Algoma Jazz Collective Presents

Back at the Chicken Shack

Wednesday Dec 16, 2026

7:00 pm - THE LOFT

Tickets: $20 (all fees included)

This is an Algoma Conservatory faculty and student presentation

Celebrating the Music of Jimmy Smith

Get ready for an evening of soulful grooves, infectious rhythms, and swinging jazz as the Algoma Jazz Collective celebrates the music of legendary Hammond B3 organist Jimmy Smith and his classic album Back at the Chicken Shack.

The Algoma Jazz Collective brings together talented jazz musicians from Sault Ste. Marie for a unique musical experience built around collaboration, learning, and a shared love of jazz. The group meets weekly over a three-month period to explore a particular artist, album, or style of jazz, developing the music together before presenting it in a live concert for the community.

More than just a performing group, the Collective is an opportunity for local musicians to challenge themselves, discover new music, exchange ideas, and grow as players. Each concert is the culmination of months of musical exploration, rehearsal, and creative collaboration, giving audiences a chance to experience the results of that journey.

The Music: Back at the Chicken Shack

For this concert, the Collective dives into the unmistakable sound of Jimmy Smith, one of the most influential figures in jazz organ history.

Smith revolutionized the role of the Hammond B3 organ in jazz, blending blues, bebop, gospel, and rhythm and blues into a powerful, instantly recognizable sound. His playing helped define the soul-jazz movement and inspired generations of jazz, blues, funk, and rock musicians.

Recorded in 1960 and released by Blue Note Records in 1963, Back at the Chicken Shack is one of Smith's most celebrated albums. Featuring the remarkable Stanley Turrentine on tenor saxophone, Kenny Burrell on guitar, and Donald Bailey on drums, the album is a masterclass in groove, musical conversation, and the art of making sophisticated jazz feel effortless.

From the irresistible blues of the title track to the laid-back swing and soulful interplay throughout the recording, the music is full of warmth, personality, and energy.

The Algoma Jazz Collective brings its own interpretation to this timeless material, exploring the rich harmonies, deep grooves, and spontaneous improvisation that make this music so enduring.

Local Musicians. Shared Passion. Live Jazz.

At the heart of the Algoma Jazz Collective is a simple idea: bring musicians together to learn, explore, and share great jazz with the Sault Ste. Marie community.

Featuring a group of dedicated local musicians on saxophone, keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums, this performance highlights the collaborative spirit of jazz. Each musician brings their own musical voice and experience to the project, creating a fresh take on this classic repertoire.

Whether you're a longtime jazz enthusiast, a fan of blues and soul, or simply curious about live jazz, this concert is a chance to hear some of Sault Ste. Marie's local musical talent celebrate one of jazz's great recordings.

Come experience the groove, the improvisation, and the joy of live jazz — right here in the Sault.