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Back Alley Jazz – Hyde Park Jazz Festival
September 9 @ 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm CDT
Back Alley Jazz – Hyde Park Jazz Festival
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 6, 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)
August 12, 2PM-6PM
Universal Alley Jazz Jam (6916 S. Bennett)
Lineup TBA
September 3, Noon-6PM
7200 block of S. Luella
Evy Farai
Alysha Monique & The Family Divine
September 9, 2PM-6PM
7700 block of S. King Dr./Vernon (Greater Grand Crossing Neighborhood)
Reginald McCants
Chise Up
Sam Thousand
Freddie Old Soul & _stepchild
What to Expect
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Bring your own picnic as food vendors are unlikely.
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Street parking is available nearby each location.
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Bring your own beverages. We strongly recommend bringing water.
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It can be hot and shady seating areas may be limited. Please plan accordingly with sunscreen, hats, etc.
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All events are FREE.
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Bring your own chair and/or blanket.
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Most locations will not have public restrooms. July 15th location will have a portlet available.
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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!