Peninsula sessions
Your jam session infocenter
7 Mile House, Brisbane
When: Sunday jazz session 6-9pmWhere: 7 Mile House, 2800 Bayshore Blvd, Brisbane 415.467.2343
Host: Mike Olmos
Straight-ahead jazz. Send a review !
23 Club, Brisbane
When: Wednesday pro blues session 8pmWhere: 23 Club, 23 Visitacion Ave, Brisbane 415.467.7717
Host: varies
23 Club has had sessions off and on over the years.
I stopped by the club in January. The jammers started rolling in around 8:30pm, mostly guitars and some percussion too. Some players bring an amp, some don't. The house band plays a mix of R&B, funk and blues, and promises "everyone gets to play." There are regular jammers that seem to know each other well. Bar is chilly inside, so dress in layers. Pizza takeout open next door. (updated Jan 2014 by SJ)
Winters Tavern, Pacifica
When: 2nd and 4th Thursday blues session 9pmWhere: Winters Tavern, 1522 Francisco Blvd, Pacifica 650.355.6162
This jam appears to have moved - see Longboard (updated Oct 2018 by SJ)
Longboard Margarita Bar, Pacifica
When: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 8pm-midnight
Where: Longboard Margarita Bar, 180 Eureka Square, Pacifica (650) 738-5905
Host: Carmen Ratti + rotating guest bands
The players are regulars and frequent the other sessions on Peninsula. Host FB page says "Volume controlled!!" Send a review, and tell us how loud it got.
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: Vince Caminiti
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.) The session has been off and on recently due to changes in ownership of Fox Theater. Lately it seems back on again, and we would appreciate a recent review from anyone brave enough to try it. There is a $5 door cover for this session.
This is an excellent venue with large stage and beautiful room with sound man who mics amps. Vince is jam host and does great job of getting all signed up players up on stage. I highly recommend this jam to all Blues lovers. Don’t need to bring your own amp, just bring your axe. (Updated Mar 2017 by DR)
St. James Gate, Belmont
When: Thursday nights rock jamWhere: St. James Gate, Belmont 650.592.5923
Host: Art and Ronda Najera
Long running open jam, primarily rock but blues, country and metal are welcome. Send a review!
Angelica's Bistro, Redwood City
When: Tuesday nights Pro Jazz, 8-11pmWhere: Angelica's Bistro, 863 Main St, RC 650.365.3226 Calendar
Still jazz on Tuesdays but session needs confirmation. There is a minimum door charge in effect.
Sodinis, Redwood City
When: Wednesday nights blues session, 8-11pmWhere: Sodinis, 727 El Camino Real, RC 650.369.8000
The Wednesday night jam session at Sodinis has been discontinued. No word on replacement. (Updated Apr 2018 by AH)
Pioneer Inn, Woodside
When: Sunday afternoon pro session 4-7pmWhere: Pioneer Inn and Saloon, 2925 Woodside Rd, Woodside (650) 851-8487
Host: varies
This particular incarnation of the long-running jam has been going for over 8 years, but its one of those things where the quality is kept fairly high and thus it is helpful to bring a fellow experienced jammer, or at the very least a friend along for support. Although great blues-slingers appear on the regular, the format is not strictly blues all the time; requests for other types of music are not uncommon, especially alt-country, country-rock, roots and Americana. (consult FB and Youtube to set your expectations) Link to current session on FB is here.
Savanna Jazz, San Carlos
When: Sunday. 2-5pm Intermediate jazz session, Wednesday 7:30-10:30pm pro jazz
Where: Savannah Jazz, 1189 Laurel St, San Carlos 650-453-3683 / 415-624-4549
Host: Chris Cortez and John Harris (Sunday), Young Lions (Wednesday)
The original Savanna venue has relocated from SF, and now lives here in the suburbs. They had a long-running jazz session while in SF. The jam schedule has changed though, so call ahead first to confirm.
There was a $5 door cover for this session, which needs reconfirmation.
(Info from Sunday Hosts) "You’re invited to join for a friendly afternoon jazz jam every Sunday from 2-5pm. Sunday’s Cool Jam is a positive community hang for all intermediate jazz players and singers looking to sit-in with the house band or to come and listen. Special guests will be featured weekly so check-in at Savanna Jazz every Sunday afternoon!"
Community School of Music & Arts, Mountain View
When: Jazz session (generally) last Sunday of the month, 1-5:30pmWhere: CSMA, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View
Host: Marty Honda 650.823.8013
The music school in Mountain View is the site of a monthly open jazz session that has been going on for some years now. The format is a jazz clinic with advance sign-ups required. There is a FAQ from the host. NOTE: There is a $10 fee to participate in this session if you are not a CSMA student.
Cheers, Pacifica
When: First Saturday evenings monthlyWhere: Cheers, in Linda Mar across from Taco Bell 650.359.1225
Host: Chris Butterworth & Rafa Valenzuela
This session needs re-confirmation.
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
Host: Steph and Julie
There's been a bar here forever, and off-on jam sessions on the calendar. Lately they're on. Send a review !
Old Princeton Landing (OPL), Princeton-by-the-Sea
No more open jams here as of 2011.Givin' it back, and keepin' it real. Since 2000.