
Couth Buzzard Jam photo by Caitlin Peterkin
On any given night of the week in the Emerald City, you can venture into a hole-in-the-wall cafe, club, or corner bar and find jazz innovation at every turn. From standards and blues to groove-oriented improvisation with new works inspired and composed entirely in the moment, tunes for every style and taste comprise Seattle’s local jazz jams.
Couth Buzzard Books
Jazz jam, last two Sundays of each month, 2pm
Improv jam, second Sundays, 7pm
8310 Greenwood Avenue N
buonobuzzard.com
If you’re seeking an active yet gentle way to ease into the Seattle jazz scene, this may be the jam for you. Led by area musician and teacher Kenny Mandell, this jam has been described as “friendly and non-competitive.” Focusing on standards and blues, the Couth Buzzard Books jams provide a supportive environment with easily recognizable tunes, creating an ideal setting to grow more comfortable and further confidence in your playing.
Café Racer
Sundays, 8-10pm
5828 Roosevelt Way NE
racersessions.com
Hosted by a different musician or group each week, the Racer Sessions provide a venue for collective improvisation based on specific concepts or approaches. Each session begins with a performance of original music from the host, transitioning smoothly into a jam session driven by ideas that the artist presents. This month, the curators will be Bryan Smith (Sept. 7), Spontaneous Rex (Sept. 21), and Christian Pincock (Sept. 28). This jam, organized by Seattle record label Table & Chairs, welcomes musicians of all walks and styles to share their voice, creating a truly free sharing of ideas that transcends genre.
Nectar Lounge
Mondays, 9pm (doors open at 8pm)
412 North 36th Street
nectarlounge.com
21+
“Mo Jam Mondays” at the Nectar Lounge have garnered a reputation as the place to be Monday nights. This “groove-oriented, no limits improv jam” hosted by the Morganica Quartet (Morgan Gilkeson, drums; Dylan Hughes and Marina Christopher, bass; Zach Zarrow, keyboard; Ian Hughes, guitar) features a different special guest each week. With his “eclectic collection of funk and modern jazz,” DJ Tibor keeps the energy high between sets. “My jam forces everyone out of their box; they are forced to make it up and take chances. This creates a very open and expressive environment where all musicians are expressing themselves and taking chances musically,” says drummer and bandleader Gilkeson.
Capitol Cider
Mondays, 9:15pm
818 East Pike Street
capitolcider.com
21+
Should you be looking for something slightly different, the EntreMundos session at Capitol Cider puts a spin on the traditional jam scene. Described as “the most diverse and groovy series of jam sessions,” this jam never fails to bring new ideas forward. With hosts Adriana Giordano (vocals), Eric Verlinde (keyboard), Dean Schmidt (bass), Jeff Busch (drums), Ernesto Pediangco and Tor Dietrichson (percussion), this session “brings a groove-centered link between the worlds of jazz, Brazilian, Latin, blues, R&B, funk, and much more.” Vocalist Giordano says, “The styles change throughout the evening, and we do a really good job keeping it balanced and interesting in terms of energy. While we have a six-piece house band with some of the most sought after musicians in Seattle, we get to play and learn from other musicians with different levels of proficiency.”

Owl ‘n Thistle
Tuesdays, 10pm
808 Post Avenue
owlnthistle.com
21+
This longstanding jam session is straight ahead jazz, often hosted by Eric Verlinde on piano and Jose Martinez on drums. This jam was founded by a group called Bebop and Destruction – a name that’s no misnomer for the atmosphere the group conceived. Featuring stellar musicianship, this weekly event promises to act as a memorable learning experience for all musicians, young and old. Verlinde and Martinez keep the ball rolling, and the jam as open as possible. Pianist Verlinde recommends that young players “spend time learning tunes. Go out to sessions and make a note of the songs that are being played … Ultimately, you want to learn all of the songs that you can, but first it’s a good idea to check out the songs that are being played in your local jam sessions.”
Boxley’s
First Tuesdays, 7pm – Vox at the Box
Wednesdays, 5&7pm – Future Jazz Heads
101 W North Bend Way
boxleysplace.com
Boxley’s provides two jams, both of which act as great opportunities for students in the area. Vox at the Box, one of the few specifically vocal jams in the area, provides a great place for new vocalists to develop and hone their skill and technique. It is hosted once a month by Courtney Cutchins, with Eric Verlinde (piano), Chris Symer (bass), and Ray Price (drums). Future Jazz Heads is another unique jam, giving middle and high school students the opportunity to spend time on stage working alongside and playing with professionals.
Ship Canal Grill
Wednesdays, 7:30-10:30pm
3218 Eastlake Avenue East
shipcanalgrill.com
Led by Seattleite and Cornish College of the Arts faculty member Jay Thomas, this all-ages jam provides another ideal venue for students and young musicians to share the stage with professionals. The band, The Cantaloupes, includes drummer Adam Kessler, bassist Chuck Kistler, and pianist John Hansen, promising to make for a fun and exciting jam every week.
The Seattle scene is welcoming and encouraging of all musicians, whether you’re looking to sit in or just to listen. The best thing you can do to get involved in the scene is to “be present,” drummer Morgan Gilkeson says. “You have to go to shows, support local music. Practice your chops so that you can sit in at the jam sessions.” The community loves music and collaboration, so get out there and join in the fun!
Tula’s
2214 2nd Avenue
tulas.com
All-ages until 10pm
Tula’s Jazz Club is a staple in the Seattle jazz scene and has been referred to by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis as a “cool place.” Tula’s hosts live music nearly every evening, featuring numerous big bands during the week and smaller combos on the weekends. Not only is this local club a great place to enjoy swingin’ music and meet other musicians, but if you know the band, you might even be able to sit in for a few tunes.
Nearby Sessions
Darrell’s Tavern, Sundays, 8pm
18041 Aurora Avenue N
darrellstavern.com
Jazz Monster Jam Sunday is hosted each week by bassist Kevin McCarthy’s Quartet or another group. With pinball, pizza, free pool, and beer, this tavern is not just a cool place to sit in, but also to hang.
Blue Moon Tavern, First and third Thursdays, 4-7pm
712 NE 45th Street
bluemoonseattle.wordpress.com
Bi-weekly jam session hosted by drummer Dave Abramson.Egan’s – Vocal Jam, Wednesdays, 9pm
1707 NW Market Street
ballardjamhouse.com
This is another jam focused specifically on vocals. Hosted by Julie Olson with Darin Clendenin (piano), Clipper Anderson (bass), and Brian Kirk (drums).