Jam Sessions

1st ever Jam Session at Jam Factory Art Center | December 8, 2025 –  details

 Registration

Genres

A new jam format where different musical directions meet: musicians from jazz, rock, electronic, hip-hop, folk, and other genres gather together on one stage and start an improvised dialogue. Everyone brings their own ideas and rhythms, creating an experimental creative mix. We cultivate a spirit of openness and cross-genre exchange: here, music is born through communication, when even unexpected combinations of instruments or styles generate something new and unusual.

Supporting the Local Music Community

Jam Factory Art Center sees jam sessions as a powerful tool for developing the local scene. We create a platform for both emerging and experienced musicians where they can meet, exchange ideas, and find like-minded collaborators. New compositions and musical projects are born right here at jam sessions: often, a spontaneous encounter on stage leads to the creation of new bands or tracks. We believe that every Jam Session is a small musical laboratory where improvisation becomes a creative breakthrough.

Project Launch

• Format: open improvisations with minimal preparation — musicians agree only on a basic outline or intro and work “here and now.”
• Entry: free for everyone with registration!
• Start: the first session is already on December 8 — don’t miss the beginning of jam sessions at Jam Factory Art Center!

 Registration

Jam Factory Art Center Jam Session Rules

1. Who these jams are for

This is about live interaction, groove, and shared vibe. We welcome musicians who feel confident on their instrument, understand standard forms, and know the basic principles of ensemble playing. It’s not an exam, but it’s not a lesson either — you need to be able to quickly pick up the form, style, and mood of a track.

2. Repertoire and track selection

We have a main list of standards/compositions defined by the stage band. That list has priority.
Want to propose another track? Great — just tell the stage band in advance:

• what exactly we’re playing
• the key
• the form/structure
• the style and tempo

The stage band may approve or decline a track — this keeps the event flowing and ensures a comfortable experience for all participants.

3. Solos and number of musicians per set

To keep the jam lively, dynamic, and not turn it into an endless “orchestra,” for each track we allow:

• no more than two soloing horns,
• rhythm section — as decided by the stage band to avoid clutter and overlapping roles.

This gives everyone a chance to shine without draining the audience’s energy.

4. Vocalists

If you’re a vocalist, please:

• know the key and form of the piece;
• understand its style and character;
• discuss everything with the stage band before going on stage;
• feel free to set the tempo.

This helps the band get into the right vibe immediately and lets you present yourself in the best way.

5. When the stage band may stop a track

If there’s confusion with the form, key, agreed style, or overall sound, the stage band may stop the performance, briefly explain the reason, and either restart or move on to another piece.
This isn’t criticism — it’s about respect for the process and the audience.

6. Participant level and preparation

We value diversity, but also responsibility toward the music. The musicians who sound most organically in our jams are those who:

• invest time into technique and ear training;
• develop in genres related to jazz, groove, fusion, soul, hip-hop, electronic;
• can read chord progressions and navigate forms;
• know how to listen to each other and play for the music, not for individual display.

We also welcome electronic musicians, hip-hop artists, and other forms of live improvisers.

7. Organizational notes

The stage is managed by the stage band. They are responsible for the lineup in each set, the evening’s dynamics, order of appearances, and track list.
Please treat their decisions as part of the shared experience — they’re there to make it good for everyone.

8. Atmosphere and respect

Jam Factory is a space of empathy and mutual support.
Here, it’s important to:

• listen to one another;
• give space;
• not stretch solos unnecessarily;
• maintain balance between personal expression and collective music-making.

9. How to join

Participation in the Jam Session requires prior registration. Important: registration does not guarantee that you will automatically go on stage.

The jam is moderated by the invited StageBand. They shape the musical mood of the evening and decide whom to invite to improvise. Depending on how the jam unfolds, the StageBand may call certain musicians, instrumentalists, or vocalists — or decline participation if needed to maintain the coherence of the sound and atmosphere.

 Registration