Gene Harris and His Influence on Jazz Jam Sessions
One of the most profound and lasting impacts that the late Gene Harris had on the Boise community was his presence at local jam sessions. Gene could be found downtown every night playing with students in a jam session setting. Gene would patiently accompany them as they experienced the living American art form of jazz in the same way that he and the other great jazz masters learned. This type of experience is disappearing from the formative experiences of jazz students globally.
Spring 2026 Jam Session Dates
- January 16th, 7:00 pm, Hemingway Center
- March 7th, 7:00 pm, Hemingway Center
- March 20th, 7:00 pm, Lost Grove Brewing
- April 16th, 7:00 pm, Hemingway Center
Food and beverage is not available for purchase at the Hemingway Center, but participants are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, if desired.
Jam Session Parking: Special Event Discount Code
For Hemingway Jam Sessions, park in the Lincoln Garage, located on the corner of W. University Drive and S. Lincoln Ave.
Using the special event parking discount means you can purchase parking at the kiosks in Lincoln Garage for $5.00, regardless of how long you park.
Instructions for parking in the Lincoln Garage during jam sessions:
- Park, then take your license plate number to a parking payment kiosk. Enter your license plate number in the kiosk.
- Select option #1 “Purchase Ticket.” The name of your event will be listed on the following page. “Jam Session”
- Select the item number for “Jam Session.” (You may have to scroll to a later page of the list.)
- After selecting your event name on the appropriate page, you will be charged $5.00 for parking. **If using cash, note that the machines do not refund. Use the exact amount!
If you have any questions concerning these instructions, please contact the Boise State Department of Public Safety at 208-426-7275.
Gene Harris Jazz Jam Session 101
What is a jam session?
- A jam session is where jazz musicians can come and “sit in” with the house band. Historically, this is how jazz musicians discovered one another and advertised themselves. Jam sessions were also a place where younger players could absorb and apply what the older players were doing and experiment with their own material.
- Jam sessions are made possible through the shared body of jazz standards and the general knowledge of how jazz is performed and structured.
How does a jam session work?
- The house band typically performs a tune or even a full set.
- Those who arrive can put their name down on a list at the bandstand and note what tune they would like to play. The tune should be a widely known jazz standard, or you should plan to bring music for the entire band.
- Your name will be called, and you will go up to the bandstand to play with the band. More than one person can go up at any given time.
What do I need to bring?
- Your instrument and anything you need to play. If there is no guitarist in the house band, you should bring your amplifier. Bring your sticks and any other equipment you need to perform. Music stands are typically provided.
- Bring anything you need to be successful — sheet music, iPads, fakebooks, etc.
What is jam session etiquette?
- Generally, musicians only play 2-4 choruses on a given tune (depending on the length of the tune). This is a performance, but you want to make room for others. No hogging the stage. Take cues from those who play before you about how long you should play for!
- Whoever calls the tune is the “leader” of the tune and should count it off, direct traffic, and indicate how to end the tune. If you are leading the tune and playing the first solo, be mindful of how many choruses are acceptable, as you will set the standard for everyone else on the tune.
- If there are many participants in the session, each participant should expect to play only once. Do not put your name on the list again until after you have played.
- Be prepared when you get on stage; do not waste time trying to find tunes or “figure it out” when you get on stage. Figure it out in advance and be ready to play when you get up.
How can I prepare for a jam session?
- Come prepared with a few jazz standards that you can call. Ideally, these are tunes you can play without music in front of you.
- The number one piece of advice for a jam session is ONLY play tunes you are fully prepared to play.
- Know what key your tune is in to avoid any confusion
- Have iReal Pro or a fakebook that you are familiar with if you intend to sit in on other people’s tunes.
- Feel free to contact Dr. Ganong with any questions or for tune suggestions
- Learn how your tunes are traditionally played by listening to recordings in advance. You don’t have to play them that way, but you do need to know what the expectations are. This is especially true for specific intros, endings, interludes, etc., that may be associated with particular tunes.