Welcome to our New York City based bluegrass jams, hosted by Liz Wolfe, Ron Zwerdling, and friends. Most of our jams are uptown on the west side of NYC as far north as Riverdale. We have weekly jams (sometimes multiple times in a week!) and unless otherwise indicated, our jams are open to all levels of skill and experience.
To get on the email notification list for future jams, email liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com. You can also join the Bluegrass Jams Meetup group (Be aware that not all jams are posted on Meetup.)
If you’re new to bluegrass jams, you should read this document about bluegrass jam etiquette before coming to your first jam. Liz also hosts frequent “superslow” and Wernick Method jam camps that are geared towards newbies or anyone who wants to get better at jamming.
If you’re coming to this site because you have jams to list or are looking for jams, email Liz at liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com. We’re just starting to build our list of other jams and want to hear from you!
Upcoming Jams
SATURDAY, Dec. 13, at 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
An Beal Bocht, 445 W 238th St., Riverdale, NY
Join us at this friendly Irish bar. We play in the back room. Some of us come early for breakfast… please consider purchasing food or beverage to support our generous host.
Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, Dec. 14 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM (Fiddle tune pre-jam starts at 1:00 PM)
Ben Hunnicut’s Building; Community Room, 370 Riverside Drive, Corner of 109 & RSD, Manhattan
Ben has arranged for us to use his community room on the occasional Sunday in the winter months. YOU MUST RSVP to get your name on the list with the doorman. Please RSVP before noon on Sunday.
Open jam for all levels.
THIRD MONDAY, Dec. 15 at 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Studio Jam! Chris Kindred’s Studio, 57 Leuning Street, Unit 2, South Hackensack, NJ 07606
Come to our Jam Jersey holiday launch party and jam! Hosted by Chris Kindred, our event producer for Jam Jersey. Join us for this fun all-levels jam at his production studio. Accessible by NJ Transit bus. BYOB and snacks to share.
Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, Dec. 21 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Posh Jam! 135 Central Park West @ 73rd Street, Apt. 4-S
We’re back at my friend Eve’s place this Sunday. She has graciously offered to host us in her spacious apartment overlooking Central Park. “Posh” simply refers to the beautiful location.
Open jam for all levels.
FRIDAY, March 20 – SUNDAY, March 22, 2026
Jam Jersey! DoubleTree Hilton, Mahwah, NJ
We’re gearing up for Jam Jersey, an unforgettable bluegrass picking party! It will be a weekend long jamfest that includes an open mic, a band showcase, whiskey tastings and of course, all day (and night!) jamming.
Both daily and weekend passes available. Click here to buy your ticket and receive the hotel reservation link.
FOURTH TUESDAY, Dec. 22 at 7:00 PM
City Island Jam! John and Ginger’s House, 159 Hawkins St., City Island, NY
“Uncle” John Giriat is graciously hosting a City Island jam at his warm and cozy house. Parking available on the street. Please RSVP for this jam at his place so that we know who to expect.
Open jam for all levels.
TUESDAY, Dec. 9, at 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Le Cheile Fast Jam, 839 West 181st Street in Washington Heights, Manhattan
Come out for a fast jam! We meet upstairs in the event space. Be aware that this jam is geared toward more experienced players. (Also note that parking is hard to come by near this restaurant, but it’s very close to the A train. There’s also a parking garage nearby.)
Medium to fast jam – all are always welcome.
Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, Nov. 23 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Townhouse jam! Liz’s House at 48 Hamilton Terrace, NYC 10031
Come out for a fun jam at Liz’s townhouse in Hamilton Heights. Near to the A, C, D, and #1 trains on 145th Street.
Open jam for all levels.
FOURTH TUESDAY, Oct. 28 at 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
City Island Jam, City Island Yacht Club, 63 Pilot Street, City Island, Bronx, NY 10464
Jam hosted by Steve Schwartz. It’s right on the water and we see a beautiful sunset as we play. Ample free parking onsite.
Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, Oct. 26 at 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Vinny’s house, 41 Old Pascack Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Another New Jersey jam! Will be held on the patio or indoors depending on weather. Vinny is a fun host and a great player. Come on by!
Medium speed jam – all are always welcome.
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 24 at 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Super Slow Jam! Liz Wolfe’s townhouse – 48 Hamilton Terrace @ 144th Street, Manhattan
Never been to a bluegrass jam before? Know how to play an instrument but no bluegrass songs in your repertoire? Never led or taken a break in a song but would like to try? Just want to get better at jamming? Come over to Liz’s place for a completely no-pressure, try-it-out super slow jam. We’ll learn some songs together, enjoy some snacks (feel free to bring something) and have some fun! Please RSVP so we know who’s coming.
