8 recurring jazz jam sessions in Philadelphia, 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 Philly
Every Monday
Monday Night Jam Session
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Black Squirrel Club · 1049 Sarah St, Fishtown
- Host: Richard Hill Jr. and Friends
- How it runs: The host puts together a different house band every week. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and tickets are sold through the venue's site.
- For bass players: The host is a bassist.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Tuesday jazz jams in Philly
Every Tuesday
Manayunk Brewery Jazz Jam
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant · 4120 Main St, Manayunk
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Wednesday jazz jams in Philly
Third Wednesday of the month
Third Wednesdays Jazz Jam
6:00 PM
Mt. Airy Art Garage (MAAG) · 7054 Germantown Ave, Mt. Airy
- Host: Players: Bill Schenk, Jocko McNally, Mark Johnson
- How it runs: Doors open at 5:30 PM. Bring your own snacks and drinks; MAAG has ice and cups.
- Cover: $15, $10 for members, $5 for musicians joining the jam
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Every Wednesday
Bob & Barbara's Jazz Jam
9:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Bob & Barbara's Lounge · 1509 South St, Graduate Hospital
- Host: Rotating local bands: Dual Identity (1st Wednesday), Judd Nielsen Organ Trio (2nd Wednesday), Mikey Mester and Friends (3rd Wednesday)
- How it runs: The host band plays a set, then opens it up for the jam.
- Style: Varies with the host band
- Cover: No cover
- Good to know: 21 and over with valid ID. Performers must be 21 or older too.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Thursday jazz jams in Philly
First and third Thursday of the month
Dave Thaker Jam Session
11:30 PM to 1:30 AM
Cellar Dog · 258 S 15th St, Rittenhouse
- Host: Dave Thaker
- How it runs: A late jam after the early Thursday band set.
- Good to know: The start moves between 10:30 and 11:30 PM, and it runs past midnight into Friday morning. Check the venue's calendar for the night you go.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Friday jazz jams in Philly
Every Friday
Oliver Mayman + Jam Session
11:00 PM
Chris' Jazz Cafe · 1421 Sansom St, Center City
- Host: Oliver Mayman (vibraphone)
- How it runs: Doors open at 10:30 PM.
- Cover: $15
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Saturday jazz jams in Philly
Every Saturday
James Santangelo's Late Night Jam
11:00 PM
Chris' Jazz Cafe · 1421 Sansom St, Center City
- Host: James Santangelo (piano)
- How it runs: Doors open at 10:30 PM.
- Cover: $15
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Sunday jazz jams in Philly
Every Sunday
Midtown Jazz Jam
8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Time Restaurant · 1315 Sansom St, Midtown Village
- Host: James Santangelo
- Good to know: Guests under 21 aren't admitted after 9 PM.
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 Philly?
As of October 8, 2026, our list has jams on Monday (1), Tuesday (1), Wednesday (2), Thursday (1), Friday (1), Saturday (1) 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 8, 2026.