Today’s the Day! Indy Jazz Fest is finally here!
The Ultimate Jazz Celebration: 10 Days Until the Grand Finale
The Indy Jazz Fest kicks off today with The Sunset Series which will feature an eclectic mix of established local standouts, national jazz standard bearers and true iconoclasts, leading up to the Grand Finale featuring Chaka Khan, Marcus Miller, Steve Allee and Michael Franks at the Everwise Amphitheater at River White State Park, on September 28.
10-time GRAMMY Award-winning superstar Chaka Khan is a cultural icon, with her distinctive voice and style influencing generations all over the world. Marcus Miller has been referred to as one of the most significant bass players in jazz, R&B, fusion, and soul, and he has a distinctive style of funk, groove, soul, and pure technical skills.
Smooth jazz Michael Franks is considered a leader of the quiet storm movement, known for his string of hits, including “Popsicle Toes", and "Antonio's Song.” “The Lady Wants to Know” and many others. Indianapolis-based Steve Allee is one of Indy’s legendary piano forces, and for Indy Jazz Fest ‘24, he will reconvene his chart-topping contemporary band for this special occasion.
The Sunset Series features a wide range of extraordinary talent appearing over the next 12 days in venues all over town. Tonight, starting at 6:30 p.m., jazz and soul diva Kandace Springs will step on the stage of The Jazz Kitchen.
Kandace has been described as having a “voice that could melt snow” by Prince. She appears tonight in support of her newest release, “Run your Race.
On September 18, trumpeter, vocalist, and composer Bria Skonberg will be unveiling her newest project “What it Means.” Bria has been described as one of the “most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” by the Wall Street Journal.
On September 19, multi-GRAMMY Winner and Latin GRAMMY Award-winning Aymée Nuviola will perform, embodying an electric blend of musical genres with a sound highly influenced by the Jazz, Bossa Nova, Cuban Son, Bolero, Fílin, Classical, and American genres.
On September 20, 3x GRAMMY nominated Lakecia Benjamin to take the stage after recently releasing her first ‘live studio’ album, “Phoenix Reimagined.” Lakecia’s music offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk.
On Saturday, September 21, GRAMMY award-winning poet and bassist Malcolm-Jamal Warner will perform at the Cabaret, accompanied by Landon Anderson on drums, Rodney Edge on keyboard, Dashill Smith on horn and vocals, Isaac Thompson on guitar, and renowned actress and vocalist Saycon Sengbloh.
That same night at The Jazz Kitchen, Naptown Sound will be hosting an all-star tribute to Indianapolis jazz legend Freddie Hubbard, featuring 7 bands with more than 50 performers, a true Indy All-Star jam.
One of Chicago’s most thrilling young trumpeters, and internationally renowned musician, composer and bandleader, Marquis Hill will close out the first week of Indy Jazz Fest on September 22.
The second week of the Sunset Series hosts a tribute to Indianapolis native trombonist JJ Johnson, featuring trombonist Steve Turre and the Indianapolis Jazz Collective. Turre was passed the jazz torch early in his career by some of the music's greatest masters. Either with his own touring band or as a resident trombonist with the Saturday Night Live band, Turre is a consummate keeper of the "jazz torch."
As the Sunset Series reaches its final day on September 27, MonoNeon, an artist who has ridiculous chops, an endless supply of creativity, and a relatable philosophy that is as enriching as it is educational, will take the stage with his unparalleled artistry and infectious energy, bringing an unforgettable close to this remarkable lineup.
Don’t miss out on this jazz extravaganza! Buy your tickets today to celebrate the talented and renowned lineup of Indy Jazz Fest 2024!
