The Jams

Gander Jam

In 2018 myself and a dear late friend of mine started “The Monthly Hiphopalypse”. The jam was born out of the idea of mixing together a jazz jam with a hiphop open mic. Covid briefly put a halt to the jam, but after that we moved locations and changed names to the Gander Jam.
Over the years the Gander Jam has grown into more than just a jam session, it is a celebration of music and community, there’s a special vibe to it that has to be experienced to be understood. Bands are put together on the spot, music is made without any preparation, friendships are forged, musical connections are strengthened.
We actively discourage egos and showboating, if you’re at the Gander Jam you’re there to have fun, to meet people, to make music, and to be part of a community.
In addition to the jams the Gander Team makes a point of shining a spotlight on independent up-and-coming local artists with short opening sets each night, our own local highlights concert series!
Some notable guests who have made appearances at the Gander Jam have been Juno Award winning RnB singer Devon/Mr Metro, Tim "2oolman" Hill from Juno Award winning group The Halluci Nation, Vancouver trumpeter and composer John Korsrud, rapper/singer Missy D, Juno Award winning jazz drummer Buff Allen, as well as members of great Canadian groups such as Magic!, Five Alarm Funk, Bend Sinister, and Brass Camel.
Gander Jam is special, it reminds us why we got into music in the first place, because it’s fun.
If that sounds like something you’d like to be part of then come down and honk with us!

Where: LanaLou’s Restaurant - 362 Powell St
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 8pm till midnight
Check out our Instagram for more information.

Improv Karaoke

Anyone who knows me knows I love weird music. Experimental soundscapes, free-jazz, noise music, I love it all! If it leaves you scratching your head wondering what you just listened to then I’m probably a fan. So when myself and a few friends got together and came up with the idea of curating a monthly “weird music jam” I was all in!
Improv Karaoke strives to pull the curtain back on music that is normally pretty inaccessible, music that unfortunately is often seen as unapproachable or elitist, either misunderstood or overlooked by the general public despite its rich history and depth of expressive possibilities.
Over the years this jam has grown into a beautiful community where we try to break down the walls of seriousness and instead bring out the fun side of experimental music, often with theme nights like Don’t Play Your Main Instrument, or my personal favourite: Sports Day (trust me, it’s amazing)
We’ve been lucky enough to have support from the legendary NOW Society and have been able to use their beautiful space at 8East to host the jam over the years, as well as collaborating with NOW on interprovincial residencies, special concerts, and plenty of fun events!
If you wanna come get weird with us then come to a jam!

Where: 8EAST - 8 East Pender St
When: Last Wednesday of the month, 7pm till 10pm
(we’ve also recently started a second Improv Karaoke happening in Burnaby)
Check out Improv Karaoke’s Instagram for more information.