Classic jazz music lives on in DeKalb every Wednesday night.

The House, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, hosts weekly jazz jam sessions that draw in students and local residents.

Robert Collazo, a junior music education and jazz studies major, has played at the jazz jams since he started attending NIU.

“It’s a good chance to play and do what you want,” Collazo said. “And if someone’s kicking your butt in the jam, you just want to play better.”

-The music usually consists of jazz standards and frequent improvisation. About 15 musicians play each week, but the number varies because people come and go.

The sessions start at about 9:30 p.m. and end at midnight. Sessions usually are free.

NIU faculty members attend the sessions as well. Fareed Haque, an NIU professor of jazz and classical studies, regularly jams with the group.

Matthew Clark, who calls himself the “good vibes generator” at The House, handles bookings.

“The NIU jazz program is very supportive of this venue,” Clark said. “It is a nice place to play.”

Erich Havel, night manager at the House, said he enjoys the Wednesday night jazz jams.

“This brings in the younger crowd, and music is very high-energy,” Havel said.

Nick Fryer is a second-year graduate student with an emphasis in jazz studies. Referred to by Clark as the “brother like no other,” he plays at The House about once a month.

“It’s a good way for young people to get real experience,” Fryer said. “Everyone digs it. People come out to see their friends on stage.”

Clark said 30 to 100 people come out each Wednesday night to see the musicians play.

Kristen Scheurich, a sophomore English education major, has seen the jazz jams about 12 times.

“They get better every time they play,” she said.

Players at the jam are more than fantastic — they’re “fantabulous,” Scheurich said.