We are back with a lineup of international stars, modern masters and Indy-based creators. The Fest will once again culminate with its grand finale event in downtown Indianapolis at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park.

Gates open at 3 p.m. | Tickets start at $55

CHAKA KHAN

9:15p

A cultural icon, Chaka's distinctive voice and style have influenced generations all over the world. The 10-time GRAMMY Award-winning superstar has defined pop, soul, jazz, and funk music. For Chaka, her empowering anthem “I’m Every Woman” is more than just a song; it’s a way of life.

MARCUS MILLER

7:30p

With his distinctive style - a unique combination of funk, groove, soul and pure technical skills - Miller has been referred to as one of the most significant bass players in jazz, R&B, fusion and soul. Bass Player Magazine includes him on its list of ten most influential jazz players of this generation.

MICHAEL FRANKS

5:45p

Considered a leader of the quiet storm movement, Franks is known for his string of hits including “Popsicle Toes, "Antonio's Song.” “The Lady Wants to Know” and many others.

STEVE ALLEE
& THE MAGIC HOUR BAND

4p

Indy’s legendary piano force reconvenes his chart-topping contemporary band for this special occasion featuring jazz superstars

Rob Dixon - sax
Marlin McKay - trumpet
Richard “Sleepy” Floyd - drums
Jon Wood - bass
Shawn McGowan - keys

MONONEON

The Jazz Kitchen

5377 N College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Friday, September 27 - 7 & 10p  | $35-65

A creative risk-taker, MonoNeon, Dywane Thomas Jr., or however you refer to him as - is an individual who is necessary because the game needs someone as intriguing, mysterious, and colorful as him.

As an artist who has ridiculous chops, an endless supply of creativity, an honor and relatable philosophy that is as enriching as it is educational, MonoNeon is one of the most easily recognizable bassist playing today.

JJ AT 100

INDIANAPOLIS JAZZ COLLECTIVE FEATURING STEVE TURRE

The Jazz Kitchen

5377 N College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Wednesday, September 25 | 6:30 & 9p | $25 to $50

Celebrating the legacy of Indianapolis native, trombone and composing legend JJ Johnson, the Indianapolis Jazz Collective. Curated by saxophonist and Indy Jazz Fest Artistic Director Rob Dixon and a cast of Indianapolis based all-stars.

Steve Turre - trombone
Pharez Whitted - trumpet
Rob Dixon - sax
Steve Allee - piano
Nick Tucker - bass
Kenny Phelps - drums

Made possible by Mark Sheldon & Lin Frauenhoff

MARQUIS HILL

The Jazz Kitchen

5377 N College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Sunday, September 22 - 5 & 7:30p  | $20-40

One of Chicago’s most thrilling young trumpeters, and internationally renowned musician, composer and bandleader, Marquis Hill works tirelessly blurring musical genres. Contemporary and classic jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Chicago house, neo-soul—to Hill, they’re all essential elements of the profound African-American creative heritage.

NAPTOWN SOUND

The Jazz Kitchen

5377 N College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Saturday, September 21 - 7:30p  | $50

Line up subject to change

INDIANA ALL-STATE JAZZ COMBO

FREDDIE HUBBARD TRIBUTE

Indianapolis Jazz Collective
Rob Dixon, Pharez Whitted, Derrick Gardner, Steve Allee, Kenny Phelps, Nick Tucker

VOCALEASE

Wendy Reed, Sandy Lomax, Rebecca Rafla, Emma Hedrick

BASHIRI ASAD

everyday soul singer

THE BLUE SIDE

Tad Robinson, Gordon Bonham, Goldie Ingram, Kevin Anker, Reggie Bishop, Kenny Phelps, Rob Dixon

PAVEL & DIRECT CONTACT

Leah Crane, Steve Dokken, Matt McGraw, Gerardo Becerra, Rich Cohen, Vick Luna, David Allee

SleepyNap AFROBEAT EXPERIENCE

Deep Rhythms and Grooves

MALCOLM-JAMAL WARNER with “MILES LONG”

PRESENTED BY THE CABARET

The CABARET

924 N Pennsylvania St Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Saturday, September 21 - 5 & 8p  | $35 to $75

An evening with Emmy nominated actor and GRAMMY Award-winning poet and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner. An accomplished bassist and poet, this show will unite his many talents and musical styles.

LAKECIA BENJAMIN

The Jazz Kitchen

5377 N College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Friday, September 20 - 7 & 9p | $35 to 65

Lakecia Benjamin is a 3x GRAMMY nominated New York-based saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator. Her music offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk. Her warm, resonant tone — that has been compared to Johnny Griffin’s — lends itself to any form of music she chooses to play. She recently released her first live studio album Phoenix Reimagined.

