Edmonton Jazz Alley is back

Find yourself in the music every Thursday

Audrey Ochoa performed a solo during the Jazz Alley Series Kickoff. | Rebekah Brunham

LISTEN: Audrey Ochoa’s performance in the Jazz Alley.

The Jazz Alley Series yearly event is officially in full swing! Presented by Arts on the Ave, up-and-coming artists are hitting the alleyway to showcase the jazz music scene that has defined Edmonton. Hosted in the alley near The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse, the event offers live music, a bar, and snacks offered every Thursday night for the summer.

“Not only is it jazz, it’s Edmonton,” says Arts on the Ave Director Christy Morin. Featured artists have started out on the streets of Edmonton or have attended MacEwan University’s Performance program.

“Jazz Alley in Alberta Avenue is something that we dreamt of six years ago, as we really wanted to feel that New Orleans vibe that you feel when you're on vacation. So, the people in the community didn't have to travel to Maryland or to Europe. They could feel it right in their neighbourhood," says Morin.

This is the perfect opportunity for live music and jazz music lovers to immerse themselves in the music. Different local artists play every week in trios and quartets throughout the remainder of the summer. The Carrot posts the featured artist for that week on their Goings-On page.

The Jazz Alley Series is hosted on 9319 - 118th Avenue: also called Jazz Alley. | Rebekah Brunham

“We can sometimes find ourselves in music. But first, we have to lose ourselves,” says Community Arts Coordinator Peter Chapman. “And that's exactly what jazz does to us. We kind of get lost in the music a little bit, and then hopefully we come out the other side finding it.”

“I just like this idea that you find music anywhere, hidden around corners. It's like a jazz secret garden,” adds Audrey Ochoa, Edmonton jazz artist. “Lots of venues have their people, but an alley is for everyone.” Ochoa has played at Kaleido Family Arts Festival and Jazz Alley over the past few years. She’s scheduled to perform on August 15.

Jazz Alley features art by local artists on the walls and on the street leading to the stage of the venue. Jill Thomson has created the murals placed on the wall. Edwin Aquino has painted the walkway of the alley and created a rhythmic pattern to it.

“We're sort of lucky and almost a little bit spoiled to be able to have this richness of music. The Edmonton artists in Jazz Alley are sensational and they're a real range of jazz as well,” Morin says. “Each artist brings a different form of jazz with them.”

Jazz Alley costs $10 per ticket, but if some people are not able to afford that, the event encourages attendees to donate what they can or ask about the scholarships available. The evenings offer wine, beer, bratwurst, and snacks. There are also veggie and halal options available.

Local artists can keep an eye out on the Carrot’s website for Jazz artist call-outs or sign-ups.  Chapman says, “Artists want to play, and artists want to be heard. And of course we want to celebrate that.” 

You can buy tickets on the Carrot’s website or by paying at the door. To access the scholarships contact the Carrot at (780) 471-1580.