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.

Toot's Tavern, Crockett

When: Thursday Blues Jam, 8pm

Where: Toots Tavern, 627 2nd Ave Crockett, CA, 94525 510.787.9860

Been here a long time but the jam sessions have only recently surfaced.
Host: Ed Early, plus others Session link

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 Facebook

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 FB page as of March 2024. [SJ]

Eli's Mile High, Oakland

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 D; fourth Sundays blues jam hosted by Gary Lamb. Some jam history turns up on FB searches. [update by SJ July 2024]

Vinnie's, Concord

When: Mondays 9pm

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

Moved...

No sessions here, bar appears to be up and running but website not located anywhere.
Host: Aki Kumar Session link

Aki's Jam has moved to Poor House Bistro in San Jose. See South Bay listings. (per Aki's site)

Ivy Room, Albany

When: Tuesday evenings 9pm-12:30am

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

Marina Lounge (formerly Nippers), San Leandro

Venue has closed.

The Beer Baron, Livermore

Venue has closed.

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