Back Alley Jazz is inspired by the original jazz alley jams that took place in various locations on the South Side in the 1960s and 70s, and which still continue today in different forms like the annual Universal Alley Jazz Jam. The project creates a contemporary neighborhood happening that animates, builds on, and celebrates Chicago’s history and continuum of culture and art in communities.
Back Alley Jazz 2021
Recommendations for Attendees:
Bring your own chairs, umbrellas, water, etc—whatever you need to make yourself comfortable!
Walking, biking, and public transportation is highly encouraged.
Please be respectful of resident yards, and park on main and/or numbered streets when at all possible.
Masks are highly recommended for those who are not vaccinated or immuno-compromised.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Schedule & line-up
PARTNER EVENT
Universal Alley Jazz Jam
3-7pm
1809 E. 71st St.
This annual series is the direct descendant of the original Jazz in the Alley performances of the 1960’s & 70’s. On Saturday, August 7, they’ll have performances & vendors throughout the afternoon. Join them for one more Jam in 2021 on August 28, and follow them on social media throughout the year!
Supported by
PARTNER EVENT
Ladies & Gentlemen of Jazz
10:30-4:30pm
Museum of Science & Industry, Smart Garden
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive.
The Ladies and Gentlemen of Jazz are a group of DJs and record spinners who were part of Chicago's original Jazz in the Alley events from the 50s through the 70s. For this event they’ll be spinning vinyl from their collections in the Museum of Science & Industry’s Smart Garden all day long.
Photo by Marc Monaghan
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS AT BACK ALLEY JAZZ
South Shore Hospital will be on site at St. Philip Neri Church (2132 E 72nd St.) from 11am-3pm during Back Alley Jazz. Vaccines are free, and walk ups are welcome, no registration necessary.
If 20 or more register to receive a vaccine on site at Back Alley Jazz, the City of Chicago will provide a vaccine tent at The Quarry (2423 E 75th St) between 10am-4pm. Please use this link or QR code if you would like to sign up to be vaccinated on site at this program.
In partnership with
South Shore Residents &
With funding from
A Grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events with Funding from The Walder Foundation
The Oppenheimer Family Fund
BACK ALLEY JAZZ 2020
back alley jazz 2019
Back alley jazz 2018
Case Study from 2018:
additional resources about the jazz alley jams tradition:
“The photographs in this exhibit document an event spanning over ten years, in one place, an alley on the south side of Chicago.
Every Sunday the alley between St.Lawrence and Champlain hosted a battle....a Jazz battle, in Pop’s garage. DJs dueled to the sounds of Jimmy Smith, Lester Young, and Gene Ammons while people young and old grooved to the vibe that made everyone feel as one.
I was introduced to “The Alley” by Jimmy Ellis (photograph right by Jimmy Ellis) who hosted a live jam session in the garage once a month. Jimmy also introduced me to photography. This exhibit showcases some of the many photos that Jimmy and I took at the “Sunday Afternoon Jazz Set” as it was formally known.
This project is dedicated to all who have come and gone and contributed to the beauty every Sunday afternoon. ”
“Portrait of a Chicago Community 1966-1976” FROM THE MUSEUM OF PUBLIC ART
the alley lp: audio interviews from the smart museum
“SUNSHINE BLUE SKIES SATURDAY’S, BRING YOUR CHAIRS, KICK BACK AND ENJOY THE ‘JAZZICAL SOUNDS’ COMING FROM THE SOUTH SIDE WITH LOVE, ON THE PLAZA. PARKING ON THE STREET OR ACROSS THE STREET IN THE LOT.”
“WE APPROACHED THESE TOPICS NOT IN ORDER TO ASCERTAIN ALL THE FACTS ABOUT THE ALLEY’S DIFFERENT MANIFESTATIONS—A WORTHY GOAL, BUT BEYOND OUR SCOPE—BUT IN ORDER TO GATHER AND TELL WHAT STORIES WE COULD IN THE SPIRIT OF INTERGENERATIONAL SHARING AND BREAD-BREAKING.”
UNIVERSAL ALLEY JAZZ JAM summer 2019