General - JJ's Blues showcases live performances by blues musicians every
night. The Chicago style layout features a full bar and walls adorned with photos
of many notable and famous artists who have graced the stage. Winner of Metro magazines
Best Blues Club three times we welcome you to come and experience the music of the
blues in a comfortable, safe and friendly blues dive. (The music can get loud, bring
earplugs if you're sensitive).
History - JJ's Blues has been around for over 21 years featuring local talent and
touring acts. During the Silicon Valley boom during the 90's there were three JJ's located
in San Jose, Santa Clara and Mountain View. JJ's also sponsored nine years of the downtown San Jose blues festivals. As the economy contracted so did the number of JJ's clubs and ended up where it all started at the original location.
In 2005 the original owners retired and the new owners are determined to continue
the legacy. We still feature the quality blues acts JJ's is noted for and invite you to
experience the magic that happens nightly.
Location - The original and remaining JJ's Blues is located at 3439 Stevens
Creek Blvd in San Jose (halfway between San Tomas Expwy and Winchester Blvd)
Hours - We typically open the doors at 6pm with two live performances each day
starting at 7-ish and 9-ish. The bands usually play until midnight - later if the
audience can make them.
Crowd - Our only criteria is that you be over 21 and enjoy the blues. As such
our crowd is very diverse. The dress code is casual come-as-you-are. JJ's is more than
a performance venue - it is a community of blues enthusiasts that enjoy listening to and
playing the blues. Blues is all we do, if you like the blues you're already part of the
crowd.
Contact - (408) 243-6441 is JJ's phone number. It's gets noisy after 7pm so
bear with us if we need to have something repeated. Please leave a message if you call
before 6pm.
Staff
Intoxicologists - our staff behind the bar is experienced in preparing adult
beverages to your liking. We feature a full bar for you to choose from. Our folks take
their position of serving alcohol seriously and will do their best to ensure that patrons drink responsibly.
Bluestorians - our folks behind the mixer panel are much more than "sound guys" - they have worked with many notable performers over the years and definitely qualify as blues historians. Got a question about the blues? Talk to our folks. They may have the
answer and possibly an interesting story to go along with it.
Entertainment
Featuring live music 7 nights a week - we are only closed on Christmas Eve/Day. We typically
showcase two bands everyday at 7ish and 9ish (except Sunday).
Free Pizza on Sundays. We open earlier than normal on Sundays starting at 4ish.
We have complimentary pizza from "A Slice of New York" (METRO's Best Of readers choice for
Best Pizza and Best New Restaurant awards!) It's real New York pizza! So if you're
hungering for the blues-or just hungry-come on down. The first band will perform
around 5-ish and we continue our classic blues Sunday with the second band starting at 9pm.
Jam nights on Monday and Tuesday. Continuing the tradition of community
involvement we invite amateurs and professionals alike to participate in our weekly
jam sessions. The house band plays the first set with a signup for jammers. Three jam
sessions for the evening are arranged by the house band leader. Many notable blues
artists of today had their humble beginnings at JJ's jam sessions - the next generation
of blues artists is incubating here at the jam sessions - come experience the artistry
or get brave and participate. You'll find a supportive group of musicians and patrons.
We're not the Gong show or Star Search - we're here to support and assist those willing
to play.
Acoustic show at 7pm on Wednesday. A special weekly feature is the acoustic
blues oriented first show at 7pm. Experience the intimacy and individual talent of the acoustic artists. After the acoustic respite we resume the hard driving amplified blues with the second show
starting at 9ish. However, occasionally we continue the acoustic performance into the evening
when notable acts are available.
Unsigned bands and Special Guests on Thursdays. Many excellent bands working
to establish themselves here in the South Bay or touring acts in the area are featured
on the Thursday shows. An excellent chance to see (future) weekend performers without
the weekend crowds!
Name acts on Fridays and Saturdays. We continue the JJ's tradition of bringing the best blues talent for the weekend shows. Our modest cover charge is quite a bargain
when considering the costs involved seeing the same show anywhere else in the Bay area.
We invite you to come out for the show, support your local blues musicians and venue and above all, enjoy!
In addition to all the music we have a cozy dance floor in the front, a pool table in
the back and a white board available for your creative, artistic expression. A special treat
for all pianists is our vintage 1877 upright grand Steinway piano which you are welcome to
play during intermissions.