Open Jazz Jam

Barnaby's Lounge hosts its Open Jazz Jam on Tuesday 10 November, from 8.00pm to 11.00pm at 46 Robertson Street. It's an open session, meaning the stage is open to singers and instrumentalists who want to sit in and play, rather than a fixed line-up. A house band runs the night, and the room is pitched as a relaxed space for musicians to try out tunes, develop their improvisation and share the stage, regardless of ability.

There's a Real Book of chord changes on hand for those who want to jump in, and a microphone for vocalists, so you don't need to bring your own charts to get involved. The venue describes the jam as a place where jazz is at its best when musicians listen, respond and take the music somewhere unexpected, and notes that no two sessions need to sound alike — that's the point of a proper jam, bringing a sense of collaboration and discovery to Hastings' live music scene. If you're not playing, it's just as easy to come along and listen to musicians playing together.

Beyond the jam, Barnaby's Lounge runs a range of other live-music nights, including Karaoke Nights every Friday and writers' sessions such as Susie Warren's Collage & Writing Workshop and a Writers Cafe silent writing session. Entry to the jam is free, and food is served until 9.00pm, so if you're planning to eat, it's worth booking a table in advance. The session runs from 8.00pm to 11.00pm on Tuesday 10 November.