Denver's Community Music School and Jam Session Hub

Swallow Hill Music is a nonprofit community music school located at 71 E Yale Avenue in Denver operating as the city's premier destination for acoustic music education and community jam sessions. With a tradition dating back to the 1960s as part of the Denver Folklore Center Swallow Hill represents one of America's longest-running acoustic music institutions.

History and Mission

Open jam sessions at Swallow Hill have been a tradition since the venue's beginnings as part of the Denver Folklore Center in the 1960s. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 84-0781725) Swallow Hill's mission extends beyond music education to community building through shared musical experiences. The organization operates with support from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

Facilities

The building features multiple performance and teaching spaces. Weekly jams are held in the Quinlan Cafe downstairs providing an intimate welcoming atmosphere perfect for collaborative music-making. Monthly genre-specific jams utilize various rooms throughout the building. The venue offers quality acoustics accessible facilities and a cafe that operates during concerts and special events Thursday through Sunday from 4 PM to 9 PM.

Comprehensive Jam Session Programming

Swallow Hill offers Denver's most extensive jam session schedule with programs for nearly every acoustic music tradition. All jams are led by expert instructors and community members who create welcoming all-levels-welcome environments.

Weekly Jam Sessions

Monday Night Jam (8 PM): Led by Spencer Erik Crawford this multi-genre jam knows no boundaries covering everything from Zydeco to Prince's Greatest Hits to bluegrass classics to Top 40 AM Gold. Spencer calls out chords and changes while encouraging students to lead tunes when they feel called. A perfect way to kick off your week with eclectic musical exploration.

Tuesday Night Jam (8 PM): Led by Mike Jagel this storied session has decades of Swallow Hill lore behind it. Mike brings beautiful charts of SH standards cowboy classics and bluegrass favorites while encouraging students to bring their own charts of songs they want to lead. Mike keeps time and brings out the best in both beginner jammers and experienced players.

Monthly Jam Sessions

Bluegrass Jam (4th Sundays 2-4 PM): Led by Virginia Anderson this informal collaborative setting welcomes anyone to try out songs they've been working on or learn new material. Perfect for getting direction on technique performance and song repertoire in traditional bluegrass style.

Jazz Jam (2nd Sundays 2-4 PM): Led by Felix Ayodele each session begins by examining a key portion of a jazz standard planning how to improvise over the changes then giving everyone a chance to put theory into practice. Beginners learn the full scope of music knowledge waiting while advanced players deepen their theory and swap tricks. Everyone gets to solo and build confidence. Drum set available with one day advance notice by calling (303) 777-1003.

Old-Time Jam (3rd Sundays 1-3 PM): Led by Jake Loew this jam celebrates Southern Appalachian and broader old-time repertoire and traditions. While centered on acoustic guitars banjos and fiddles all instruments are welcome. The session explores how old-time music exists and evolves in modern times through a unique and special community approach.

Irish Jam (1st Sundays 1-3 PM): Led by John Hammer this beginner/intermediate traditional Irish-style music session is sheet music friendly. Bring a tune or two and your instrument - all instruments and songs are welcome in this supportive setting.

Circle Singing (3rd Saturdays 2-3:30 PM): Led by Roy Willey this community singing and sounding practice is spontaneous and evolving like a drum circle for voices. Based on practices developed by Bobby McFerrin this is a supportive judgment-free space to play with your voice through improvised vocal grooves and patterns. All voices welcome.

Denver Uke Community (3rd Saturdays 10:30 AM-1 PM): Open to all ukulele players of any skill level this monthly gathering brings uke players together to share songs in a supportive group setting. For more information visit www.den-uke.com.

Clawhammer Corner (Last Thursdays 6-7 PM): Led by Caleb James Hall this online jam via Zoom welcomes clawhammer banjo players of all levels to meet up and share things they're working on learn from each other and discuss techniques and inspirations.

Tabla Jam (4th Saturdays 10 AM-1 PM): Led by Nabin Shrestha these three-hour sessions explore the sounds and language of the Tabla - the iconic pair of twin hand drums of North Indian heritage. Open to Tabla players new students percussionists and non-percussionists interested in Hindustani and other musical genres featuring this instrument.

What Musicians Get

Access to Denver's longest-running jam session tradition spanning six decades. Expert instruction and facilitation by accomplished community musicians. A supportive all-levels-welcome environment where mistakes are part of learning. Connection to Denver's thriving acoustic music community across multiple genres. Quality acoustics and welcoming spaces designed for collaborative music-making.

Donation Model

To sustain the jam sessions Swallow Hill asks for a suggested minimum donation of $10 per attendee. Donations can be made online or in-person at jams and directly support the teachers and music school programs. This accessible pricing ensures jams remain available to all while supporting the nonprofit's mission.

Additional Programs

Beyond jam sessions Swallow Hill offers extensive music classes for all ages and skill levels progressive 4-month intensives summer camps outreach programs including Little Swallows music therapy team building programs and a full concert series featuring local national and international artists. The organization also provides tuition assistance to ensure music education remains accessible.

Hours and Contact

Front desk hours are Monday-Thursday 12 PM to 9 PM and during live events plus Friday-Sunday during live events only. The cafe operates during concerts and special events Thursday-Sunday 4 PM to 9 PM. Contact (303) 777-1003 or email info@swallowhillmusic.org for questions about upcoming jams or other programs.