Monthly jazz jam session builds community of musicians in Ypsi

This story is part of a series about arts and culture in Washtenaw County. It is made possible by the Ann Arbor Art Center, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Destination Ann Arbor, Larry and Lucie Nisson, and the University Musical Society.

Over the past three years, a monthly jazz jam session in Ypsilanti has become a space for musicians and listeners alike to experiment, collaborate, and create music spontaneously.

Ypsilanti-based musician Jon Blanchette hosts the sessions at Ziggy’s, 206 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsi, on the first Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. Each night begins with a performance from a house band before opening up into an improvisational session. 

“There’s something special about an event like this that brings all types of people, listeners and musicians, together to create something in the moment,” Blanchette says. “Nothing is pre-planned. People get up on stage, meet for the first time, decide right there what they want to create, and then switch it up with another band. As a listener, you get to be part of that experience.”

Blanchette says the sessions have become a reliable space where musicians of all ages feel welcome. He sees both regulars and new faces each month. He adds that the event has recently become especially inviting for students and younger musicians, giving them a chance to connect with more seasoned players and gain real-world experience.

“We’ve created an environment I would’ve wanted to enter when I was in high school or college – friendly, supportive, and welcoming to all skill levels,” Blanchette says. “It’s not an open mic night. It’s about playing together and growing as musicians.”

While the event continues to grow in popularity, Blanchette says he’d like to see more local venues consider introducing their own jam sessions instead of expanding his own. He says he wants to respect Ziggy’s established music schedule, which includes jazz programming every Tuesday in addition to Blanchette’s event. 

“I’d love to see more sessions happening around the area so people could go to a different one each week and have a new experience,” Blanchette says. “I want Ziggy’s to remain a place where musicians can perform regularly without changing the night too much.”

You can keep up to date on future jam sessions by visiting Ziggy’s Facebook or website. 

“It all comes down to the community of people and the energy we create in that space on that first Tuesday,” Blanchette says. “This is a great space to witness people coming together to create music.”