Mitch Marcus Jam Session

It’s around midnight, and you just got off a stuffy private gig on the other side of town. What’s next on your agenda?
Easy.
Head on over the the Mission district to one of the best jam sessions in the city.
Mitch Marcus is a true innovator in jazz music, taking music risks that others wouldn’t touch with a ten-​foot pole. His quintet and big bands are composed of some of the most talented, most kick-​ass jazz musicians that I’ve ever heard play in the city.
It goes without saying that Mitch’s jam session would follow suit, and include everyone from musicians just starting out to seasoned pros.
As a fan of jazz trumpet, I get to hear the best of the Bay Area A-​listers at the session from time to time.
Again it’s an informal jam session, so people show up one week and don’t on others, and some out-​of-​towners stop in to blow with the locals.
Vocalists are welcome, so bring your voice, and if you didn’t bring your axe, remember to always politely ask permission if you want to play someone else’s instrument.
Amnesia is a decent bar as well, and the bartender can serve you an assortment of cold beers. There’s also a water dispenser for those of you who would rather just have a drink of good old H2O.
I call it a Wednesday night jam session because it offically starts after the house band plays a set late Wednesday night around 11-​ish, but it’s usually closer to midnight or 12:00 AM Thursday that other jazz musicians arrive for the serious jamming.
I’ve heard some of the best music in the world at this jam session, met some amazing musicians some of who I can call my friends, and hung out with a lot of hip people who have the sophistication to listen to and appreciate the outstanding improvisations.
Last night I showed up at Mitch’s session around 12:45 AM and was delighted to hear Erik Jekabson and Mike Olmos on trumpets, killin’ it while busting out some serious magic on «Cherokee». Their playing was flat-​out murderistic.
If you’re up late, show up to Mitch’s session and enjoy the musical fireworks. And if you’re a musician, practice your ass off so that you can hold your own at these amazing late-​night meetings of truly talented artists.