4 recurring jazz jam sessions in Melbourne, 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.
Monday jazz jams in Melbourne
Every Monday
Sunflower Jam
6pm to 8pm
Wesley Anne · 250 High St, Northcote
- Host: Curated by Yael Zamir, with a house band
- How it runs: The house band plays a short set in the Front Bar, then the stage opens and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
- Cover: Free, or pay what you feel to support the house band
- For bass players: Drums, amps and piano are provided; the venue doesn't mention a bass.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Tuesday jazz jams in Melbourne
First Tuesday of the month
The JazzLab Jams
7:30pm, jam from about 8:30pm
JazzLab · 27 Leslie St, Brunswick
- Host: The Hue Blanes Trio
- How it runs: The trio plays an opening set, then the jam runs until 10pm. Bring your instrument.
- Cover: $10 to $15
- For bass players: Benjamin Hanlon plays double bass in the host trio.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Every Tuesday
Toff Tuesdays: Live Jazz
11:30pm
The Toff in Town · 2nd floor, Curtin House, 252 Swanston St, CBD
- Host: Resident band: Melbourne Improv Collective
- How it runs: Doors open at 6pm with DJs first, then the resident band plays two late sets on the Stage Side. Instrumentalists, singers and rappers are all invited to jump in.
- Style: Jazz, funk and soul
- Cover: Free
- For bass players: Jesse Chin Quan plays bass in the resident band.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Sunday jazz jams in Melbourne
One Sunday a month
Jazz On Sundays
1:30pm, jam from 4pm to 5pm
Ringwood Bowls Club · 2-12 Loughnan Rd, Ringwood
- Host: Melbourne Music Performers, with a house band to fill gaps
- How it runs: A big band and other bands play first, then the open jam. Singers and all instrumentalists are welcome. Set tunes are posted for each session, and tunes outside Real Book 1 need four copies of the lead sheet.
- Cover: $15 for the afternoon (TryBooking or at the door); by donation after 4pm
- Good to know: No session in November 2026; after 11 Oct the next is 6 Dec. RSVP on the group's Meetup page so you're put in the programme.
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 Melbourne?
As of October 10, 2026, our list has jams on Monday (1), Tuesday (2) and Sunday (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.