Pavel & Direct Contact Close Out Jazz at the Center Concert Series with a Latin Dance Party
Thanks to everyone who attended the Jazz at the Center concerts this summer.
Indy Jazz Fest and the Indianapolis Art Center summer concert series “Jazz at the Center” wrapped up the season with the third and final concert featuring the effervescent Latin jazz of Pavel & Direct Contact on August 17, 2023.
Led by Internationally known Dominican pianist and Chicago Music Awards Nominee, Pavel Polanco-Safadit, Direct Contact brought an unforgettable experience of Latin Jazz, Salsa, and Latin-infused American pop songs to the outside terrace of the Art Center.
The group features Leah Crane (vocals), the horn section of Rob Dixon (sax), David Allee (trumpet), and Freddie Mendoza (trombone), along with Steve Dokken (bass), Gerardo Becerra (congas) and Matt McGraw (drums). Also featured this night was soul vocalist Staci McCrackin, who performed two exquisite numbers that brought the audience to their feet with applause.
Impromptu Conga Line
It was a beautiful night despite a brief intermission for an errant rain that did not dampen the evening or the enthusiasm of the crowd. Closing the evening, an impromptu conga line formed and wrapped around the audience for the final jubilant encore.
As announced by both sponsoring organizations, the concert series continues to be a resounding success, with plans to return again for the summer of 2024.
*Photographer Mark Sheldon is on the Board of Directors of The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and chairs its Legacy Committee.
Pavel ©2023 Mark Sheldon
