. [Updated Sep 2024 by SJ]
Savanna Jazz, San Carlos
Venue has closed.7 Mile House, Brisbane
7 Mile stopped jams during COVID and never brought them back.
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