Montreal Klezmer Jam

Every third Sunday of the month, join Montreal’s klezmer community to play klezmer tunes together. KlezKanada’s Montreal Klezmer Jam is a space where Montreal musicians – and guests from out of town – come together regularly to play klezmer music, discover new repertoire, and build community.

Each session opens with a mini concert set at 6 PM, featuring performances from local and touring klezmorim. After the short concert set, the artists will open up the set to jamming. There will be a short break at 7 ish, followed by a second jam set.

“The set list is in your heart.” There is no advance set list; the guest band will call tunes in the first jam set and we encourage everyone to call tunes as the jam progresses. Have you had a klezmer tune stuck in your head all month? Call that tune! Don’t have a tune to call? New to klezmer? No problem! Come, listen, and learn the tunes by ear. If you are new to the style or to a tune, we encourage you to listen and join in when you’re ready. As you learn, play softly, play the parts you know, or join in on the rhythm.

Each month, the featured artists will choose one tune to start off the first jam set. This tune will be posted in advance for those who want to learn it beforehand and will become part of the growing community repertoire. Please note that the tune will not be taught. Join our mailing list to hear about workshops.

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

Tune of the Month:

March 15, 2026

Next Jam:

Fostering a Positive and Welcoming Jamming Culture