Each Thursday night from 9-11 p.m., local jazz enthusiasts gather in the Burger Bar at The Key for a free, informal jam where musicians play and improvise together under the leadership of celebrated bassist Bernard Terry and a rotating roster of supporting talent. The Jazz St. Louis Thursday Jam Session is open to musicians of all ages who want to bring an instrument and play as well as listeners who simply wish to enjoy.
The jam sessions began two years ago at Jazz St. Louis. This past year, when the organization made the decision to forego the summer series, they still wanted to continue the weekly jam, but in a more regularly active space. Longtime partners in programming, Jazz St. Louis reached out to KAF and The Key became its new home.
“We have a longstanding supportive relationship with Jazz St. Louis and were happy to welcome their jam into our new space at The Key,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “It’s a mutually beneficial partnership for their musicians, our patrons and the larger arts community.”
Hosting the Jam Session at The Key allows the program to operate year-round as well, rather than seasonally, offering even more opportunities for musicians of all levels to participate and furthering Jazz St. Louis’ mission to advance the art of jazz through performance, education, and community engagement.
Each week, Terry and the supporting band kick off the night with a song to break the ice, and then invite guest musicians to join in the fun. Participants range from middle school kids to middle aged musicians and beyond. To be a part of the jam, all you have to do is show up with your instrument in hand.
“Through this partnership, Jazz St. Louis and the Kranzberg Arts Foundation are creating a consistent space for musicians and audiences to connect through jazz. The weekly jam supports home grown talent, encourages mentorship and collaboration, and welcomes new listeners into the music. It is an investment in the artists, relationships, and shared experiences that strengthen St. Louis’ cultural community,” says Jazz St. Louis Co-Interim Executive Director Adaron Jackson.
