
3 recurring jazz jam sessions in Nagoya, 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 Nagoya
A few weeknights a month, dates vary (Mon 5 and Tue 20 Oct)
Swing Jam Session
19:00 to 22:00 or 23:00
Jazz Spot Swing · Higashi-Sakura, Naka-ku
- Host: Rotating (20 Oct: 平光広太郎, piano; 大森ひろ, drums)
- Cover: ¥2,200 to play, ¥1,650 to watch, students ¥1,100 (tax incl.)
- Good to know: Dates change month to month, so check the schedule.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Tuesday jazz jams in Nagoya
A few weeknights a month, dates vary (Mon 5 and Tue 20 Oct)
Swing Jam Session
19:00 to 22:00 or 23:00
Jazz Spot Swing · Higashi-Sakura, Naka-ku
- Host: Rotating (20 Oct: 平光広太郎, piano; 大森ひろ, drums)
- Cover: ¥2,200 to play, ¥1,650 to watch, students ¥1,100 (tax incl.)
- Good to know: Dates change month to month, so check the schedule.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Once a month on a Tuesday (20 Oct, 24 Nov)
DOXY Jazz Session
From 19:00
Live DOXY · Sakae, Naka-ku
- Host: 後藤浩二 (piano) with a bassist (荒川悟志 on 20 Oct, スガワラモリオ on 24 Nov)
- How it runs: Anyone who plays or sings can join, and the hosts accompany you on the spot. Doors open at 18:00.
- Cover: ¥1,500 to play, ¥500 to watch
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Thursday jazz jams in Nagoya
First and third Thursday of the month
SlowBlues Jazz Session
20:30 to 23:00
LIVE & BAR SlowBlues · Meito-ku
- Host: ダグ伊藤 (piano)
- How it runs: Mostly jazz standards; tell them what you'd like to play. Beginners and singers welcome, and bring charts. Doors open at 20:05.
- Cover: ¥2,300 incl. 1 drink
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 Nagoya?
As of October 10, 2026, our list has jams on Monday (1), Tuesday (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.