Go by yourself. (Like, to Aretha's Jazz Cafe, for example.)

Tonight I went to Aretha's Jazz Cafe because on Sunday nights, they have a jazz jam.

There is no cover.

Parking is supposed to be free but I parked a block away.

Soda cost $3.75 and that includes the tip. The kitchen closes at 8:15 and you can get fries and wings and such.

The website explains the gist of the evening clearly:

Aretha's Jazz Cafe's Sunday evening education-themed jam has, for about a decade, served as Detroit’s hub for jazz musicians to learn their craft in a guided, safe, all-ages environment. Created and administered by Music Hall education director, Scott Gwinnell, jamming musicians of all ages are encouraged to use this experience to work on skills like collaboration, communication, improvisation, repertoire building, as well as to network and socialize with other musicians. Jamming musicians can choose to receive assistance from the house trio of jazz educators or to simply create their own experience without guidance. As important as the jam session is to jazz musicians, it is also very entertaining to an audience. With no cover charge, plethora of food and drink options, and three hours of music between 7-10pm on Sunday nights, listeners are also treated to an amalgam of groups from middle school students to professionals in various configurations. 

I was supposed to go with others, but one was sleepy, one is starting a new job tomorrow, and the other just didn't show.

Traveling by myself is not new--I spent a week in Italy last year by myself, I take regular day trips to New York, I sometimes am called to perform in Georgia...going places by myself is not an issue.

I hestitated here, though.

I needn't have worried.

Supportive musicians, decent time on stage, excellent piano is available, and the rotation allows for everyone to shine.

Go to jam sessions by yourself, even if you just pop in, have a soda, listen to a song, and leave.

It all counts. And your musicianship will thank you.