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, including the annual Universal Alley Jazz Jam. The project creates a contemporary neighborhood “happening” that animates, builds on, and celebrates Chicago’s history and the continuum of culture and art within communities. See below for the schedule and information on what to bring other FAQs.
2023 Schedule
July 15, Noon-6PM
7300 block of S. Paxton (Original HPJF BAJ Location)
Thaddeus Tukes Quintet (1 pm - 2:15 pm)
Isaiah Spencer Quartet (3pm - 4:15 pm)
Duane Powell (4:30 pm - 6 pm)
July 29, Noon-6PM
7400 block of S. Oglesby
Fredi & Nu Source (1:30 pm - 3 pm)
Alexander/McLean Duo (3:30 pm - 5 pm)
August 5, 2PM-6PM
Universal Alley Jazz Jam (6916 S. Bennett)
Chris Christmas Band + More
August 12, 2PM-6PM
Universal Alley Jazz Jam (6916 S. Bennett)
Lineup TBA
August 20, 2PM-5PM
Hasan Park (6855 S. Oglesby)
Alexander/McLean Duo (2 pm - 2:45 pm)
Maggie Brown and Friends (3 pm - 3:45 pm)
Ari Brown Trio (4 pm - 4:45 pm)
September 3, 2pm-6PM
7200 block of S. Luella
Evy Farai (2 pm - 3:30 pm)
Alysha Monique & The Family Divine (4:15 pm - 5:45 pm)
September 9, 2PM-6PM
7700 block of S. King Dr./Vernon (Greater Grand Crossing Neighborhood)
Freddie Old Soul & _stepchild (2 pm - 2:30 pm)
Sam Thousand (2:45 pm - 3:30 pm)
Chise Up (4 pm - 4:45 pm)
Reginald McCants (5 pm - 6 pm )
What to Expect
Bring your own picnic as food vendors are unlikely.
Street parking is available nearby each location.
Bring your own beverages. We strongly recommend bringing water.
It can be hot and shady seating areas may be limited. Please plan accordingly with sunscreen, hats etc.
All events are FREE.
Bring your own chair and/or blanket.
Most locations will not have public restrooms. July 15th location will have a portlet available.
Please take your trash with you or dispose in a receptacle.
2023 Back Alley Jazz
After 5 amazing years of co-producing Back Alley Jazz with residents of South Shore, the Hyde Park Jazz Festival (HPJF) and its neighborhood partners convened for a series of conversations to consider how best to sustain the dynamic energy and community engagement that propelled Back Alley Jazz to become a local annual event. This year will be an important year for creating a sustainable model which balances the administrative and creative support HPJF provides with increased levels of neighborhood commitment as co-producers.
Back Alley Jazz will continue to be produced as a collaborative neighborhood initiative but in an extended format. The model for 2023 shifts its approach to include June-September pop-up performances across South Shore that connect to existing block club events in the area. Neighborhood groups will provide the performance location and serve as hosts. The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will provide a stage, sound equipment, and tech support, and help program and cover the costs of each band. Each Block Club is welcoming you to their block so please reach out and say hello!
In partnership with
South Shore Residents
The project is funded in part by
Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events Neighborhood Access Program and the National Endowment for the Arts
past BACK ALLEY JAZZ events
2022 Back Alley Jazz
BACK ALLEY JAZZ 2021
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 Saturdays, bring your chairs, kick back and enjoy the “jazzical sounds” coming from the South Side with love, on the plaza.”
“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