FREE ADMISSION and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Jazz jam sessions have long been the place where musicians gather to connect, perform together, and hone their skills. Historically, jam sessions take place after-hours in the clubs, making it impossible for student musicians to participate. The Jazz Links Jam Session creates a live performance opportunity where student musicians can learn, grow, and connect with their jazz community.

The JAZZ LINKS JAM SESSIONS take place every month at The Jazz Showcase from October through May from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Students perform with one another and with the Jazz Links house band, which Includes world-class, professional jazz musicians. 

WHO CAN JAM?

Students age 9-19 perform with one another and with the Jazz Links Mentors and other professional musicians in the house. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE JAM SESSION?

Jazz lovers, musicians, parents, students, siblings, and friends are all welcome and encouraged to attend these free events. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Students sign up on-site, and fill out a jam session info card listing three to five tunes they can play and improvise on from memory. The jam session host calls up groups of students to perform and improvise together in front of an enthusiastic live audience.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Bring your trumpet/saxophone/trombone/voice/flute/vibes/drumsticks and a list of jazz standard tunes that you know and can improvise over. A vocal microphone, drum set, double bass, bass amp, and piano are provided for each session.

Presented in partnership with The Jazz Showcase

Jazz Institute of Chicago is proud to receive generous support from the following organizations

Alphawood Foundation, DCASE - City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Chicago's Cultural Treasures, Crown Family Philanthropies, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, Helen Brach Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Polk Bros. Foundation, Walder Foundation, Glossberg Foundation, Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation, Wang Family Foundation