Slow jam – all are welcome.
SUNDAY, Oct. 5 at 2:00 PM – ?
Joe Kaminsky’s 78th Birthday Party! @ Ryder Farm, 400 Star Ridge Road, Brewster, NY
Celebrate our friend Joe’s birthday with some bluegrass! Bring a potluck dish to share.
Open jam for all levels.
FRIDAY to SUNDAY, October 10 – 12
Wernick Method Jam Camp, Warwick Retreat and Conference Center, Warwick NY
Don’t miss the next Wernick Method Jam Camp, held on the 450 acre nature preserve at the Warwick Conference Center! This immersive weekend of instruction guarantees that you’ll leave a better and happier bluegrass musician no matter what your skill or experience level. This camp will be co-taught by Alex Deane (fiddle, guitar) and Liz Wolfe (vocals).
The camp will cover the etiquette of jamming, how to get better at (or at least fake) solos, lead and follow songs, find melodies, and sing harmony. You’ll also get lots of jamming practice with smaller groups that are coached by an instructor. You’ll sleep in hotel-style accommodations and get 5 delicious meals. Let’s not forget the late night jamming and comradery that comes with spending time together at a jamming weekend! Extra bonus – it will be prime foliage season!
Warwick is only 1.5 hrs from the city, accessible by public transportation. Space is limited.
Click here to register. Lodging and meals are separate.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 2025
10th Annual Labor Day Weekend Camp-n-Jam at Liz’s house in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. All meals prepared in the kitchen and served family style. No tent? No problem! We have extras and sleeping bags too. See details at the website. $80/pp. BYOB. Let me know if you would like to attend or have any questions.
Labor Day Weekend Camp-n-Jam website
THURSDAY, August 21 at 6:00 PM – dusk – weather permitting
Lower Brust Park in Riverdale
This lovely little park has a spot right off of Manhattan College Parkway that’s fun to play in. There are a couple benches but as usual, you should bring a chair if you need to sit. Note that there is no public bathroom at this spot. Brust Park is on a bit of a hill, so make sure you come to the lower section. Ron will be hosting.
Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, July 27 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM – LOCATION CHANGE
Hamilton Hall Restaurant in the back room. 3493 Broadway, NYC btwn 142 and 143 St.
Due to rain in the forecast, we’ll jam on Sunday at this Harlem craft bar and kitchen. Near the #1 train at 137 or 145 St. Good food and drink and friendly owner.
Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, July 6, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
New jam spot! Vinny’s house, 41 Old Pascack Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Medium speed jam – all are always welcome.
SUNDAY, June 29 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM – weather permitting
Riverside Park Jam @ 102nd Street
Our flagship jam! We’ll meet in Riverside Park at 102nd Street. Enter the park at 103, walk down the steps, and then veer to the left down the path. We’re on the promenade level overlooking the sports complex. Open jam for all levels.
TUESDAY, June 17, at 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Hamilton Hall Fast Jam, in the back room. 3493 Broadway NYC btwn 142 and 143 Sts.
Join us at this Harlem craft bar and kitchen for a fast jam! Near the #1 train at 137 or 145 St. Good food and drinks and friendly owner. Be aware this jam is geared toward more experienced players. All are always welcome. Invite your friends to come watch so that we can support our host! Medium to fast jam.
SUNDAY, May 18 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Riverside Park Jam @ 102nd Street
Our flagship jam! We’ll meet in Riverside Park at 102nd Street. Enter the park at 103, walk down the steps, and then veer to the left down the path. We’re on the promenade level overlooking the sports complex. Open jam for all levels.
SATURDAYS, May 10 at 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
An Beal Bocht, 445 W 238th St., Riverdale
Join us at this friendly Irish bar. We play in the back room. Some of us come early for breakfast… please consider purchasing food or beverage to support our generous host. Open jam for all levels.
THURSDAY, May 8 at 6:00 PM – dusk (weather permitting)
SATURDAY, May 3 at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mandolin Masterclass with Nate Lee! Liz’s townhouse at 48 Hamilton Terrace, NYC 10031
Attention mandolin players! Join us for an exclusive mandolin masterclass with Nate Lee, an IBMA award-winning instrumentalist and renowned mandolin and fiddle teacher. This masterclass will get you “mandolin jam-ready” in a fun and judgement free atmosphere. You will learn pro-chopping technique, jam/band skills, technique for speed, tremolo and more! Click here to see more details and to register. $97 tuition
Tuesday, April 29, at 6:00 PM (weather permitting)
Lower Brust Park in Riverdale
This lovely little park has a spot right off of Manhattan College Parkway that’s fun to play in. There are a couple benches but as usual, you should bring a chair if you need to sit. Note that there is no public bathroom at this spot. Brust Park is on a bit of a hill, so make sure you come to the lower section. Ron will be hosting. Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, April 5 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Location TBD
Stay tuned as the weather gets warmer and we can possibly play outside.
