Footprints Open Jazz Jam

Footprints Jazz are bringing an open jam session to Alder on Thursday 12 November, and it's not a one-off — they're back on Thursday 10 December and Thursday 14 January too. The whole point is that it's open to all musicians and vocalists, so if you play, you're invited to join in. The Footprints house band leads the night, working through standards and groove-based jams, with guitars, bass guitars, drums and keys standing by on stage. Horn and wind players, vocalists and rappers are encouraged to step up as well.

There's plenty of room for the audience to stand and watch, and the night is aimed at becoming a hub for the city's new progressive jazz scene, so you're welcome even if you have no intention of playing. It's as much about listening as it is about getting involved.

Alder is a music venue and bar on the Neepsend and Kelham Island corner, housed in a building that's lived many former lives: a Victorian polish factory, stables, a car repair shop, a builder's yard and a brewery. The back room stage hosts an eclectic programme run by the likes of Honey Bee Blues Club, Klub Karaoke and Footprints Jazz Club, alongside local punk, folk and algorave acts. It's a good spot for a mid-week night out, especially if you're already around Neepsend.

Entry is free, so you can just turn up and listen or bring your instrument and have a go. The jam runs on Thursday 12 November, Thursday 10 December and Thursday 14 January at Alder, Unit 111-112 JC Albyn, Percy Street, Neepsend, Sheffield S3 8BT.