Kenny Dorham's Backyard

Bring a blanket, Bring a friend and
 Spend an evening under the stars

Donald "Duck" Jennings

Clarence Pierce

Claudia Williams

St. James Baptist Choir

Named for the legendary jazz trumpeter and East Austinite, Kenny Dorham’s Backyard is DiverseArts’ outdoor music venue, located in the heart of the historic East End cultural district, just down the street from Kenny Dorham’s last home in Austin.

 Home to the Austin Jazz and Arts Fest, East End Summer Music Series, SoulFest, and the Backyard Blues Series, the bulk of the live music programming honors the traditional African American music community- jazz, blues, rhythm and blues and gospel- once anchored along East 11th Street in classic venues such as the Victory Grill and Charlie’s Playhouse.

DiverseArts uses this space to pursue our mission of presenting multidisciplinary, multicultural events and activities which mirror the face of contemporary Austin.

Remember, kids 12 and under get in free to all events and we also provide family discounts.