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Jazz Jam Sessions in Vancouver

Jazz jams in Vancouver: the Better Bass Lessons Jam Finder

3 recurring jazz jam sessions in Vancouver, sorted by night. We checked each one against the venue’s own website, calendar or ticket page on October 10, 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.

Tuesday jazz jams in Vancouver

First Tuesday of most months

Shadbolt Jazz Jam

6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Shadbolt Centre for the Arts · 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby

  • Host: Cory Weeds (Cellar Jazz Society)
  • How it runs: Local jazz players lead an improvised evening, and it's open to musicians of all ages and abilities.
  • Cover: Free, with limited tickets at the box office on arrival
  • Good to know: The next one is Tue Nov 3, 2026. None is listed in October or January.

Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026

Sunday jazz jams in Vancouver

One Sunday a month

Infidels Jazz Open Jazz Jam

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Hero's Welcome · 3917 Main St

  • Host: Changes monthly: Chris Fraser on Oct 11, the Jillian Lebeck Trio on Nov 15, 2026
  • How it runs: Doors open at 1 PM. There are no reservations, so seating is first come, first served.
  • Cover: No cover
  • Good to know: The date moves each month (Oct 11, then Nov 15, 2026), so check the venue's calendar. All ages, but minors need a parent or guardian with them.

Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026

One Sunday a month

VSO School of Music Jazz Jam

3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

VSO School of Music · 843 Seymour St, Downtown

  • How it runs: A friendly, no-pressure jam for jazz fans and students. Bring a tune you like or use the jam books provided.
  • Cover: $10 drop-in; free for the school's jazz students
  • For bass players: A double bass and amps are provided.
  • Good to know: You have to register in advance, and it's for ages 12 and up. Next dates: Nov 1 and Dec 6, 2026.

Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026

Before you sit in

Side A · Will Lyle · Jam etiquette

Jam etiquette

  1. 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?”
  2. 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.”
  3. 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.

See the course

FAQ

Which nights have jazz jams in Vancouver?

As of October 10, 2026, our list has jams on Tuesday (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

Seattle6 jams · 4 nights a weekEdmonton3 jams · 3 nights a weekSan Francisco Bay Area20 jams · every nightLos Angeles7 jams · 5 nights a weekDenver7 jams · 5 nights a weekSan Diego3 jams · 3 nights a week

Browse every city on the Jam Finder

Better Bass Lessons isn’t connected to any venue on this page. Listings checked October 10, 2026.