We invite Illinoisans to document their story for the Nation's 250th.

Louis Armstrong: The Hot Fives and Hot Sevens

A Road Scholar Program by John Cooper

When

Oct 8, 2026
3:30pm–4:30pm

Where

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
301 N Neil St
Champaign, IL 61820

Cost

Free.

This presentation explores the musical recordings Louis Armstrong made as leader between 1925 and 1928 while living in Chicago.

This interactive presentation includes Canva slides and other projected media to help contextualize this foundational period in the development of jazz.

John plays actual period instruments during the presentation allowing the audience to gain further understanding of the special nuances relating to Armstrong’s performance.

This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact Jenelle Orcherton at cujazzfest@gmail.com.

Learn more about John Cooper, this program, and how to book it here.

Venue Parking and Accessibility

Parking is available on Hill Street Parking Deck, 123 W Hill St, with entrances/exits on Hill and Randolph Streets. The cost is $0.75 per hour, Monday through Friday ($9.75 daytime maximum). Credit and debit cards are accepted 24/7 at the exit gates.

Additional transportation/parking options are available in downtown Champaign. There are metered spaces and other parking lots with some free parking on some nearby side streets.
Nearly all bus routes have stops at or near the building.

Host Organization

Music Defying Boundaries

Contact

Suite 650, 125 South Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60603

312.422.5580 312.374.6787 Fax

info@ilhumanities.org

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Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

Illinois Humanities respects the privacy of its audiences and will at no time sell or distribute personal information to any party not directly affiliated with Illinois Humanities and its programs.

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, our partnering organizations, or our funders.