East Bay sessions

Your jam session info hub

This section includes all Alameda Co., Contra Costa Co. and points east, including the I-80 corridor.

CJ's Saloon, Pleasant Hill

When: Wednesday Live Karaoke / Rock Jam, 8pm-11:30pm

Where: CJ's, 548 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA 925-825-3834

Host: Brooks Lundy & Friends, plus others

New session that started up in late 2024. FB page has videos of recent sessions. Not a blues session, but bring your rock-n-roll. And a little 80's pop might be accepted. Session link

Sign-up sheet, backline provided (guitar/bass/drums). Marketed as “Live Band Karaoke” but all musicians welcome. Lots of rock. [review by TB Jan 2025]

Vallejo Jazz Jam, Vacaville

When: some Saturdays - call ahead - 11:30am-2pm

Where: Community Presbyterian Church, 425 Hemlock St, Vacaville, CA 95688

Host: Patricia Kutza 707.319.4184 or pkutza at pacbell.net

Formerly at the Methodist Church. This is a jazz session reading Real Books.
Note from Host: All levels of musicians (including singers) welcome for non-competitive and supportive environment. You must bring instruments and amps if needed. Repertoire primarily based on Jazz standards fakebooks (and tunes/lead sheets provided in advance). Host requests a $10 donation, the full proceeds of which goes to support Church community outreach projects.

Jam still going as of March 2024 (per host), and still at the church. See Facebook session link for updates.

R Place, Livermore

When: Jam Night Sundays & Thursdays 8pm

Where: R Place, 2562 Old 1st Street, Livermore (925) 294-9693

Host: JD

The jam has shifted dates and formats various times. Recommend call ahead. This venue has a reputation for rock, rock and more rock. Send a review!

Session still going per a new FB page as of March 2025 ; no functioning web site. [updated links by SJ Mar 2025]

Antlers Tavern, Pinole

When: Tuesday blues jam 8pm
Where: Antlers Tavern , 2284 San Pablo Ave, Pinole, CA (510) 724-9961

Host: Rotating

Session started in 2022. Information as of Jan 2025 from the FB session page: "Note regarding Tuesday night blues jam at Antlers. Host band will now start at 7pm and perform until approx 7:50. Blues jam begins at 8pm. This is to accommodate the many great players who sign up to jam. Please try to limit your jam time on stage to 20 minutes and of course, watch the volume levels. Thanks everyone for your cooperation. Reminder: As usual, Jeanne is in charge of the jam list. " [added Mar 2025 by RD]

Eli's Mile High, Oakland

When: Monday Blues session (Unconfirmed)

Where: Eli's Mile High, 3629 M.L.K. Jr Way, Oakland 510.655.6661

Host: Rotating

Blue Monday blues has returned, with rotating hosts. Marked as a "jam" but unclear as to format. Recommend call ahead or bring a knowledgeable friend.

The Bistro, Hayward

When: 1st Sunday jazz jam, 2nd and 4th Sundays blues jams
Where: The Bistro, 1001 B Street, Hayward 510.886.8525

Hayward's best-known live music venue has multiple sessions with various hosts. There is a jazz session first Sundays 4-7pm. The blues session second Sundays "Dave Walker Memorial Blues jam" is 3-6pm, current host Robert DaValle; fourth Sundays blues jam hosted by Gary Lamb. Some jam history turns up on FB searches. [update by SJ July 2024]

Vinnie's, Concord

Where: Vinnie's Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo St, Concord 925.685.9515
Live music but no jams detected. [Updated by SJ July 2024]

Armando's, Martinez

Venue closed as of 2020. Some of the music moved to Slow Hand BBQ but no jams there as yet. [update by SJ July 2024]

Mojo Lounge, Fremont

No sessions here, bar appears to be up and running but website not located anywhere.

Ivy Room, Albany

Where: Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany 510.526.5888
No sessions as of Mar 2024. [SJ]

Givin' it back, and keepin' it real. Since 2000.