Newcastle’s weekly Jazz Jam is keeping live music alive every Thursday night, with musicians and music lovers invited to The Underground Bar for a night of improvisation, collaboration and swing.
Presented by The Grand Hotel in collaboration with NIMA and the Newcastle and Hunter Jazz Club, the Underground Thursday Jazz Jam has become a regular fixture on Newcastle’s music calendar.
The weekly event gives audiences the chance to enjoy live jazz while also offering local musicians the opportunity to jump on stage and join the jam.
Taking place every Thursday from 8pm at The Underground Bar in Newcastle East, the event welcomes players of all skill levels to bring their instruments and sign up on entry.
With drums, amps and microphones provided, musicians can simply turn up ready to perform, with charts encouraged for those bringing along specific arrangements.
Each week features a different house band led by some of Newcastle’s talented jazz musicians, including Tom Avgenicos, Jeremy Borthwick, Adam Ferrier, Adam Miller, Heather Price, Dave Thompson and Steph Russell.
The rotating lineup keeps the weekly sessions fresh, with each host bringing their own style and energy to the stage.
The Jazz Jam offers a relaxed environment for both performers and audiences, creating a space where emerging musicians can gain experience, seasoned players can collaborate and jazz fans can discover new sounds.
Whether you’re there to listen or ready to take part, the Thursday night sessions are all about celebrating Newcastle’s vibrant live music scene.
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult aged 25 and over. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and sign up on arrival.
The Underground Thursday Jazz Jam runs every Thursday night at The Underground Bar, 32 Church Street, Newcastle East, with the band starting at 8pm. Tickets are $10, while jammers play for free. For this years lineup, head to nima.org.au.
