Santa Cruz, CA · Forming Now

Hot Jazz, Closer to Home.

We’re gathering Santa Cruz-area musicians for a friendly monthly jam built around lively, melody-driven early jazz. All instruments and all levels are welcome.

Hear what we’re going for

What is “hot jazz”?

Hot jazz is lively, melody-driven early jazz with bluesy feeling, ragtime bounce, collective improvisation, and a rhythm section that keeps everything moving. Think strong melodies, horns and reeds taking the lead, and plenty of room for personality.

The Goal

3 of 20 Local Musicians

Once we have the right mix of players, we'll secure a room and set the first jam session.

Rallying the first players now - be one of them.

Join the Waitlist

Add your name, instrument, and email. We’ll send you a starter listening guide so you can hear the sound we’re building toward.

No spam. We’ll only reach out when there’s real news.

What to Expect

The Road to the First Jam

  1. Step 1

    Join the Waitlist

    Tell us what you play and grab the starter listening guide.

  2. Step 2

    Reach 20 Local Players

    We're gathering the right mix of front-line and rhythm-section musicians.

  3. Step 3

    Set the First Session

    Once the group is ready, we'll send the first date, time, and location.

  4. Step 4

    Build the Jam Together

    We'll share tunes, listening guides, and session notes so players can come prepared.