Music groups in New York.
7 clubs, and when they meet. Most meet on weekday evenings, around Midtown, East Village, Harlem. Most are free to join. The ones without a fixed day are listed below, linked to where they announce. Subscribe to this calendar →
What to expect.
Choirs, open jams, community bands, ukulele circles and song nights in New York, each with the day it meets. Choirs and bands tend to run in terms with a weekly rehearsal; jams and circles are drop-in and more forgiving about when you turn up.
Every listing links to the group's own page, which is where you will find out whether you need to audition, bring an instrument, or simply show up and sing.
All 7 music groups in New York.
A to Z, in each club's own words. Every one links to the club, and every day and time is the one the club publishes.
Barbershop-style chorus that rehearses Monday nights on East 33rd Street. Visitors can sit in and sing with no audition; arrive early to find your part.
Mondays, 7pm · Midtown · $5 · meetup.com →Umbrella Meetup for open bluegrass and old-time jams: Saturday mornings at An Beal Bocht cafe in Riverdale, a Thursday singing jam in Hamilton Heights, a Tuesday fast jam at Le Cheile in Washington Heights, and Riverside Park in season.
Several jams a week at different venues, each announced on Meetup · Free · meetup.com →Acoustic slow jam of Irish and Scottish fiddle tunes on the first Wednesday of the month at the Old Stone House in Washington Park, with a medium-speed Sunday session at Freddy's Bar some months.
Monthly, first Wednesday · Park Slope · $10 · meetup.com →First Saturday of the month, an afternoon of playing and singing Beatles songs together at Fish Bar on East 5th Street. Bring an instrument or just a voice.
Monthly, first Saturday · East Village · Free · meetup.com →Free Monday-night funk-rock jam at Shrine on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Every few minutes half the band swaps out for players from the audience.
Mondays, 8pm · Harlem · Free · meetup.com →A sing-around in the British folk-club style: a circle at the Woodside Cafe every Tuesday night where anyone can lead a song or just join the choruses.
Tuesdays, 7pm · Free · folkmusicny.org →Monthly Saturday afternoon Grateful Dead jam in a rented room at Smash Studios on West 36th Street. Backline provided; the room cost is split among players.
Monthly, third Saturday · Midtown · $20-25 · meetup.com →
Questions people actually ask.
Do I need to audition or read music?
Depends on the group, and its listing says which. Many community choirs are non-auditioned and teach by ear. Open jams assume you can play along to a chord sheet.
Do I need an instrument?
For a jam or a circle, yes, unless their page says they have spares. For a choir, no. Bands usually ask you to bring your own.
Is there a fee?
Choirs and bands often charge a term fee that covers music and a venue. Jams and circles are usually free or a drink. It is in the listing.
Every listing links straight to the club. Know a music group in New York we don’t? Add it.