Southside Jazz In the Alley Memories Inspire New Dance Program

WDCB’s Gary Zidek catches up with South Chicago Dance Theatre executive artistic director Kia S. Smith to talk about the company’s world premiere program, MEMOIRS OF JAZZ IN THE ALLEY.

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WDCB 90.9 FM · The Arts Section: Southside Tradition Inspires New Dance Program

Jazz, Chicago history and dance will come together in a program that’s making its world premiere at the Auditorium Theater this week. South Chicago Dance Theatre will present MEMOIRS OF JAZZ IN THE ALLEY.

South Chicago Dance Theatre executive artistic director Kia S. Smith

South Chicago Dance Theater executive artistic director Kia S. Smith was inspired by the jazz-flavored community gatherings that took place on the southisde of Chicago for around 10 years in the 60s and 70s. The weekly events that featured DJ battles and sometimes live music were called Jazz in the Alley. Smith’s dad, saxophonist and educator Jimmy Ellis was among the first musicians to get involved in the happenings that place around 50th & Champlain.

MEMOIRS OF JAZZ IN THE ALLEY will feature a mix dance styles, a jazz score performed live by Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few & video projections created by prolific Chicago scenic designer Rasean Davonté Johnson.

Dancer Mya Bryant. Photo credit: Michelle Reid

MEMOIRS OF JAZZ IN THE ALLEY will make its world premiere Saturday June 10 at the Auditorium Theatre. Go to auditoriumtheatre.org for more info.