Montreal Klezmer Jam

KlezKanada now hosts a monthly klezmer music jam! Every third Sunday of the month, join Montreal’s klezmer community to play klezmer tunes together. We hope that these jam sessions will be a space where Montreal musicians – and guests from out of town – can come together regularly to play klezmer music, discover new repertoire, and build community.

As we encourage people to call tunes over the course of the jam, there is no advance set list. New to klezmer? No problem! Come and learn the tunes by ear. In addition, each month jam leaders will choose a few tunes that will definitely be played over the course of the jam. These will be posted in advance for those who want to learn them beforehand. We will keep a list of these tunes, gradually building a common community repertoire.

Members of the community are welcome to attend as audience members! While we encourage you to come and listen we ask that you make room for musicians and dancers.

2025 KlezKanada Klezmer Jam Session Coordinator: Jossée MacInnis
For more information, email us at info@klezkanada.org.

Hora mit tsibele
Learn from a recording (recommended) // Chart

Kandel's hora
Learn from a recording (recommended) // Chart (transcribed by Zoé Aqua and used with permission)

Khersonskaya
Learn from a recording (recommended) // Chart (transcribed by Craig Judelman and used with permission)

Mogilevskaya
Learn from a recording (recommended) // No chart available

Hoffman's dobranotch
Learn from a recording (recommended) // Chart

What is a jam? Jams offer a chance for people to play informally together mixing all levels and instruments. They are an essential and fun part of KlezKanada! In order to make sure that everyone gets their share of this valuable space, we have come up with the perfect acronym for it:

Join in: Many people hold back in jams because they lack confidence, or feel that they aren’t good enough. But jamming is for everyone! If you only know how to play one note, then play that one note! Jams are a great space for learning, so we strongly encourage you to dare to play!

All people have an equal right to contribute. If you suspect that you have more confidence or more experience than others, or if you play a louder instrument… use this week to learn about stepping back and supporting others. Also: making space in a jam is not about putting people on the spot to lead or take a solo; it’s also about playing quieter, or slower… Did everyone get that? Let’s do it a bit slower… What tunes do you know? I’d love to hear one! It’s important to remember that taking up space is not merely physical – it’s important to check in with yourself and others throughout all jam sessions (whether in-person or digital) to make sure everyone is able to contribute and take part in the jam session. Always feel welcome to ask questions! This will be helpful for the whole group and increase access for everyone.

Be Mindful of the people around you. While jamming, ask yourself these questions:
What is my intention? Am I sharing? Am I truly listening? Jamming is not about being the star: it is a chance to construct a group experience built on respect and inclusion. Who is leading? Does everyone who wants to start a tune get the chance to do so? We want people of all skill levels to have the chance to practice leading, especially those who are new at leading jams, as this is the key to sustainable community-building. Am I aware of my body? Can I see everyone? Are we in a circle? Is there space for everyone who is playing, or looks like they want to play? Can people find their way into the space, or onto the stage? Am I blocking someone with my body or my instrument?

These notes on jamming culture are from KlezKanada’s Community Guidelines. Read more…

Montreal Klezmer Jam

About

Tunes

April 20, 2025

Next Jam:

Tunes from Past Sessions

Fostering a Positive and Welcoming Jamming Culture