Join us for Boise States Gene Harris Jam Sesh Night. Stop by, enjoy the jam, or bring an instrument and join the jam!
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.
A jam session is where jazz musicians can come “sit in” with the house band. Historically this is how musicians discovered each other and how they advertised themselves. Jam sessions were also a place where younger players could absorb and apply what older players were playing, 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.
A friendly reminder: there is a $15 minimum on food or drinks per guest during the event.