Explore London’s hidden music scene: Top weekly jazz and jam spots

Valentina shares her favourite weekly jam sessions around London that put inclusion and community first and showcase the city's alternative music scene.

London is a great city filled with music everywhere. However, as a new student in this city, it can be difficult to find venues that promote alternative sounds. Luckily, to help you dive into London’s creative rhythms, here are five community-driven weekly jam sessions worth checking out.

Orii Jam

Orii Community has become a cornerstone of East London’s vibrant music scene, and their weekly Monday jam Session at the Colour Factory is the perfect way to kickstart your week with a burst of creativity. This jam session feels inclusive and versatile, with a steady flow of talented individuals taking the stage throughout the night. The energy here is contagious; you will want to be there every week!

SD Weekly

Steam Down’s weekly jam session brings a unique energy to South London. This collective is known for blending genres like jazz, dub, and soul into performances that never fail to captivate. 

Their jam session is held at Peckham Levels, a beautiful building that radiates creativity through its colourful walls and welcoming atmosphere. It's a very beautiful venue to explore if you are looking for community-led events.

Stratos Jam

Stratos Thursday Jazz jam, located at Grow in Hackney Wick, offers a more laid-back setting out of these five venues. One of the things that I really like about this jam is its venue, split across two floors. You can either immerse yourself in the music downstairs or socialise upstairs. It also has a beautiful garden overlooking the canal, which is always filled with people in the summer.

Whether you’re looking to perform, connect, or simply enjoy live music, these venues are here to keep the creative spirit alive.

The vibe here is more classical jazz, yet there still is a lot of playfulness in the music being played. With a focus on more classic jazz and plenty of playful improvisation, Stratos Jam is perfect for anyone looking for a more relaxed Thursday night out. 

The Jago

The Jago is one of the most vibrant venues in London, with an atmosphere that guarantees a great night out. They host two weekly jam sessions, a £5 entry on Thursdays and a free one on Sundays. 

The variety of genres is a highlight, ranging from Afrobeat to jazz and even electronic music. An aspect that I like about this venue is that it’s frequented by SOAS music students, giving the space an intimate and familiar character.

The Haggerston

The Haggerston’s Sunday jazz nights are legendary. This free event is a hotspot for young music enthusiasts and jazz lovers alike. With its lively crowd and high-energy performances, it’s the perfect way to end your weekend on a high note.

All these jam sessions have helped create a sense of community that I really cherish in a big city like London, where it can be difficult to navigate work and creativity. Whether you’re looking to perform, connect, or simply enjoy live music, these venues are here to keep the creative spirit alive.