Grand Finale – Indy Jazz Fest 2024
Indy Jazz Fest wrapped up their festival in style with their Grand Finale at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park on September 28, 2024. With four main performances, I have to believe most were there to see Chaka Khan as the night's headliner, but all the acts were stellar on the last night to close out Fest.
Chaka Khan is a 10-time GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist, and with her band, she had the audience on their feet throughout most of her concert. There was so much love from her fans as she performed many of her hits plus the mega-hit "I'm Every Woman" – a tune known by all as her fans would expect and appreciated.
Marcus Miller brought the funk and groove to the stage on bass along with his band of Russell Gunn on trumpet, Donald Hayes on sax, Xavier Gordon on keys, and a drummer's name I didn't catch. Miller played at one time with Miles Davis, and he shared the story of when Miles was featured in Miller's original tune, "Mr. Pastorius," which was a highlight of the night for me. Miller had the place rocking as the crowd ramped up for Chaka Kahn to follow.
Michael Franks had his own fan following. The 80-year-old sang many of his hits, including the popular and unforgettable "Popsicle Toes," which was originally released in 1976 but still had the crowd crooning for more.
Steve Allee & The Magic Hour Band opened up the festival and set the tone for a night of fabulous music. This band was our own representation of the amazingly talented musicians we have in Indy, with Rob Dixon on sax, Marlin McKay on trumpet, Richard "Sleepy" Floyd on drums, Jon Wood on bass, Shawn McGowan on keys, and led by Steve Allee on piano.
While Helene and some of the rain were still hanging around, she did not put a damper on the festivities. It was a wonderful night of amazing music from these 4 bands, closing out another great lineup over the past two weeks from Indy Jazz Fest! Congrats to Indy Jazz Fest.
All Photos ©2024 Mark Sheldon
For more on Indy Jazz Fest, go here: https://www.indyjazzfest.net/
For more of Mark Sheldon's photographs, go here: https://www.instagram.com/marksheldonpix/
*Photographer Mark Sheldon is on the Board of Directors of The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, which produces Indy Jazz Fest.