SUNDAY, March 16 at 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Winnie Said, 445 W 238th St., Riverdale
Join us at this new jam spot! We play in the back room. Please purchase food or beverage to support our generous host so that they will invite us back. Open jam for all levels.
FRIDAY, February 21 – SUNDAY, February 23
Wernick Method jam camp! Liz’s townhouse, 48 Hamilton Terrace, NYC 10031
New to bluegrass? Want to learn about or get better at jamming? Come join this special two-and-a-half day bluegrass jam camp!
We’ll be using the Wernick Method to help people jam more comfortably and effectively. This camp will cover the etiquette of jamming, how to do (or at least fake) solos, how to lead and follow songs, find melodies, and sing harmony. You’ll also get lots of jamming practice with smaller groups that are coached by an instructor.
The jam camp is $195 and provides all materials, including two jam songbooks. For more information and to register, go to https://wernickmethod.org/event/lw-2025-02-newyork. We guarantee you’ll gain a lot of skill and confidence by participating. This is a “not to miss” opportunity!
SUNDAY, February 23 at 3:00 – 6:00 PM (Note start time!)
Townhouse jam! Liz’s House at 48 Hamilton Terrace, NYC 10031
Come out for a fun jam at Liz’s townhouse in Hamilton Heights. Near to the A, C, D, and #1 trains on 145th Street. Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, December 22 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM (Location change!)
Posh Jam! 135 Central Park West @ 73rd Street, Apt. 4-S
We’re back at my friend Eve’s place this Sunday. She has graciously offered to host us in her spacious apartment overlooking Central Park. “Posh” simply refers to the beautiful location. Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, December 15 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday jam – location TBD!
Now that it’s winter and we can no longer play outdoors, we’re looking for jamming spots that can accommodate 20 – 30 people. Let Liz or Ron know if you have any leads. Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, November 17 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM
SUNDAY, November 17 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday jam – location TBD!
Now that it’s winter and we can no longer play outdoors, we’re looking for jamming spots that can accommodate 20 – 30 people. Let Liz or Ron know if you have any leads. Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, November 17 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday jam @ 4th U! 160 Central Park West @ 76th Street
New jam spot! We’ve been invited to jam at this church bi-monthly. Let’s fill the space of this beautiful Gothic cathedral with the sounds of bluegrass! Open jam for all levels.
SUNDAY, November 3 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Posh Jam Returns! 135 Central Park West @ 73rd Street, Apt. 4-S
The weather has turned too chilly for the park, so we’re back at my friend Eve’s place this Sunday. She has graciously offered to host us in her spacious apartment overlooking Central Park. “Posh” simply refers to the beautiful location. Open jam for all levels.
TUESDAY, September 17, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Plaza 33, West 33rd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Special event! Come out for a fun performance-based jam in a public plaza sponsored by the 34th Street Partnership. This is a strictly bluegrass, stand-up preferred jam geared toward faster jammers. Please RSVP and plan to get to the site by 5:45 PM. Plaza 33 a new public plaza right near Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. Medium to fast jam using mics.
Fall Foliage Jamming Weekend, Warwick Retreat and Conference Center, Warwick NY
A few people have told me they would like to come just to enjoy a weekend in the country jamming, without participating in the instructional camp. So we’re opening up the lodging to be available to anyone who would like to come and enjoy a relaxing weekend playing with friends.
We’ll be at the beautiful Warwick Retreat Center in Warwick, NY. Set on a beautiful 450 acre nature preserve, the site offers hotel style lodging with private baths, hiking and walking trails, and plenty of space for jamming both indoors and out. Enjoy friendly conversation, evening fires in the main lounge, stargazing, brilliant fall colors, and of course, JAMMING, JAMMING, JAMMING!
Warwick is only 1.5 hrs from the city, accessible by public transportation. The cost is $365/pp single and $300/pp double and includes two nights in a hotel style lodging and five meals. Click here to reserve your room.
SATURDAY, January 11 at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bass Masterclass with Special Guest Vickie Vaughn! Liz’s townhouse
Calling all bass players! Join two-time IBMA bass player of the year Vickie Vaughn for a special 3-hour masterclass right here in NYC. Click here for more information and to fill out the interest form. Only five spots left!
Helpful Links
New to bluegrass? Read this document.
To get on the email notification list for future jams, email liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com