Made possible by Lin Frauenhoff and Mark Sheldon

AYMÉE NUVIOLA

PRESENTED BY THE CABARET

The CABARET

924 N Pennsylvania St Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46204


Thursday, September 19 - 7:30p | $35 to $75

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, enjoy an electric evening with multi-GRAMMY Winner and Latin GRAMMY Award winning singer, musician, songwriter and actress Aymée Nuviola. Known as “La Sonera del Mundo,” native Cuban Nuviola embodies an electric blend of musical genres, with a sound highly influenced by the Jazz, Bossa Nova, Cuban Son, Bolero, Fílin, Classical, and American genres.

BRIA SKONBERG

The Jazz Kitchen

5377 N College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Wednesday, September 18 - 6:30 & 9p | $25 to $45

Bria Skonberg is a Juno-award winning artist, 10x Downbeat Rising Star, and a recipient of the Legend Award by the Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook. The trumpeter, vocalist, and composer unveils her newest project “What It Means” returning to what inspired her in the first place: the sounds of New Orleans jazz.

* Midwest Expo showcase

KANDACE SPRINGS

The Jazz Kitchen

5377 N College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Tuesday, September 17 - 6:30 & 9p | $30-60

Jazz/soul diva Kandace Springs has been described as having “A voice that could melt snow” by Prince. The Blue Note recording artist’s newest release is “Run Your Race.”

* Midwest Expo showcase

Experience the best in Indy this summer outside at the Indianapolis Art Center Terrace

JAZZ AT THE CENTER • STEVE ALLEE CONTEMPORARY BAND
featuring Steve Allee, Rob Dixon, John Raymond, Jon Wood, Richard “Sleepy” Floyd

Join us at the Indianapolis Art Center for the first of three shows in our 4th annual summer concert series Jazz at the Center! On Thursday, August 15 at 7:00PM

BEER / WINE / SODA CASH BAR BY THE INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER
FRESH TACOS AND CRAB CAKE SLIDERS BY THE JAZZ KITCHEN

Tickets are $25ea OR until June 20 there is a full series package (entrance to all three shows) for $20ea (all three shows for $60). Children 12 and under are free with paid adult.

In the event of inclement weather on the day of the show, we will alert you of the cancellation. The "rain date" for this show is Wednesday, August 21.

Experience the best in Indy this summer outside at the Indianapolis Art Center Terrace

JAZZ AT THE CENTER THE BLUE SIDE W/ TAD ROBINSON, GORDON BONHAM & SADIE JOHNSON
plus Kevin Anker, Rob Dixon, Reggie Bishop & Kenny Phelps

Join us at the Indianapolis Art Center for the first of three shows in our 4th annual summer concert series Jazz at the Center! On Thursday, July 18 at 7:00PM

BEER / WINE / SODA CASH BAR BY THE INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER
FRESH TACOS AND CRAB CAKE SLIDERS BY THE JAZZ KITCHEN

Tickets are $25ea OR until June 20 there is a full series package (entrance to all three shows) for $20ea (all three shows for $60). Children 12 and under are free with paid adult.

In the event of inclement weather on the day of the show, we will alert you of the cancellation. The "rain date" for this show is Wednesday, June 24.

Experience the best in Indy this summer outside at the Indianapolis Art Center Terrace

JAZZ AT THE CENTER "FROM THE 317" FEATURING ROB DIXON, SARAH SCHARBROUGH & RUSTY REDENBACHER

Join us at the Indianapolis Art Center for the first of three shows in our 4th annual summer concert series Jazz at the Center! On Thursday, June 20 at 7:00PM

BEER / WINE / SODA CASH BAR BY THE INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER
FRESH TACOS AND CRAB CAKE SLIDERS BY THE JAZZ KITCHEN

Tickets are $25ea OR until June 20 there is a full series package (entrance to all three shows) for $20ea (all three shows for $60). Children 12 and under are free with paid adult.

In the event of inclement weather on the day of the show, we will alert you of the cancellation. The "rain date" for this show is Wednesday, June 26.

Kick off your summer fun at the 52nd OneAmerica Financial Broad Ripple Art Fair on May 18 + 19 at the Indy Art Center.

Support the arts and shop from 150+ local, regional, and national artists. The OneAmerica Financial Broad Ripple Art Fair is a nationally ranked, highly selective, juried art fair that benefits the Indy Art Center as its largest annual fundraiser.

Patrons can enjoy incredible one-of-a-kind art, live music curated by Indy Jazz Fest, fantastic food, Bier Brewery products, artist demonstrations, and interactive art activities for people of all ages! Celebrate the richness of the Indianapolis arts community with us!

Get your tickets today!

