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.
August 10, Noon-6 PM
7300 block of S. Paxton (Original HPJF BAJ Location)
Noon Jazz In The Alley Legend DJs
DJ Sweet Emma and JT - Photo by Marc Monaghan
Lil Mike (Evans) - Photo by Marc Monaghan
2:30 PM Camila
Camila - Photo Courtesy of the Artist
4 PM DJ Duane Powell
DJ Duane Powell - Phot by Seed Lynn
September 1, Noon-7 PM
7200 block of S. Luella
4 PM Meagan McNeal
Meagan McNeal - Photo Courtesy of the Artist
August 24, Noon-7 PM
7400 block of S. Oglesby
2 PM Fredi Taylor & Nu Source
Fredi Taylor & Nu Source - Photo Courtesy of the Artist
3:45 PM Marqueal Jordan & The Wachezaji -
(Wachezaji is Swahili for The Players and is pronounced WAH-CHA-ZA-GEE)
Marqueal Jordan & The Wachezaji - Photo Courtesy of the Artist
September 7, Noon-6 PM
77th & King Dr.
Noon DJ Guilt
DJ Guilt
2 PM Chise Up
Chise Up
3 PM Simone Green
Simone Green Photo Courtesy of the Artist
4:30 PM Reginald T. McCants
Reginald T. McCants
5:30 PM Harold Dawson
Harold Dawson
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. August 10th location will have a port-o-let available.
Please take your trash with you or dispose in a receptacle.
2024 Back Alley Jazz
Back Alley Jazz will continues to be produced as a collaborative neighborhood initiative but in an extended format. The model for 2024 shifts its approach to include August-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 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
past BACK ALLEY JAZZ events
2023 Back Alley Jazz
back alley jazz 2022
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