I’m often asked by clients the best way for them to expand their network.

There are many ways to this but I find that networking face-to-face is a winner, and the best way to meet other musicians who are also looking to collaborate is at an open mic or jam night.

An open mic is when a venue doesn’t book an act for the night’s entertainment but instead is run by a host who will introduce the night and then leaves the stage set up (usually with a couple of vocal microphones and DI boxes) for different musicians in attendance to come and perform.

A jam night is like an open mic but there is a house band on stage and the musicians, singers, rappers etc swap in and out throughout the evening, improvising music live on stage.

Luckily, Bristol is spoilt for choice for open mics and jam nights. Here’s a list of regular jams around town (this list is unfinished and ever expanding. Let me know if I’ve missed any):

Open Mics

Monday

Open Mic with Mike Dennis @ The Gallimaufry

Wash away your Monday blues with some live music at The Gallimaufry. The stage is open to performers, poets, spoken word artists and everything in between.

Hosted by the charismatic Mike Dennis, Bristol’s very own rapping violinist, you’ll be in safe hands and guaranteed an entertaining evening as he welcomes you to discover some of the city’s finest up-and-coming artists.

Please arrive at 8pm to sign up and ensure a spot, live music will begin at 9pm.

Mr Wolfs Open Mic

Every week we open our doors and stage to welcome all performers and eager ears.

Your host, Max Harrison will be kicking things off from 8pm, so arrive early to book your slot.

As always with Mr Wolfs, the party never stops, so as the open mic draws to a close, the DJs begin.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Open Mic @ The Volunteer Tavern

What’s more to say? An open mic night in the heart of Bristol in Old Market. Come through and sing us your favourite song, read your favourite poem, tell us a funny story. Got your own material? Share it in a warm and accepting environment. This isn’t a scary performance space, it’s a microphone I’ve set up with a little stage because I wanted to create a space where people can share art. It doesn’t even have to be your art, just an appreciation of it all! This is not a large event and is run by one person. There’s seating for 25-30 and standing for 10. I look forward to seeing you guys soon and building a beautiful evening together!

Grain Barge Open Mic

Grain Barge open mic is a friendly, enthusiastic and encouraging night for demo’ing new material, meeting fellow musicians and generally having a lovely evening.

Hosted by Bristol’s own rapping violinist, Mike Dennis.

10% off all Bristol Beer Factory draught ALL NIGHT!

Thursday

Hare on the Hill Open Mic (last Thursday of the Month)

Hosted by @finnstrings, sign up from 7:30pm, music starts at 8pm.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Jam Nights

Monday

Bounce @ Strange Brew

Bounce is a fully open weekly jam for MCs, singers, instrumentalists, beatmakers, dancers, artists and all other space jammers! With a focus on jams you can bounce to, incorporating but not strictly limited to hip hop, jazz, funk, 140, broken beat, latin etc.

This night is a safe space for all people from any background to express themselves free of judgement so come with open eyes and ears ready to BOUNCE

Tuesday

Agalma Jam @ Mr Wolfs

Get ready for some serious friend-making action! In these dark times, we all need a little extra camaraderie. So, we’re stepping up to the plate to create the ultimate friend zone.

Join our trio of friendship warriors as we forge a space for all the lonely souls out there. Lets establish some common interests, jamming to some Neosoul, Hip Hop, Fusion, dancing like you just won a maccies with your maccies, and oh yeah, making friends along the way.

We don’t discriminate when it comes to talents, so bring your horns, your voice, your guitar—whatever skill you’ve got, we’re here for it.

Now, here’s the deal: the first set is gonna be our house band tearing it up. But then, the spotlight’s on you. That’s right, we’re opening up the floor Waldo’s style, for a one-on-one jam session. And guess what? We want YOU to be our fourth friend.

Laughing is mandatory, all participants must have a good time and make friends. No exceptions.

Stone Cold Funk Jam (1st Tuesday of the month) @ The Canteen

Hosted by Stone Cold Hustle – every 1st Tuesday of the month!

Bristol’s iconic funk jam session
Featuring members of The LBJBs, The Good The Bad and The Funk, Run Logan Run, Soma Soma.

You know how it goes down, so come down to get down once again to the heaviest funk and soul.

Bring instruments and good vibrations. This is a session for musicians and listeners to make music and dance together.

Live and Loud Jam Night @ The Cloak and Dagger

A great opportunity to come and get some experience of playing in front of an audience or just hanging out with a load of lovely people.

We want it to be a safe space that you can share originals, covers and learn some new skills. Shadowing the sound engineer, taking photos, videos or anything you would like to try out just hit us up!

Be a part of the audience and witness some of bristols finest up and coming talent ❤

PA, sound engineer, guitar, bass n keys provided! Please bring percussion if that’s your thing.

Also professional photography by Jem Fade Dead Aim Images!

Ending with a big ol’ jam at the end!

Watch this space beautiful people’s

Cove Jam (1st Tuesday of the month) @ The Gallimaufry

Wednesday

Donut Filler @ Mr Wolf’s

Welcome to Donut Filler, a night of jam and good quality music! The stage is open to all musicians willing to perform in an open setting. Just tune up on the night, backline will be provided! Speak to the Jam host when you arrive and wait for your invitation to come on stage!

Genres welcome:
Funk, Soul, Blues, Jazz, Hiphop.

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Family Business @ The Gallimaufry

Hip Hop Jam hosted by MĀDŁY & Binbags.

Featuring crack house band Alex Veitch, Sam Fox & Lawottim Anywar. Come play.

Free entry, 9pm.