Michael Allemana

Michael Allemana serves as Director of the Jazz Ensemble at the University of Chicago's Department of Music. A native of Elmhurst, IL, he earned his B.M. in Jazz Performance from Northern Illinois University, Master's in Jazz Studies from Northwestern University, and Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Chicago in 2020.

His research focuses on the historical, spatial, and social contexts of Chicago's South Side jazz scene, particularly examining how racialized geography has shaped musical experiences. His dissertation, "'Will You Still Be Mine?': Memory, Place, Race and Jazz on Chicago's South Side," centers on Von Freeman's legendary South Side jam sessions.

As a performer, Allemana has an extensive career spanning decades, having played with jazz legends including Von Freeman (1997-2012), Charles Earland, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and George Freeman. His recent recording projects include "Vonology" (2021) and "Live at the Green Mill" (2017).

His notable awards include a Graduate Doctoral Fellowship in Ethnomusicology from the University of Chicago and a Dissertation Fellowship from the University of Chicago's Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture (2019).

• Graduate Doctoral Fellowship in Ethnomusicology from the University of Chicago
• Dissertation Fellowship from the University of Chicago's Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture (2019)

Allemana continues to bridge the worlds of academic research and professional performance, documenting and contributing to Chicago's rich jazz heritage through both scholarly work and active musical engagement.