The first time I went to Ziggy’s in downtown Ypsi, I was immediately struck by the naturally ‘cool’ energy of the room. Everything from the decor to the lighting, to those performing embodied the word itself. Ziggy’s energy is truly one of a kind, especially due to the wide range of events they hold. Specifically, the event they hold on the first Thursday of each month – an open jazz jam session, started and hosted by drummer Jon Blanchett.

Blanchett is originally from Rhode Island and moved to Michigan in 2019, right before the pandemic. He moved here not knowing anyone in the music scene, but one of the ways he was able to make his way in was through meeting fellow musicians at jam sessions. Due to its relatively small size, the Detroit scene is welcoming and kind to newcomers, making it easier to find work and make connections. In 2022, Blanchett moved to Ypsilanti and found Ziggy’s. At the time, they were going through a change in ownership, prompting Blanchett to suggest starting a regular jam session. They started in October of 2022 and have been going strong ever since.

“Tuesdays at Ziggy’s became kind of a community music place,” bass player Kenji Lee said. “On Tuesday, there was going to be a band playing, maybe with some people you know, maybe some people you didn’t know, but you’d just go and listen. That kind of created its own scene and a community aspect.”

The jam sessions are rooted in jazz’s improvisational aspect, but are open to non-jazz musicians as well. 

“If you come in with the intention of making music with other people, you are welcome to come,” Blanchett said. “We have a sign-up sheet; you can write down your name and your instrument, if you’re interested in playing something specific or if you’re open to whatever. I used to quietly tell someone ‘Ok, you can play the next two,’ but now I find that it’s a lot more engaging to introduce people on stage.”

This community may seem out of reach for young people, but Blanchett hopes the jam sessions can provide opportunities for young musicians to make connections and learn from them. As well as this, it is a great way to see music live, which can be harder for young people to seek out. Blanchett hopes to expose middle and high school musicians to those their own age, as well as those older than them and professionals, for them to get a glimpse into the different dynamics people have with music.

“I wouldn’t say I treat it like an educational opportunity,” Blanchett said, “but with it being a welcoming environment, I’m open to beginners and advanced players to play.”

The next jam session will be in the new year. You can find more information on Ziggy’s website.