Isaiah Spencer at Hamilton Park & Cultural Center

The 26th Annual Englewood Jazz Festival, presented by Live the Spirit Residency, returns to Chicago’s historic Hamilton Park, expanding to five nights this year on September 16–20, 2025, marking a powerful milestone in American music: the 60th Anniversary of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). All events are FREE. 

With his edgy style and innovative beats, Chicago native Isaiah Spencer has built a strong reputation as a jazz and blues drummer both nationally and internationally. He has performed at major festivals such as the Chicago Jazz and Blues Festivals, Blues on the Fox, and international events including Montreux, Red Sea, Sons D’Hiver, and Umbria Jazz Festivals. Spencer has shared the stage with legends like Fred Anderson, Roy Hargrove, Cyrus Chestnut, and Donald Harrison. His sound has been described as “propulsive” and “incendiary” by Chicago Tribune critic Howard Reich and “fiery” by culture writer Chris Searle. A lifelong musician, Isaiah began playing drums in church in third grade and joined his school band by fifth. He studied in the MERIT program, played in Lincoln Park High School’s concert and jazz bands, and trained under respected educators such as Dr. Curtis Prince, Dana Hall, Ernie Adams, and Ronald Carter. He continued his studies at Roosevelt University and with masters like Ralph Peterson Jr. and Hamid Drake. Active since 1998, Isaiah has performed with blues greats Buddy Guy and Pine Top Perkins, jazz icons like Wynton Marsalis and Clark Terry, and creative music leaders such as Nicole Mitchell and Vijay Iyer. He also tours with William Parker and Cyrus Chestnut. In addition to performing, Isaiah mentors youth through his drum camp program and volunteers to teach how music can uplift and empower. He currently serves as assistant band director and percussion teacher at New Trier High School.