Super short summary

  1. Sign up here in advance; 2 songs each

  2. Show up at the event; tell host you’ve arrived

  3. Standby until the host calls you up

  4. Show out and have fun performing

  5. Schmooze with others; everyone is there for FreeJam

The FreeJam process: Before, During, After

Before the FreeJam

  • Want to perform? Sign up in advance here or message us on IG

  • Want to listen? Just walk in anytime!

  • These events are FREE - no cover charge, all are welcome

During the FreeJam

  • General notes

    • We have instruments for you to use

    • Support the venue by ordering food and drink

    • We are a friendly, inclusive community; feel free to sit anywhere and talk to anyone

    • Be respectful and supportive of other performers and listeners alike

  • Performers:

    • Introduce yourself to the host; tell them your songs

    • Wait for your name and songs to be called (be patient; we handle 40+ songs per event)

    • Others will play for you if they know the song; you may play for others if you know their songs

  • Listeners:

    • Just enjoy!

    • If you change your mind about performing, talk to the host at any time

After the FreeJam

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • No. This is a free event. If you appreciate what we do and the spirit of this event, please support us by ordering delicious food and refreshing drinks.

  • Before the event, sign up through this online form here or via Instagram DM and post the song name and artist in the comments (up to 2 songs). Make sure to indicate if you want to sing and/or play an instrument. Please note that signing up prior to the event does not guarantee a spot on the queue. However, it gives a chance for the hosts to listen to / learn your song… which means a better chance of a great performance! Once you arrive at the venue, speak to the host to get on the list.

  • Whether you get to sign up and pre-request a song or not, speak with the host (Alwin / Tina / Jake / Hillary) at the event to get in the queue. The host maintains the list and will queue performers to perform 1 to 2 songs (depending on the length of the queue).

  • The host will do their best to get you on to perform at least 1 song, especially if it's your first time. If you play an instrument, you are likely to be asked to play for several songs. Feel free to ask the singer if they need accompaniment (IF you are confident you know the song well enough). We may have to cut down to 1 song per person towards the end of the night depending on the length of the list.

  • No. You have to be present at the venue to be queued up to perform. The queue is roughly on a first come, first served basis. However, we may prioritize people who have requested songs ahead of the event.

  • Waiting times vary. The line can get pretty long as many people are eager to perform (we go through about 50 songs a night). Please queue early and be patient! In the meantime, introduce yourself and chat with the nearest friendly face (it's easy to spot the regulars) and enjoy the music, food, drink, and camaraderie!

  • Yes, the venues are kindly hosting our events with no cover charge so we encourage you to purchase food and drinks and to tip the staff if you like.

  • As this is a live music jam, backing tracks are not allowed.

  • The host and other attendees are free to help play songs for others.. ask the host or those around you. If you want to perform a more obscure song, please message us on IG or submit the song request using the form a few days before the event so musicians can learn it in advance!

  • Talk to the host if you want to know what songs are coming up and if there are any you want to play on. If you are confident in your abilities to improvise, just politely approach whoever is on the instrument you want to play on and ask if you can take over. You can also check with the singer if they are ok for you to join (e.g. sometimes they might prefer a certain style, or no drums, etc.)

  • You are welcome to sing originals or in any language you like. If you need help with musical accompaniment, please message us on IG or submit the song request using the form a few days before the event so musicians can try to learn it in advance!

  • We encourage playing with others as a group (whether you know them or not) as this builds musical rapport.. However, you can also choose to perform solo. You may bring your friends to perform as a fixed group (especially if you want to play an original song!) but let the host know beforehand. As with individual sign-ups, bands are allowed up to 2 songs.

  • Feel free to bring your own equipment but the venue will have: mics, digital piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, and a full drum kit. You are welcome to use any/ all of the above when performing.

  • Please be polite, respect boundaries, and support the musicians and their songs; remember that some people are first-time performers who would appreciate encouragement.