7 recurring jazz jam sessions in Los Angeles, sorted by night. We checked each one against the venue’s own website, calendar or ticket page on October 8, 2026. Jam nights move, so open the venue’s listing before you head out. New to jams? Read how to sit in. Another city? Search the whole map.
Monday jazz jams in LA
Every Monday
The Lighthouse Cafe Jazz Jam
8:00 PM
The Lighthouse Cafe · 30 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach
- Good to know: 21 and over only.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Tuesday jazz jams in LA
Every Tuesday
Tuesday Happenings
9:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Sam First · 6171 W Century Blvd #180, near LAX
- Host: Rotating hosts in a series curated by Gerald Clayton (Devin Daniels on Oct 13 and 20)
- How it runs: The house band plays one set at 7:30 PM, then the jam session follows.
- Cover: $22.40 for the jam ticket, including fees
- Good to know: Buy the separate jam session ticket. Performing musicians get $5 off with code SAM1JAM. No date is listed for Oct 27.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Wednesday jazz jams in LA
Third Wednesday of the month
Collage Jazz Jam
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Collage: A Place for Art and Culture · 731 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro
- Host: A trio of experienced musicians
- How it runs: Singers are welcome. If you're not sure of your level, come watch and join in when you're ready.
- Style: Jazz standards and free jams
- Cover: Free (RSVP on the venue's Zeffy page)
- For bass players: Bass amp provided, so just bring your bass.
- Good to know: Open to all ages.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Once a month, on a Wednesday
Jazz Jam at Playa
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Hacienda Playa Del Rey · 8415 Pershing Dr, Playa del Rey
- Host: House band: Rob B. (piano, organizer), Bill Threlkeld (drums), Barry Assadi (bass)
- How it runs: The host band plays a set at 7:00 PM, then the jam opens at 8. Tunes are called from iReal Pro or a Real Book.
- Style: Straight-ahead and Latin jazz
- Cover: $10 to play, free to watch
- For bass players: Bass spots are limited and competence is strictly enforced, so clear it with the organizer in advance. You don't need to bring an amp.
- Good to know: No October jam is posted. The next ones are Nov 11 and Dec 9. Not for beginners.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Thursday jazz jams in LA
Every Thursday
Billy Higgins Instrumental Jam Session
8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
The World Stage · 4321 Degnan Blvd, Leimert Park
- Host: Ralph Gibson
- How it runs: Instrumentalists only. It's held on the venue's enclosed patio with a house band.
- Cover: $5 suggested donation
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Sunday jazz jams in LA
Once a month, on a Sunday
Sunday Jazz at The World Stage
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The World Stage · 4321 Degnan Blvd, Leimert Park
- Host: Presented by the Leimert Park Jazz Festival, with a different featured artist each time (Devin Daniels on Oct 25)
- How it runs: Doors open at 2:30 PM. The host band plays from 3 to 4 PM, then the stage opens for the jam.
- Cover: $15, or $10 for musicians who play in the jam
- Good to know: No November date is posted yet, so check the venue's calendar before you go.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Every Sunday
Kevin Kanner Jazz Jam
9:00 PM
The Mint · 6010 W Pico Blvd, West L.A.
- Host: Kevin Kanner
- How it runs: It's the late part of the venue's Jazz Sunday. Doors open at 7 PM, an opening act plays around 8, and Kevin Kanner's band is billed for 9:30.
- Cover: From $15 ($20 on some weeks)
- Good to know: Musicians can join the jam any time after 9 PM, but must buy a drink ticket.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Before you sit in
Jam etiquette
- A1Use the sign-up sheet if there is one, and ask to sit in. If a bassist is already on the stand, ask: “Hey, is it cool if I play?”
- A2Don’t push to the front. In Will’s words: “Don’t try to always be the first one to play. Don’t kick anybody off especially if nobody knows you.”
- A3Time your walk. When Will hears the band “playing the head out of the song,” that’s when he starts making his way up.
From lesson 5 of From Unknown to Unavailable. All five tips
Go deeper
From Unknown to Unavailable
A field manual from NYC bassist Will Lyle for bassists who can play but aren't getting the call, and don't know why.
FAQ
Which nights have jazz jams in LA?
As of October 8, 2026, our list has jams on Monday (1), Tuesday (1), Wednesday (2), Thursday (1) and Sunday (2). Check the venue listing on the day you go, since nights change.
How do I sit in at a jazz jam as a bass player?
Put your name on the sign-up sheet if there is one. If a bassist is already playing, ask if you can take a tune. Don’t try to go first every time, and don’t bump anyone. New York bassist Will Lyle starts walking toward the stand when he hears the band play the head out.
Other cities
Browse every city on the Jam Finder
Better Bass Lessons isn’t connected to any venue on this page. Listings checked October 8, 2026.