Sunday, May 19

• 11:00-11:45 am - School of Rock

• Noon-1:00 pm - The Gene Markiewicz Band

• 1:15-2:15 pm - Pavel and Direct Contact

• 2:30-3:30 pm - Native Sun

• 3:45-4:45 pm - Bashiri Asad

Kick off your summer fun at the 52nd OneAmerica Financial Broad Ripple Art Fair on May 18 + 19 at the Indy Art Center.

Support the arts and shop from 150+ local, regional, and national artists. The OneAmerica Financial Broad Ripple Art Fair is a nationally ranked, highly selective, juried art fair that benefits the Indy Art Center as its largest annual fundraiser.

Patrons can enjoy incredible one-of-a-kind art, live music curated by Indy Jazz Fest, fantastic food, Bier Brewery products, artist demonstrations, and interactive art activities for people of all ages! Celebrate the richness of the Indianapolis arts community with us!

Get your tickets today!

Saturday, May 18

• 11:00-11:45 am - School of Rock

• Noon-1:00 pm - Katherine Nagy and Friends

• 1:15-2:15 pm - Groovesmash

• 2:30-3:30 pm - Hurricane and the Gang

• 3:45-4:45 pm - From the 317

Preview Party + VIP Weekend Experience: All Access, All Weekend!

Preview Party: Friday, May 17 from 6-8 pm

Get an early look at a select number of artists while enjoying food from The Jazz Kitchen and live music curated by Indy Jazz Fest.

VIP Weekend Experience Includes:

Preview Party Ticket + Art Fair Ticket + VIP Deck Pass with complimentary food, Bier Brewery beer, and wine brought to you by RNDC.

$150 per Preview Party + VIP Weekend Experience

Pavel Nuñez is a singer-songwriter from the Dominican Republic with influences in Rock en Español, Latin Pop, and Dominican traditional music. He is best known for his international hit single "Te Di', and other favorites like "Betania" and "Paso a Paso."

Pavel Nuñez has been nominated for:
Latin Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Tropical Album in 2022
Latin Grammy Award for Best Tropical Song in 2020
Latin Grammy Award for Best Singer-Songwriter Album in 2010
Latin Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album in 2019

His show "Big Band' won an Emmy Award in 2013, and he also won The Dominican Republic higher honor award, Premios Cassandra/Soberano, 11 times. In 2023, he has been nominated 8 times for the Premios Soberano.

Countless number-one hits on Latin radio and collaborations with major Latin artists make Pavel Nunez's show a must-watch. 

Pavel Nunez will be accompanied by his colleague, Pavel Polanco-Safadit on piano, Rob Dixon on Saxophone, Steve Dokken on bass, and Matt McGraw on drums.  

Join Rob Dixon and the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation for an evening of music. At this listening party, we will be celebrating the CD release of From the 317’s new album, Deluxe.

Location:
Indianapolis Art Center
820 E 67th St
Indianapolis, IN 46220

From the 317, Deluxe

Producer: Rob Dixon. Producer: Richard “Sleepy” Floyd. Executive Producer: Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. Design: John Funk (Underscorefunk Design). Deluxe is a part of From the 317 record series made possible by a grant from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation.

Track List:

• Fresh Air

• Get To You

• Limelight

• Skywalker OG

• Throwback

• Let’s Take Our Time

• Can You Feel It

• Time Missing You

• Seven Four

• Four One

• 100

• Greatness

Freddie Hubbard Tribute

The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation presents The Indianapolis Jazz Collective featuring Musical Director Rob Dixon on sax, Steve Allee on piano, Kenny Phelps on drums, and Nick Tucker on bass, with a swinging tribute to Indy's own Freddie Hubbard on his 86th birthday including roaring trumpeters Pharez Whitted, Derrick Gardner and John Raymond. Voted Chicago’s Jazz Musician of the Year, Pharez Whitted has toured with Brandford Marsalis, Nancy Wilson, Slide Hampton and more. Detroit based musician Derrick Gardner’s reputation proceeds him after playing with Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson and Harry Connick Jr. Professor of Jazz Studies at the prestigious Jacobs School of Music, John Raymond has performed and recorded with a diverse array of artists including Billy Hart and pop sensation Sara Bareilles.

Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard stands as one of the boldest and most inventive artists of the bop, hard-bop and post-bop eras. Although influenced by titans like Miles Davis and Clifford Brown, Hubbard ultimately forged his own unique sound – a careful balance of bravado and subtlety that fueled more than fifty solo recordings and countless collaborations with some of the most prominent jazz artists of his era. Down Beat called him “the most powerful and prolific trumpeter in jazz.” Embedded in his massive body of recorded work is a legacy that will continue to influence trumpeters and other jazz artists for generations to come.

