A monthly live-band jam at Cedar’s in Sakae. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, or just turn up and see what happens.
Nagoya's Monthly Jam Session
The HAM JAM is a monthly open jam session held at Cedar’s Music & Drink in Sakae. The name comes from drummer and founder Adam Demby, affectionately known as “The Hamster” for his fast, energetic playing style. The nickname stuck, and so did the jam.
Held on the fourth Friday of every month, it brings together singers, players, regulars, first-timers, and people who are perfectly happy to stay near the bar and let somebody else do the brave part. It is open, social, and loose in the right way.
The current version of the jam has been running since 2023, carried forward by a host team of experienced local musicians. The atmosphere is welcoming, the house players know how to hold things together, and the whole night vibes because it gives people a way to join in without making a production out of it.
How It Works
Each HAM JAM has a monthly song list, usually with around 20 to 25 songs, that people can join on the night. That gives the session some shape and makes it easier for people to jump in, even if they have never been before.
If there is something else you want to perform, that can still happen too. The basic idea is simple: talk to the hosts, find people who want to join, and see if it fits the night.
You can bring your own instrument, or use one of the instruments available at the venue. You can sing, sit in, play with other people, perform something more prepared, or just come for the music and the atmosphere.
What to Expect
Doors open at 19:30 and the jam runs from 20:00 to 23:00, with the bar staying open later.
The night usually moves between familiar songs, strong singers, rotating players, and the occasional moment where something unexpectedly good comes together in a room full of people who did not arrive as a band. That is part of the appeal.
It is open to a mix of styles rather than one narrow lane. Pop, rock, soul, standards, Japanese songs, crowd-pleasers, and whatever else makes sense on the night all tend to find their way into the event.
Why People Like It
Because it is one of those rare events that is actually easy to join.
You do not need to commit to a band. You do not need to know everyone already. You do not need to arrive with a big plan. You can just show up, get the feel of it, and decide how involved you want to be.
And because it happens every month, it has become the kind of recurring night that people can actually build around instead of just vaguely meaning to check out someday.
Good For
- Musicians who want to play without joining a formal band
- Singers who want a live backing-band atmosphere
- People who like social music nights more than standard gigs
- First-timers who want to watch before jumping in
- Anyone looking for a regular international community music night in Nagoya
The Details
The HAM JAM
What: A monthly open jam with a live house band
Where: Cedar's Music & Drink, GK Building, 3-11-13 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya (cedars-nagoya.com)
When: The fourth Friday of every month
Time: Doors 19:30; jam 20:00–23:00; the bar stays open later
Cost: ¥2,000, one drink included
How to join: Turn up and talk to the hosts. The monthly song list goes out in the Facebook group before each session.
Who it's for: Players, singers and listeners; first-timers are welcome to watch first
Bring: Your own instrument if you like; the venue has some you can use
Contact & updates: Instagram: @thehamsterjam · The HAM JAM on Facebook
Last checked: April 2026
Access
By Subway / Train:
Take the Higashiyama Line or Meijo Line to Sakae Station (H10 / M05). From Exit 8, Cedar’s is about a 5-minute walk.
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