Jazz Jam Sessions - Clement's Place

Co-presented by NJPAC's Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers University-Newark's Institute of Jazz Studies, the monthly jazz jam sessions at Clement's Place honor the legacy of Dr. Clement A. Price, Newark's city historian and devoted jazz fan. This free monthly gathering attracts top-flight New Jersey musicians and welcomes jazz artists of all levels.

The Vibe

Clement's Place is a hidden gem—a cozy jazz club tucked inside a historic neo-classical building at 15 Washington Street, just steps from the Newark Museum. The venue operates as a cabaret-style space curated by Gregory Burrus Productions, bringing world-class jazz to an intimate downtown setting.

The jam sessions feature a professional house band directed by pianist and bandleader James Austin Jr., providing the kind of solid musical foundation that allows horn players, vocalists, and instrumentalists to truly stretch out. The vibe honors Newark's deep jazz heritage (Sarah Vaughan, Wayne Shorter, James Moody) while remaining accessible to developing players.

Performances

All novice and seasoned jazz musicians and singers are welcome to jam and improvise with the professional band throughout the night. The sessions run from 7:30 PM and create space for both serious jazz study and pure enjoyment of the music. With a full bar and an atmosphere that evokes classic jazz club intimacy, Clement's Place offers what many jam sessions can't: professional-grade backline, knowledgeable audiences, and a venue designed specifically for jazz listening.

Registration is required but admission remains free, democratizing access to one of the region's finest jazz environments. These sessions move fast—bring your chops, your ears, and your willingness to engage with Newark's living jazz tradition.