Space Jams: An Immersive Arts Community Concert
Held at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum Planetarium
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!
Premium Blend
Featured Musicians
Jared Thompson — saxophones
Steven Jones — keyboard
Ryan Taylor — guitar
Brandon Meeks — bass
Richard “Sleepy” Floyd — drums
Premium Blend jazz band leader, Jared Thompson, was a national recipient awarded a MAP Fund grant.
“The MAP Fund invests in performing artists and their work as the critical foundation of imagining and co-creating a more equitable and vibrant society.”
MAP Fund Announces $2.6 million to more than 300 Performance Artists Through Restructured Grant Application and Distribution Process
Awards Advance MAP’s Efforts to Counter Impacts of Pandemic and Persistent Inequitable Resource Distribution within the Performing Arts/Arts Philanthropy Community.
WFYI Article by Taylor Bennett:
Local musician brings special concert to children's museum
“A local musician is the only Hoosier recipient of a national grant that champions cultural equity and formal innovation in the performing arts.
Saxophonist Jared Thompson received a $30,000 MAP Fund grant to present a project that serves marginalized or underserved communities…”
Cultural Manifesto by Kyle Long:
Premium Blend - Virtue
“For nearly two decades, Thompson has led the Indianapolis-based jazz band Premium Blend. We’ll listen to tracks off the group’s new album "Virtue", and Thompson will share some of the social and musical influences that shaped the record.
Thompson is known for speaking out on a variety of social issues, and his willingness to engage in political dialogue is reflected in the music of Premium Blend. “Virtue” builds on this legacy, while adding new textures and dynamics to the classic Premium Blend sound.”
