Jack's Side Pocket Story

Unearthing Madison’s mid-90s music scene through rare, smoky bar performances and unforgettable jams.

A grainy, nostalgic photo of a mid-90s Madison bar stage with a band playing under dim, warm lights.
A grainy, nostalgic photo of a mid-90s Madison bar stage with a band playing under dim, warm lights.

150+

15

Local Legends

Rare Finds

A grainy, warm-toned still of a smoky bar stage with a guitarist mid-solo, capturing the raw energy of a mid-90s Madison jam session.
A grainy, warm-toned still of a smoky bar stage with a guitarist mid-solo, capturing the raw energy of a mid-90s Madison jam session.

Gallery

Snapshots from Madison’s mid-90s music scene

Close-up of a vintage microphone with a blurred crowd in the background, evoking the intimate vibe of public-access shows.
Close-up of a vintage microphone with a blurred crowd in the background, evoking the intimate vibe of public-access shows.
A candid shot of the Ray Johnson Band tuning up backstage, instruments and cables scattered around.
A candid shot of the Ray Johnson Band tuning up backstage, instruments and cables scattered around.
Merl Saunders playing keyboard with intense focus, bathed in soft, colorful stage lights.
Merl Saunders playing keyboard with intense focus, bathed in soft, colorful stage lights.
The Moon Gypsies performing under a low-hanging spotlight, their faces animated with passion.
The Moon Gypsies performing under a low-hanging spotlight, their faces animated with passion.
A wide shot of a smoky bar filled with an eager crowd, hands raised, lost in the music’s magic.
A wide shot of a smoky bar filled with an eager crowd, hands raised, lost in the music’s magic.

Jack's Side Pocket brought back memories of smoky nights and unforgettable jams in Madison's vibrant music scene.

Sam T.

A nostalgic black-and-white photo of a mid-90s Madison bar stage with a band playing under dim lights.
A nostalgic black-and-white photo of a mid-90s Madison bar stage with a band playing under dim lights.

★★★★★