3 recurring jazz jam sessions in St. Louis, 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.
Wednesday jazz jams in St. Louis
Every Wednesday
Wednesday Night Jazz Jam
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Dark Room at The Grandel · 3610 Grandel Square, Grand Center
- Host: Demarius Hicks
- How it runs: The host's trio and a weekly guest open with standards and originals, then the jam opens to everyone there.
- Cover: Free
- Good to know: All ages. Seating is first come, first served.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Every Wednesday
Kendrick Smith's Open Jam
9:30 PM to 12:30 AM
Blue Strawberry · 364 N Boyle Ave, Central West End
- Host: Kendrick Smith (saxophone)
- How it runs: The Kendrick Smith Trio kicks things off, then composers, players and singers sit in.
- Cover: No cover
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Thursday jazz jams in St. Louis
About once a month on a Thursday
St. Louis Jazz Jam
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Evangeline's Bistro · 512 N Euclid Ave, Central West End
- Host: Guy Cantonwine of the Jazz Troubadours
- How it runs: Jazz players are welcome to sit in, or just come and listen.
- For bass players: The host plays upright bass.
- Good to know: Dates vary (Sep 17, then Oct 29). Check the venue's calendar for the next one.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 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 St. Louis?
As of October 10, 2026, our list has jams on Wednesday (2) and Thursday (1). 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 10, 2026.