Come celebrate The Jazz Kitchen's 30th anniversary with none other than The Steve Allee Big Band!

The Steve Allee Big Band represents the finest in big band jazz in Indianapolis. Great swinging' originals and inventive composing are the hallmarks of this time-tested big band that has been at work since the 70s and the band that started it all for The Jazz Kitchen on day one.

Pianist, composer, and arranger Steve Allee is a veteran of more than 35 years on the music scene, working principally in jazz, writing and performing for syndicated radio programs, network television, and motion pictures, and as a music educator.

All of his career facets have blended into a distinct musical style that has a very strong visual, almost cinematic flavor because of his skill in capturing or reinforcing important moods or visual elements that inspire his projects.

Steve has released ten+ CDs as a leader, the two most recent being his trio recordings, Dragonfly (June 2008) and Colors (April 2007) are artful collaborations with bassist Bill Moring and drummer Tim Horner. Saxophonists Rich Perry and Rob Dixon appear on select tracks. In his liner notes for Dragonfly, jazz journalist Ken Franckling noted that “From start to finish, Dragonfly makes it clear that this is a band in which each of the players finds their interaction to be exhilarating…. this trio is all about making the most of the journey – as the best jazz should.”

A native son and longtime resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, Steve was fortunate to grow up in the hometown of many jazz greats, including brothers Wes, Buddy, and Monk Montgomery, Slide Hampton, J.J. Johnson, David Baker, Freddie Hubbard, and Melvin Rhyne, among others.

His playing style has a touch, sparkling clarity, and improvisational variations reminiscent of the late Bill Evans, as well as a very strong blues influence that Steve credits to his exposure to Buddy Montgomery and Horace Silver.

For 28 years, the Art & Soul festival has honored Black culture and creativity in Indianapolis. This year’s finale celebration will feature a Naptown Tribute, highlighting the iconic music of Indiana Avenue from past to present.

Enjoy performances by the Art & Soul 2024 featured artists alongside local legends.

Arsenal Technical High School will groove with cool jazz on Feb. 9 when it hosts the third annual Freddie Hubbard Memorial Jazz Fest, a non-competitive festival paying homage to the legendary musical icon. 

Bands from high schools throughout Indiana and several nationally renowned jazz musicians will perform in the Hanson H. Anderson Auditorium at Arsenal Tech. Hubbard, who died in 2008, began his legendary career by playing the trumpet in the school’s band.

“Musicians from throughout the Midwest will be on our campus to celebrate the heritage of jazz in Indianapolis,” said Josh Goodman, band director at Arsenal Tech. “We are inviting the community to enjoy the soulful melodies and vibrant atmosphere, which will take you on a musical journey,”

The festival will include performances by students from Arsenal Tech, Crispus Attucks, George Washington, and Herron high schools, and the IPS All City Jazz Band from 3:30 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. Butler University Jazz then will give an exhibition performance.

Jazz Fest also will honor guitarist and Indianapolis native Wes Montgomery’s 100th birthday with performances by saxophonist Rob Dixon and the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. 

Outstanding soloists throughout the day will receive prizes from local businesses, and those awards will be announced by State Senator Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis).

“Aside from being a great way to kick off Black History Month for IPS, the festival helps the district’s bands raise money for trips to the University of Louisville Jazz Fest, and to offset the expenses related to pep and marching bands,’ Goodman said. “Most importantly, it’s a great opportunity for the students to hear their peers perform and work with professional musicians.”

Students participating in the event also will be eligible for scholarships to attend area jazz camps.

Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 on the day of the show. Concessions will also be available.

Since 1996, Art & Soul has helped advance the careers of Black artists in Indianapolis. Each year, the festival kicks off Black History Month and features public events that celebrate Black visual art, music, dance, and literature. Art & Soul, presented by Indy Arts Council, is supported annually by Lilly Endowment Inc.

Featured artists this year for The Jazz Kitchen performance are:

Music Artist - Dexter Clardy of Shvdy Rollins

Visual Artist - Boxx The Artist

Spoken Word Artist - jus Will

TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
801 W Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana
Take IndyGo Route 8

Presented by: Citizens Energy Group

BONEY JAMES
Contemporary, Smooth Jazz Saxophone Superstar

SHEILA E & E-TRAIN
The Queen of Percussion Latin GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

STANLEY CLARKE N•4EVER
NEA Jazz Master, 4xX GRAMMY Award Winner, Jazz Fusion Bass Legend

INDY JAZZ LEGACY BAND
Looking Back / Looking Forward

Notable Indy Jazz Scene All-Stars
Indianapolis Jazz Collective Meets From the 317

20-time GRAMMY Award-winning composer and guitarist performs on stage with multiple guitars composing in the moment.

Clowes Memorial Hall | 8p

Details Coming Soon!