How to watch the award-winning Tuxedo Junction documentary for free, January 18

In 2024, local filmmakers Katie Rogers and Brandon McCray debuted their new documentary, Tuxedo Junction: The Almost Lost Story, at the 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival. The award-winning documentary tells the story of Tuxedo Junction, a popular entertainment hub for Birmingham’s black community in the early-to-mid 20th century, immortalized in music by Erskine Hawkin’s song of the same name.

On Sunday, January 18, the Birmingham Historical Society is hosting a special free screening of the documentary at the Virginia Samford Theatre, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and live jazz performances from musicians featured in the film.

About Tuxedo Junction, Birmingham’s hub for jazz, blues and nightlife

Popularized by the Erskine Hawkins tune of the same name—which was famously covered by Glenn Miller—Tuxedo Junction was a popular social hub and entertainment destination for Birmingham’s black community in the 1920s and 1930s. 

Located near the intersection of Ensley Avenue and 20th Street in Ensley, Tuxedo Junction was made up of dozens of juke joints, concert halls, dance halls and more. Today, the Belcher-Nixon building at 1726 20th Street Ensley is the only standing structure from the old entertainment district.

See Tuxedo Junction: The Almost Lost Story at the Virginia Samford Theatre

In 2024, local filmmakers Katie Rogers and Brandon McCray teamed up to help tell the story of Tuxedo Junction. The documentary debuted at Sidewalk Film Festival in 2024, where it won the Audience Award for Best Alabama Film. Tuxedo Junction: The Almost Lost Story also won the Audience Choice Award for Feature Documentary and the Alabama Feature Favorite at the Fairhope Film Festival in November 2025.

Synopsis: In the 1920s and 30s, Ensley, Alabama was home to a spot named Tuxedo Junction. It was there that the Black community gathered to dance, eat, shop and listen to the great all-Black jazz bands. Local legend Erskine Hawkins’ song “Tuxedo Junction” paid homage to the venue, and the song was even covered by the famous Glenn Miller Band. Now, the building is in disrepair, the heritage sign marking the site is missing and most locals are unaware of this landmark’s rich history and impact on the history of music in America. 

• What: A FREE screening of Tuxedo Junction: The Almost Lost Story
• When: Sunday, January 18 | 2PM to 5PM
• Where: Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Tickets: Register online

After the screening of the documentary (52 minutes), stick around for a Q&A with filmmakers Katie Rogers and Brandon McCray; a book signing with Burgin Matthews, author of Tuxedo Junction; and drinks and live jazz by Jose Carr, Bo Berry and friends who are featured in the documentary.

Have you seen Tuxedo Junction: The Almost Lost Story? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!