Kassa Overall plays the festival's closing park set, then walks a few blocks east and sits in at Nublu for Melanie Charles's Make Jazz Trill Again mega jam. It is a genuine open jam - musicians of any level are invited to bring instruments and get on the bandstand - with a house band of Emilo Modeste, Jerome Jennings and DJ OOOChild. If you want the after-hours version of Charlie Parker weekend, RSVP now.
What to expect
A small, dark, low-ceilinged Avenue C room that gets loud and crowded fast, with the band setting a groove and players cycling through. Expect horn cases along the wall, a DJ bridging sets, and an audience standing shoulder to shoulder rather than seated at tables.
Good to know
- Take the L to 1st Avenue, then walk east on the numbered streets toward Avenue C
- Free but RSVP is required through the City Parks Foundation event page
- Billed all ages, though the room is a working nightclub - plan accordingly for kids
- Bring your instrument if you want to sit in; this is a real open jam
- The room is small and standing-room, so arrive early if you want to be near the band
- Pairs naturally with the Tompkins Square Park closing sets a few blocks west
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Common questions
Can anyone sit in?
Yes. Make Jazz Trill Again is built around open improvisation and explicitly welcomes musicians of all backgrounds, skill levels and instruments. Bring your horn and ask the bandleader.
Is it really free?
It is free with an RSVP submitted through the form linked on the City Parks Foundation event page. Capacity at Nublu is limited, so an RSVP does not guarantee entry if the room fills.
Who is playing?
Melanie Charles on vocals and flute leads, with guest drummer Kassa Overall, Emilo Modeste on saxophone, Paul Wilson Bae on keys, Jerome Jennings on drums, Gervi Myles on bass and DJ OOOChild.
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