On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, a historical marker was dedicated to legendary, Indianapolis jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery on what would have been his 101st birthday. The ceremony featured speakers, a musical dedication performance, and the unveiling of the historical marker.

A quarter century on the music scene in Indianapolis, Indy Jazz Fest 2023 presented a lineup of concerts across two weeks in late September with a diversity of international, national, and regional performers, various venues across our city, and offering the many threads of jazz from BeBop to Latin jazz to touches of soul and even rock.

Jazz guitarist Russell Malone and the acclaimed Indianapolis Jazz Collective played to a packed house at The Jazz Kitchen as Indy Jazz Fest heads into its final performances, culminating in the grand finale at TCU Amphitheater on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

YOU make the music happen through your financial support. Whether it’s ticket purchases or a donation or both, Indianapolis Jazz Foundation couldn’t do what we do without YOU.

IJF invites your support for 2023 and is pleased to announce a generous matching challenge gift…

The Indianapolis Jazz Collective featuring guitarist Bobby Broom celebrated the 100th year of Wes Montgomery at the Indianapolis Jazz Foundations’ second concert in their Jazz At The Center series at the Indianapolis Art Center on July 20, 2023.

The internationally recognized Broom is a jazz guitarist, composer, and educator who, at 16, began playing with Sonny Rollins and was one of the few guitarists who played with Art Blakey and the Messengers…

On Thursday, June 22nd, The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation was pleased to host a new educational program. In partnership with OneAmerica, the event offered an important educational opportunity for a diverse group of motivated Indianapolis students.

OneAmerica’s Community Pathways Program is a paid, part-time opportunity for high school graduates that offers one-on-one mentoring and skills training for career success. Students who participate in the program show strong work ethics and are nominated to be part of it. The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation supports these efforts to connect educational opportunities that promote exposing the city’s youth to jazz music and music careers.

In this year of what would have been Wes Montgomery’s 100th birthday, the collaborative program In Our Own Sweet Way: Honoring the Artistic Legacy of Wes Montgomery was presented at The Cabaret by Links Creative Alliance, Inc. in partnership with The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation on May 13, 2023.   

Congratulations are in order for Dr. Everett Greene & Dr. Rev. Marvin Chandler!

The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation is proud to celebrate our musical legacy. The accomplishments of two Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame musicians were recently recognized.

This unique all-ages concert experience combined the live performance of Premium Blend’s new album combined with a creative arts video projection.

Local jazz super group Premium Blend lead by Jared Thompson performed their new album “Virtue” on Friday April 21st. The performance was presented by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation along with Elsewhere Digital Art Gallery, Boogie The Brand, Ganggang Culture, and From The 317. This premier event was held at the planetarium and the group played to two sold out crowds!

School started off with a musical bang on Friday, April 14 for the 360 students at Christ the King School in Indianapolis. The first through eighth-grade students assembled in the gymnasium for a special surprise to start their day. Principle Ed Seib introduced Rob Dixon and his quintet from the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. Dixon said, “We’ll play first, and then we’ll talk,” and immediately played a long riff on his soprano sax, captivating every eye and ear in the room.

From The 317 - Collaborative Recording Sessions

From The 317 is a project led by IJF Artistic Director Rob Dixon. Indiana artists have been collaborating in the studio. They have had several recording sessions throughout April and continue to work on the new album. Jazz fans following this project are anxiously awaiting the album release which is coming soon!

New Album Coming soon!

From The 317 is working on some exciting recordings that you won’t want to miss. The project, led by IJF Artistic Director Rob Dixon, combines a core band with several featured artists.T hese local and regional jazz musicians are some of the best in the Midwest and have been collaborating in the studio. They had a recording session over the weekend of March 18-19 and continue to work on some upcoming releases.

Celebrating the Legacy of Wes Montgomery

In this year that would mark Wes Montgomery’s 100th birthday, the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the legacy and talents of Wes Montgomery.