Greg Johnson, saxophonist for the band Outgroove and one of the founders of JAZZjam, didn't always think he would be playing saxophone in a band.

"I actually hated the saxophone for a very long time," he said. "It was nothing I ever really thought about seriously until about midway through high school."

After being exposed to different recordings of saxophone players, Johnson said his interest was sparked. And this past April, Johnson competed in Columbia, S.C., as one of the five top jazz saxophonists younger than 26 in North America. Though the musicians were judged, Johnson said they did not feel there was a way to pick a winner.

"It's very hard to judge something like that," he said. "I was happy just to be in the top five."

Sunday night, Johnson will bring his saxophone to his final JAZZjam at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at SoZo's, 256 E. Beaver Ave., before he moves to Colorado to pursue his music education at the University of Northern Colorado.

When it was started in January 2007, JAZZjam provided an opportunity for veteran musicians and beginning jammers to get together in an alcohol and smoke-free environment.

SoZo's is an avenue for anyone wishing to participate in a jazz-centric jam session, SoZo director William Snyder, said.

The event usually starts with Outgroove playing a 30- to 40-minute set followed by a jam session led by the band. During this time, audience members rotate into the session as they are called up by Johnson, Snyder said.

The session, though it is focused on skill development, attracts people of all ages, from high school students who need an alcohol-free venue to showcase their musical talent, to people in their 50s and 60s, Snyder said.

"It's a really great learning environment," he said.

Johnson said JAZZjam was created out of necessity for a venue of its type in the borough of State College.

"There's a ton of bars around here, but there's no place without alcohol, and until a little while ago no place without smoking," Johnson said. "It's not a very good scene for younger people in the town."

George Malek, Class of 2007 and Outgroove's guitarist, said JAZZjam's a great outlet for people who want to play jazz, especially with someone as talented as Johnson.

"I can't think of another city where kids can come and play with someone like Greg," Malek said.